mesh (+) is a conceptual theory building upon the mental, emotional, social health framework, with practical implications for creating a safe environment for individuals and communities. It offers a palette of care to integrate the mind, nature, and spirituality with individual character development and communal engagement. The intersection of play and presence, gratitude and hope, offers a creative approach to awaken and challenge growth with self and others. The destination for mesh + care is a holistic understanding of our collective experiences and the opportunities for development in an intentionally cultivated setting.
CampWell | Origin Care | Resource Guide | Pocket Guide | Protocols and Guidelines | Digital Empathy/Tickit Health
ACH Upcoming Events
Interconnected Ecosystems 3 Event Series
Strengthening Roots Fall Conference | Expanding Horizons ACH Symposium | Cultivating Synchrony Spring Summit
CampWell is a six-hour skills-based, in-person, multi-tiered, training course that guides participants to identify, understand, cultivate, and create a community of well-being. Created in collaboration with the American Camp Association and supported by the H.E. Butt Foundation the CampWell training program aims to help all be well at camp and seeks to create consistent care across the spectrum of all summer learning spaces. As an immersive learning program CampWell is uniquely designed to help leaders shape programs that incorporate the tools, self-awareness, and understanding needed to enhance the experience and safety for all.
OriginCare is an online repository made up of three modules guiding us back to the heart of care for out-of-school time experiences. At a time when the future of our work can seem uncertain, OriginCare mixes content from the roots of youth development with innovative mesh + approaches for psychosocial development, creative interaction, and healing-centered program design. Each module features three separate self-paced courses that provide a common language, practical tools, and interactive resources for staff implementation and holistic care.
Resource Guide
Download a FREE chapter of the MESH Resource Guide (Community Agreements)
Pocket Guide
A 3.5″ x 5.5″ lightweight, waterproof pocket guide with MESH guidance for staff and counselors. (April 2022)
Protocols and Guidelines
Mental, Emotional and Social Health Practice Guidelines and Protocols. A companion to the Medical Protocols Template. (March 2023)
Purchase the MESH Resource Guide, Pocket Guide and more
Additional MESH Resources
ACA’s (American Camp Association) Assessment of a Camper’s Behavior of Concern” tool
https://acacamps.org/resource-library/research/healthy-camp-toolbox
From the Search Institute Fostering Connections Promotes Positive Youth Development
Suicide Prevention Guide for Youth and Young Adults
How to promote children’s resilience to the COVID-19 pandemic (Child Trends)
This rich resource is full of the latest resources for mental, emotional and social health relating to camp
- Prepare your camp to support camper and staff MESH using the Pre-Camp MESH Checklist
- Communicate to potential staff the Essential MESH functions of a camp staff member
- Download the MESH assessment tool (directions included with the download) Assessment of a Camper’s Behavior of Concern
- Find a Mental Health First Aid course for yourself but also consider hosting a course for your staff and/or ACA local office
- Mental Health First Aid
- Youth Mental Health First Aid & CampWell (Level 2 Comparison)
- Find a Mental Health First Aid Instructor (pdf document)
- Check out the Mental Health Toolkit for additional MESH resources.
- After Camp Care for Caregivers
The Center for Disease Control Child Abuse Information
Walking Through a Panic Attack ( Gaslin March 2024)
Treating What You Can’t: Meeting Mental, Emotional an Social Health Issues (MESH) Needs At Camp (Gaslin, InSite, June/July 2015)
The Spirit of Camp Care (Gaslin, CompassPoint, March 2017)
Addressing MESH Needs of Children Through Camp (Wilcox, January 2014)
