Palm Beach County Youth Services Hosted Third Annual Mental Health Family Day Camp - The Boca Raton Tribune
Boca Raton, FL — May 16, 2026 — 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.
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