Camp Greentree offers Montgomery Co. students mental health support alongside summer fun

August 1, 2026 - 19:17

This summer in Montgomery County, Maryland, Camp Greentree is doing more than just keeping kids busy with games and outdoor activities. Alongside the usual camp fun, the program has quietly added a layer of mental health support that organizers say may be the most important part of the experience.

Campers at Greentree still get the classic summer staples: swimming, arts and crafts, team sports, and field trips. But now, trained counselors and mental health professionals are on site every day, ready to check in with kids who might be struggling with anxiety, social pressures, or the lingering effects of the past few years. The idea is simple: a child who feels emotionally safe is more likely to enjoy the camp and build lasting friendships.

Staff members have been trained to spot signs of distress that might go unnoticed in a busy group setting. They use informal check-ins during lunch or downtime, and they create small group sessions where kids can talk about feelings without fear of judgment. For parents, this means peace of mind. They know their children are not just being supervised, but genuinely cared for on a deeper level.

Camp director Laura Simmons said the response from families has been overwhelmingly positive. Some parents have even noted that their kids look forward to the quiet conversations as much as the water balloon fights. The program does not replace professional therapy, but it offers a bridge for kids who may not have asked for help on their own.

As summer winds down, the hope is that the skills learned at Camp Greentree, like naming emotions and asking for support, will stick with campers long after they trade their swimsuits for backpacks.