Brenda McBride, MD

Tackling Mental Health Challenges Among Staff

This session will focus on equipping camp directors and owners with the knowledge and tools address mental wellness. You will learn to recognize early warning signs of mental health struggles among staff and campers. We will discuss why it is essential for camp leadership to be proactive in identifying and de-escalating potential mental health concerns. With anxiety, depression, and burnout becoming more prevalent, the ability to act early and offer support is crucial. The discussion will explore how proper training can empower leaders to foster a healthy, supportive camp culture and ensure that staff are mentally equipped to handle the emotional demands of camp life. We will also look at the detrimental effects that a mental health crisis occurring at camp can have and look at examples of how proper training can have a summer altering impact.

About Brenda

Chief Medical Officer, Director of Nutrition @ Onrise, Founder and Executive Director, Mental Health Training Institute

Dr. Brenda McBride is a dedicated physician with over 20 years of experience championing mental health and nutrition. With a career spanning pediatric oncology to pioneering mental health support for athletes, she combines compassion, innovation, and expertise to promote resilience and holistic wellness. She is passionate about creating impactful solutions and has co-founded 2 companies that provide mental health training, services and consulting. Dr. McBride is a graduate of Temple University and completed her medical school at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. She is board certified in pediatrics and nutrition, and has numerous certificates in integrative medicine, mental health and concussion care.