Building healthier outcomes for youth through data-driven care models, trusted partnership, and inclusive, nature-based programming
FISHERVILLE, KY and KANSAS CITY, MO | May 16, 2025 — The Alliance for Camp Health (ACH) and Camp Fire National Headquarters are proud to announce an expanded strategic partnership to improve youth health and well-being through evidence-based programming in summer camps and out-of-school time (OST) environments.
This collaboration arrives at a time when young people need more than opportunities to demonstrate resilience—they need intentionally reimagined environments of belonging, joy, and connection. Together, ACH and Camp Fire are proving that when systems of care meet ecosystems of learning, meaningful, measurable transformation is possible.
In 2023–2024, the partnership piloted innovative practices across several Camp Fire locations: from applying the MESH (+) Framework, embedding the “My View Digital Empathy Tool” that elevates youth voice, to integrating CampWell training and curriculum for staff. In 2025, the collaboration will deepen this work through customized consultation, medical guidance, and implementation support grounded in science and designed for expanded impact.
At the core of this partnership is a shared belief: that positive youth development begins with the environments we build—and that those environments shape not only how young people grow, but explore who they believe they are capable of becoming. Camp Fire’s long standing approach is rooted in the power of connection—connecting young people to the outdoors, to others, and to themselves.
“Helping young people thrive means investing in the adults and systems around them,” said Shawna Rosenzweig, CEO of Camp Fire.“This partnership strengthens our capacity to meet the needs of youth and their families with research-backed strategies, intentional design, and joyful, inclusive experiences. All young people deserve to feel safe and affirmed for who they are.”
Research in neuroscience, developmental psychology, and environmental health supports what Camp Fire and ACH have long practiced: that connection to nature, positive relationships, and emotional safety are cornerstones of long-term well-being. These aren’t aspirational ideas—they’re actionable, achievable outcomes—and this partnership is delivering.
“Camp Fire has been a remarkable leader in ensuring that young people from all lived experiences feel seen, supported, and safe,” said Dr. Tracey Gaslin, CEO of the Alliance for Camp Health. “Together, we’re not only advancing standards of health in youth programs—we’re building a future where young people thrive through connection, care, and community.”
This partnership reflects what’s possible when health systems and youth development leaders align—not just better programming, but a better path forward, where every young person is supported in becoming their fullest, healthiest self. Our work together celebrates so much more than excellence in camp programming, this work lifts our collective standard—not to what stands between us, but toward what stands before us.
Focusing on our collective future means questioning what no longer serves youth—and building bold, inclusive spaces that do. We believe this collaboration will continue to highlight our shared impact as evidence of what it takes to build belonging, spark change, and shape a healthier future for all youth.
About Alliance for Camp Health
The Alliance for Camp Health (ACH) is the leading authority on health and well-being in camps and out-of-school time (OST) youth programs. A nationally recognized thought leader, ACH advances the field through expert-led education grounded in research-backed, science-informed practices and collaborative community-building. We believe a safe, healthy camp experience is intentionally designed to promote well-being—where adults and youth thrive through connection, growth, and experiential learning.
ACH supports the professionals who care for communities—camp leaders, healthcare providers, behavioral health specialists, educators, and youth development experts—through evidence-based training, collaborative partnerships, and community-informed advocacy. Our strength comes from the shared expertise of our network and a deep commitment to truth: we honor the lived experiences of our community and center insights grounded in credible science and research.
In a learning ecosystem of complexity, ACH serves as a stabilizing force—trusted, compassionate, and credible. We confront challenges with curiosity and care, focusing on solutions that elevate the collective. By reinforcing safety, empowering leadership, and prioritizing culturally responsive practices, ACH builds resilient systems of care that help youth—and the adults who support them—thrive.
Together, we are elevating care for healthier communities building a stronger future for youth.
For more information please contact:
Erin K Risner, Vice President, Communications & Culture, Camp Fire National Headquarters, 913.289.4773, erin.risner@campfire.org
