At Sherwood Forest, we’ve always believed camp is about so much more than cabins, campfires, and canoeing. It’s a place where young people discover the best in themselves, build meaningful relationships, gain confidence, and develop the skills they need to thrive long after they leave camp.
That’s why we’re so excited to share that Sherwood Forest has earned the MESH(+) Seal from the Alliance for Camp Health.
The MESH(+) Seal recognizes camps that intentionally create environments where young people can truly flourish. Rather than focusing only on traditional camp programming, the MESH(+) framework weaves mental, emotional, and social health into every part of the camp experience while also recognizing the important role that mind, nature, and spirituality play in overall well-being.
To earn this recognition, Sherwood Forest completed a rigorous process that evaluated four key areas of our organization including, programming, staff training, screening and intake practices, and medication and care measures. It’s a comprehensive approach that helps ensure every camper experiences a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment where they can grow.
This achievement wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication of two incredible members of our team. Camp Director Aliyah Walls and Quest Youth and Family Support Coordinator Emmanuel Oke put in countless hours of training, documentation, planning, and implementation throughout the certification process. We’re incredibly grateful for everything they did to make this possible. Their leadership and commitment have helped strengthen Sherwood Forest in ways that will positively impact campers, families, and staff for years to come.
In many ways, this recognition simply puts a name to something we’ve believed in for a long time. We know that when young people feel connected, valued, and supported, they’re more willing to take healthy risks, build resilience, form lasting friendships, and discover strengths they may not have known they had.
Receiving the MESH(+) Seal also reflects our commitment to creating an environment that supports all children, including those with mental, emotional, behavioral, or developmental challenges. Our staff has completed specialized training and implemented evidence-based practices that strengthen the care we provide while continuing to foster a camp culture built on belonging, connection, and growth.
Since 1937, Sherwood Forest has been connecting with, educating, and inspiring the youth of St. Louis. Every day, we work to create a place where young people feel safe to be themselves, build confidence, make lifelong friends, and discover the best in themselves so they can grow up to do good in the world.
We’re incredibly proud of Aliyah and Emmanuel for leading this effort, and grateful to every staff member who helps make Sherwood Forest a place where children don’t just have fun but where they belong, they grow, and they leave knowing they’re capable of amazing things.