Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore and Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide announce “Summer Camp Takeover” presented by Lead U at Camp Sacajawea​

For one week, from August 21st through August 25th, campers will enjoy programming designed to provide resilience, leadership, and mental health support.

GSJS has made mental health a pillar of the Girl Scout experience since the beginning of the COVID 19 pandemic. Through experiential-based curriculum, supplemented with traditional camp activities, GSJS and SPTS will deliver safe and informed messaging aimed at decreasing the rate of youth reaching the point of crisis through a prevention focused approach. The grant and collaboration will also provide resources and training for GSJS staff and volunteers, that helps them better understand Warning Signs and model the Trusted Adult role. SPTS Behavioral Heath Toolkits will be offered to parents and guardians of the campers.

Founded by former educators JD Wilson and Kelly Coulson, Lead U customized empowerment experiences for learners of all ages. The Lead U Crew is a team of passionate teaching artists who deliver high energy, impactful programs. Lead U was acquired by the Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide (SPTS) in September 2021 strengthening their program messaging and mission at large. Their current programs include school assemblies, leadership workshops, orientations, camp takeovers, and professional development sessions for school staff, non-profit or for-profit entities. Interested in Lead U? Connect and Collaborate Today! www.leaduthere.com/contact.

Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide is dedicated to increasing awareness, saving lives, and reducing the stigma of suicide through specialized mental health training programs and resources that empower students, parents, schools, and communities with the skills needed to help youth build lives of resiliency.

“For more than 50 years, Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore camp has helped shape thousands of girls, giving them life skills and lasting memories of friendships. At camp, kids unplug from cell phones and digital devices and connect to outdoor experiences and to one another. Hosting this programming at camp offers a unique opportunity to deliver vital messaging in a fun and supportive environment,” Heather Coburn, CEO Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore.

“Together we can foster resiliency, increase positive coping skills, and improve stress management techniques among our Girl Scouts,” Dawn Doherty, Executive Director, SPTS.

“The Lead U family is grateful for the opportunity to bring our mission of youth empowerment to GSJS campers, and we are excited to spend the week with our amazing friends at GSJS!” JD Wilson, Lead U.

To register your camper for “Summer Camp Takeover” from August 21st through August 25th, visit www.gsfun.org/camp or call (800) 785-2090.

Newsweek and Plant-A Insights Group has recognized Camp Sacajawea one of America’s Best Summer Camps 2023! The ranking identified the 500 best summer camps in the country and evaluation and scoring were based on comprehensive surveys of 15,000 caregivers, over 670,000 social media reviews, and research. With over 12,000 summer camps across the United States, GSJS is proud to be one out of 500 nationally and one out of 24 Girl Scout camps to achieve this distinction!