At Sedro-Woolley High School, a student-led group is working to create a safer and healthier environment for their peers. Cubs Advocating for Mental Health & Prevention (CAMP) focuses on building relationships, fostering community connections, and encouraging healthy decision-making. The club’s primary mission is to prevent youth substance use and promote positive mental health.
For many students, CAMP is more than just a club—it’s a support system.
“I got involved because my girlfriend was in it, and being a part of CAMP is like being part of a family,” said Ross Dalrymple, a CAMP member. “I think CAMP has stopped more people from using drugs than anything else I’ve seen. A big part of that is LeAnn [Greer, the club advisor]—people enjoy it so much because of her.”
Celeste Lewis, another CAMP member, was drawn to the club after participating in a similar program in middle school.
“I was in Sources of Strength, and when LeAnn told us about CAMP, I was really intrigued,” Lewis said. “I love being part of things like this.”
For Isaac Oporto, CAMP has provided a place to get involved and help shape a positive school culture.
“I first came to a meeting with a friend, and after learning what CAMP was about, I realized I wanted to do more for my school,” Oporto said. “I’ve been here since the beginning—helping create the club’s new name, meeting new people, and getting more involved.”
The group meets after school on Tuesdays in Room 119 and during Cub Time on Thursdays in the CAMP office, located in the library. Meetings include discussions, activities, and opportunities for students to support one another. One weekly tradition is “Trivia Thursday,” where students answer questions for candy prizes. CAMP is also working on a Valentine’s Day activity to promote kindness and connection among students.
Lewis believes that CAMP plays a key role in addressing issues that have often been ignored.
“Things are starting to change now, but not long ago, no one was really paying attention to mental health,” she said. “Substance use wasn’t as bad as it is now. A lot of parents or grandparents don’t think mental health is important because it wasn’t talked about when they were younger.”
For students facing those challenges, CAMP provides a place to talk, connect, and take action. The group has worked on a variety of initiatives, including a safe driving campaign and Kindness Month.
“I feel like CAMP makes a difference by actually saying something, rather than just knowing there’s a problem and not taking action,” Lewis said.
For students who want to support a friend’s mental health but don’t know how, Lewis offers simple advice: “Make sure they know you’re always going to be there for them,” she said. “If they ever need to talk, be there to listen.”
Anyone can join CAMP just by showing up to a meeting. New members can expect discussions about upcoming projects and an open space for creative ideas.
“CAMP has taught me that you can make friends with anyone, even if you have nothing in common,” Dalrymple said. “And a little bonus thing—it’s shown me that scare tactics don’t work.”
Lewis sums up the club’s impact simply:
“We show people that these things do matter, and they’re never really alone.”