During the summer of 2008, the Department of Behavioral Health implemented a training pilot for summer camp programs supervised by the city's Department of Recreation. Summer camp staff and managers were trained on techniques to manage child and adolescent behaviors and how to refer parents when their child may need more comprehensive behavior health services.

Based on the feedback to the pilot, this training is being expanding and offered to public and private Summer Camp Programs in and around Philadelphia for the summer of 2009.  DBH hopes to continue providing this training on a ongoing basis and possibly expand the training to include public charter schools within the city.

Training program goals:

• Train staff to become more aware and sensitive to children with emotional or behavioral problems
• Help children have a positive and enjoyable camp experience
• Provide guidance and direction to parents