Palm Beach County Youth Services Hosted Third Annual Mental Health Family Day Camp at Okeeheelee Nature Center

The Palm Beach County Youth Services Department successfully hosted its Third Annual Youth & Family Counseling Mental Health Family Day Camp on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Okeeheelee Nature Center, bringing together families for a day focused on mental wellness, connection, and community support.

This year's event was the department's largest yet, welcoming 92 participants, including 37 parents and 55 children. Families participated in interactive workshops, outdoor activities, and discussions designed to promote emotional wellness, strengthen family connections, and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health.

Held in a natural outdoor setting, the event highlighted the positive impact nature and community connection can have on mental well-being. The camp also supported this year's Mental Health Awareness and Trauma-Informed Care Month and Get Your Green On campaign theme, "Rooted in Resiliency." Angela Dwyer, LCSW, leads various activities throughout the day. "It's heartwarming to see the families work together on activities, to learn through play, and engage with nature."

Families learned about the availability of free, trauma-informed services provided by Palm Beach County Youth Services' Residential Treatment and Family Counseling Division, including outpatient counseling, individual and family therapy, parent education, school-based services, and residential treatment through Highridge Family Center (for youth ages 11-16).

Over the past three years, the Mental Health Family Day Camp has continued to grow in participation and impact, reflecting the community's increasing focus on youth and family mental health. The inaugural day camp was recognized as a 2025 Achievement Award Winner by the National Association of Counties.

A recap of the day's events was captured by PBC TV Channel 20: https://youtu.be/uEsDPiWfgV4

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Palm Beach County Youth Services Department's mission is to grow brighter futures by providing quality service, education, and access to resources and opportunities. All services provided by the Youth Services Department are FREE to Palm Beach County residents and further the mission by empowering youth and families to realize their full potential and be the driving force of a thriving community. The Youth Services Department is certified in The Sanctuary® Model of Trauma-Informed Care, which promotes an environment emphasizing the seven commitments of nonviolence, emotional intelligence, social learning, open communication, social responsibility, democracy, and growth and change. For more information about the free supports provided by the Youth Services Department, you may visit the website at: https://pbc.gov/youthservices