During the summer of 2023, nearly 2,000 Arizona Girl Scouts – kindergartners through 12th graders – attended seven summer camp sessions at four camp locations around the state. In addition to canoeing and rock climbing, the campers found a safe space for exploring a new activity: focusing on their mental well-being under the supervision of a Foundation grant-funded mental health specialist.

“Starting in about 2019, we noticed within our troops an uptick in reports of social issues, bullying, and anxiety,” states Alycia Elfstrom, senior director of advancement for Girl Scouts – Arizona Cactus-Pine Council. “The girls were increasingly lacking in emotional regulation. Then, the pandemic hit.”

After a year of virtual programming in 2020 and reduced capacity for in-person activities the next year, the girls headed back to summer camp in 2022. The camp staff and troop leaders were shocked by the incidence of behavioral issues including social isolation and reports of self-harm.

For the first time, a clinician was brought in to provide training and support for the staff and campers. With Foundation funding a full-time mental health specialist, Britnee Green, was brought in to provide an additional layer of care and support for both campers and staff.

By incorporating mental health education and support into their programming – even offering a mental health awareness patch – the Girl Scouts have leveled up to provide critical life skills and be an antidote to the mental health challenges the girls are facing.

Visit the Girl Scouts – Arizona Cactus-Pine website 