Register for the Supporting Youth with Chronic Health Conditions in OST webinar on January 29, 2026 from 2 to 3 p.m. EST to learn practical strategies for supporting youth with chronic health conditions in OST programs. Strengthen coordination, improve communication, and help every young person thrive!

Register Now!

As youth mental health needs continue to rise across the country, and as federal funding shifts in unpredictable ways, afterschool and summer programs are uniquely positioned to make a meaningful impact. In Texas, the Texas Partnership for Out of School Time (TXPOST) is leading an innovative, statewide effort to do just that. With a $2.5 million annual investment secured through a successful policy advocacy campaign, TXPOST launched OST CARES, a multi-pronged initiative to support mental health promotion in community-based OST programs and build stronger statewide intermediary infrastructure.

Featured in the Spring 2025 Changemakers issue of AfterSchool Today, this story by Jenna Courtney and Jenna McClure highlights how TXPOST is working alongside partners and providers to equip OST professionals with essential training, foster communities of practice, and increase access to funding and support. Together, they are creating coordinated, sustainable systems that empower programs and professionals while helping youth across Texas thrive. Read the full article to learn more about this bold, collaborative approach to unlocking state funding for OST and youth mental health.

Research shows that healthy, active kids learn better, perform better academically, and experience fewer behavioral challenges. Yet many young people still lack consistent access to nutritious food and physical activity. Out-of-School Time (OST) professionals and programs are essential partners in the effort to help children grow up healthy, offering critical opportunities to establish lifelong habits that promote overall well-being.

A recent issue brief from the Afterschool Alliance, a strategic partner of the National AfterSchool Association (NAA), highlights the urgent need to address poor nutrition and physical inactivity among youth. The brief outlines the individual and societal costs of these issues and emphasizes how high-quality OST programs are helping to close gaps in access. By offering healthy snacks or meals, promoting physical activity, and supporting youth holistically, these programs are empowering young people to make healthy choices and build essential life skills.

According to the brief, “afterschool programs, once focused primarily on providing a safe space for students when the school day ended, have since expanded to support the holistic well-being of children, including their healthy eating and physical activity.” A 2024 study cited in the brief found that more than 80% of OST programs now provide both food and physical activity opportunities for participants.

For programs seeking to strengthen their impact, the Healthy Eating and Physical Activity (HEPA) Standards for Out-of-School Time offer clear guidance. Developed by the Healthy Out-of-School Time (HOST) Coalition and adopted by NAA in 2011 (with updates in 2018), the HEPA Standards address food and beverage quality, physical activity, staff training, social and environmental supports, and family engagement. When implemented effectively, these standards help OST programs become powerful allies in reducing childhood obesity, hunger, and inactivity.

Furthering this commitment, NAA co-leads the Collaborative for Advancing Healthy Experiences in Out-of-School Time (CAHE-OST) with Education Development Center, Inc. (EDC), through funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CAHE-OST provides trainings, video resources, and practical tools designed to support both youth and staff in building healthy habits and making informed choices.

Together, these efforts reflect the OST field’s growing leadership in promoting physical, social, and emotional health and its vital role in shaping a healthier future for young people.

For many of us, excitement for a new school year is already here or right around the corner. But amidst the hustle and bustle, it's essential to remember that the back-to-school season and the beginning of fall Out-of-School Time (OST) programs can be overwhelming, particularly for kids and families dealing with mental health challenges. Thankfully, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) offers support with its comprehensive "Back to School" guide, ensuring that mental health remains a priority at the beginning of the school year and beyond.

1. Recognizing the Importance of Mental Health: NAMI's one-sheet guide opens our eyes to the significance of mental health awareness in educational settings, including out-of-school time (OST) programs.  Mental health issues often affect academic performance, attendance, behavior,  and well-being. Recognizing this connection is the first step toward fostering a supportive environment that enables kids to thrive academically and emotionally.

2. Identifying Warning Signs: Families, school day, and OST personnel should notice warning signs. NAMI's guide enlightens us on red flags to watch for, such as sudden changes in behavior, persistent feelings of sadness or anxiety, social withdrawal, or declining academic performance. Although it is not within OST educators’ purview to diagnose mental health issues, they can be essential in identifying early signs that can lead to timely interventions and prevent potential crises.

3. Nurturing a Supportive Environment: Creating a compassionate and understanding environment is paramount. The guide offers valuable tips for adults fostering a safe space for kids to share their mental health concerns. Promoting open communication, breaking down stigma, and encouraging empathy can go a long way in making young people feel heard and supported.

4. Involving Schools, Families, and Caregivers: The partnership between schools, OST programs, and families is invaluable. NAMI's resource emphasizes the importance of families and caregivers actively engaging with the school community to meet the child’s mental health needs. Communication channels between home, school, and OST programs should remain open, allowing for collaborative solutions to any challenges.

5. Educating Young People about Mental Health: Empowering young people with knowledge about mental health is another critical aspect of the guide. Incorporating mental health education into program activities can equip young minds with the tools to recognize their emotions, cope with stress, and seek help. This proactive approach supports children and youth with pre-existing mental health conditions and fosters a more empathetic and understanding program culture.

6. Promoting Self-Care and Coping Strategies: Teaching kids self-care and coping strategies can be a game-changer. NAMI's guide encourages healthy habits–similar to those in the NAA Healthy Eating and Physical Activity Standards for OST Programs–like regular exercise, sufficient sleep, and balanced nutrition. Additionally, incorporating mindfulness practices and relaxation techniques into the daily schedule can help young people manage stress and anxiety effectively.

7. Accessing Support and Resources: NAMI's one-sheet guide is a treasure trove of resources.  From helplines to educational materials and support groups, the guide offers a plethora of avenues for kids, families, OST, and other educators to seek help. These resources act as a lifeline for those navigating the complexities of mental health challenges, reaffirming that they are not alone on this journey.

Out-of-school time programs and educators can make this school year one of growth, resilience, and compassion.

As we embark on this new (after) school year,  remember that prioritizing mental health is a responsibility and an opportunity to nurture a thriving generation. NAMI's "Back to School" guide is a guiding light, empowering us to create a supportive and understanding environment where everyone can flourish.

Access the NAMI one-pager on their website.

Over the past year, our team at Camp Fire has asked for more mental health support and resources. This not only falls in line with national trends, but with my own full life as a mom, wife, leader, daughter, board member, sister, friend, ally, youth development executive, advocate, child-activity coordinator, and what feels like a part-time chauffeur between sports practices for the kids and taking a family member to cancer treatments. The weight of it all hit me hard and I knew I could benefit from some additional support. I connected with a great therapist who has reminded me of skills and resources I already have and has helped me build new coping mechanisms and self-care practices. All that to say, mental health has been top of mind for me lately.

I recently heard mental health is wealth. This sentiment is fairly new. I’ve seen the evolution of mental health change significantly over the past few decades as I’ve been in the working world. With every year, struggling with mental health carries less stigma (thank goodness), becomes more studied and accepted (thank goodness). Now, it continues to be one of the biggest topics in youth development and an immense need at schools, camps, in afterschool programs–all the places and spaces where young people are. To meet this need, Camp Fire has broadened its focus to look at wellbeing more holistically, focusing on MESH(+), a conceptual theory building upon the mental, emotional, social health framework, with practical implications for creating a safe environment for individuals and communities. Through our work in this area, I got curious about the history of mental health in the U.S.–what used to be called the “mental hygiene movement”. This Johns Hopkins article written in 1995 provides fascinating insight on the groundwork that got us to today. Since the article was written, the U.S. has seen rapid change and expansion of mental health services and public awareness of the importance of mental health.

I want to share some simple (and perhaps obvious) practices that have been working for me in hopes that it might help you.

1. Get outside. Get Moving. When the weather allows, I take a 30 minute walk outside during the day. It seems obvious, but it’s easy to neglect the need to take a break between meetings and other demands on my time. It’s amazing how much better I feel after a break and some fresh air. An added bonus: It also turns out to be some of my best thinking time, bringing creative new ideas to my work.
2. Connect with others. My job is remote but that doesn’t mean that I work alone. I make an effort to connect with coworkers over Zoom, phone, or text to check in and talk about life. I also try to get plugged into my local community. Recently, I went to an in-person women’s leadership conference. It was a little out of my comfort zone, but I met great people and plan to stay connected to the group.
3. Check the story I’m telling myself. Sometimes, especially when my anxieties creep in, I can start to tell myself stories that are based more on feelings than facts. When that happens, I have to make extra effort to check in with people I trust and remind myself of what’s actually true. In the workplace or in any relationship, it’s easy to believe our own stories without keeping them in check and checking in with others for a fresh perspective. I start by asking myself and others: “What is the story I’m telling myself?” Staying connected and keeping our stories in check is the key to maintaining a healthy perspective.
4. Consciously consuming news. There’s so much in the headlines to be scared of, sad or angry about, and a temptation to feel powerless about it all. Doom scrolling has real effects. To protect my peace, I have limits on when, how and from where I consume news. This helps me sort out what’s in my control and what is not.
5. Take advantage of benefits. At Camp Fire, we have several strategies in place to help support the mental health of both the young people in Camp Fire’s programs and Camp Fire’s employees and their families. In our programs this summer, we are collaborating with the Alliance for Camp Health on a pilot program that will provide consistent training on wellbeing for Camp Fire staff and are centering youth voice and empathy by asking young people when they get to our programs, what they need to support their mental, emotional, and social health; all to ensure that camp staff and campers have the resources they need to thrive. For our employees, one support we offer is an employee assistance program that provides free sessions with a therapist. We also have flex time, half a day every pay period that isn’t counted against our paid time off (PTO). We can decide what to do with that time, whether it’s working on a home project or taking an art class.  We’re also proud to partner with The Kids Mental Health Foundation, to utilize Bloom, which is an online curriculum designed to help caregivers confidently support their kids' mental health.

What do you do to support your own mental, emotional, and social health and the mental, emotional, and social health of your colleagues and the young people in your programs?

Contributed by Shawna Rosenzweig, President at Camp Fire and member of the NAA Board of Directors.

Last year, our friends at The Genius of Play released their Emotional Wellness Playbook, and it is jam-packed with engaging resources to help promote kids' emotional health! Download the Playbook for family and educator tools to help children learn and practice emotional skills in ways that are fun and reduce stress: https://www.thegeniusofplay.org/ The Genius of Play is the non-profit initiative of The Toy Association, dedicated to helping parents raise healthy and happy kids through play.

Developed in partnership with recognized mental health expert, Starr Therapy Founder, and Certified Holistic Health Coach Talia Filippelli, The Genius of Play’s new resource for parents and educators is launching just in time for Mental Health Awareness Month this May, when mental health advocates will be sparking conversations about reducing the stigma around mental health. The digital playbook features 12 play ideas for kids ages 3+ that effectively tackle the five key components of emotional intelligence: emotional self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills.

“Research has shown that children with a high emotional intelligence earn better grades, stay in school longer, and make healthier choices overall,” said Anna Yudina, senior director of marketing initiatives at The Toy Association. “Play is one of the best ways to teach kids about just about anything, and boosting their emotional skills is no exception. From promoting relaxation to encouraging positive emotions, we invite families to use this guide to help kids’ little hearts grow bigger and stronger and build the foundation for a healthy adulthood.”

The Genius of Play’s “Emotional Wellness Playbook” is available now online in a digital book format. For more information about The Genius of Play, visit thegeniusofplay.org.

About The Genius of Play™ thegeniusofplay.org
The Genius of Play™ is a national movement to raise awareness of play’s vital role in child development, spearheaded by The Toy Association®. Deeply rooted in research and facts, The Genius of Play is a leading resource on the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional benefits of play that serve children throughout their lives. #itsmorethanplay

About The Toy Association™ www.toyassociation.org
Founded in 1916, The Toy Association™, Inc. is the trade association representing all businesses involved in creating and delivering toys and youth entertainment products for kids of all ages. The Toy Association leads the health and growth of the U.S. toy industry, which has an annual U.S. economic impact of $102.4 billion, and is the nation’s most effective resource and influential advocate for hundreds of companies including manufacturers, retailers, licensors and others who are involved in the youth entertainment industry. Our manufacturing members account for 93% of U.S. toy and game sales driving the annual $40 billion U.S. domestic toy market. The Toy Association serves as the industry’s voice on the developmental benefits of play and promotes play’s positive impact on childhood development to consumers and media. The organization has a long history of leadership in toy safety, having helped develop the first comprehensive toy safety standard more than 40 years ago, and remains committed to working with medical experts, government, consumers, and industry on ongoing programs to ensure safe and fun play. As a global leader, The Toy Association produces the world-renowned Toy Fair®; advocates on behalf of members around the world; sustains the Canadian Toy Association; acts as secretariat for the International Council of Toy Industries and International Toy Industry CEO Roundtable; and chairs the committee that reviews and revises America’s widely emulated ASTM F963 toy safety standard.

A healthy school environment can result in greater academic achievement, plus healthier students and school staff. That's why Discovery Education, the American Heart Association, and the National Football League (NFL) are teaming up to bring you 15-minute digital PLAY 60 Fitness Break broadcasts, encouraging students to get their 60 minutes of activity each day! Join special guests from the NFL and the Association as they talk about the importance of good health and well-being and demonstrate fun ways to move more. A new NFL Draft Fitness Break is coming up on April 25th, register your class or after school group today! 

Looking for more ways to get kids moving? Download the NFL PLAY 60 App to uncover more opportunities to get kids physically active through in-school digital Virtual Experiences that teachers can tune into with their students. Plus, dive into our Recommendations for Physical Activity in Kids below: 

1. Be Active! Kids should be active throughout the day. Replace sedentary behavior with activity whenever possible. 

2. Learn & Grow. Kids who are active have better bone health, physical fitness, brain function, attention, and academic performance. They stay a healthier weight and have fewer symptoms of depression. 

3. Fit in 60+. School-age kids and teens (ages 6–17) should try to get at least 60 minutes per day of moderate to vigorous-intensity activity. It can be broken up into shorter sessions throughout the day. 

4. Live Healthy! Keep kids active at home and at school. Support physical education, walkable communities, and safe places to play. Their future health depends on it!

Submitted by Discovery Education

Inactivity and unhealthy eating are significant concerns for our nation's youth, healthcare system, and economy. Young individuals prioritizing good eating habits and physical activity contribute to society’s overall well-being. We all must play a role in promoting healthy development in children. 

While young people spend less than 25% of their time in school, the remaining 80% is equally crucial for fostering healthy habits. Disturbingly, one in three children in the United States is overweight. The Healthy Out-of-School Time (HOST) Coalition revised the Healthy Eating and Physical Activity Standards for Out-of-School Time (NAA HEPA Standards)  to address this issue. These standards aim to encourage healthy lifestyles among children and youth in afterschool programs by providing practical and comprehensive guidance for snacks, meals, and physical activity. 

The NAA HEPA Standards not only define staff training and role modeling, family engagement, and facility standards but also assist programs in meeting children’s diverse needs and interests. Staff in high-quality, healthy afterschool programs can incorporate healthy eating and physical activity into the program, integrating them across the curriculum. 

OST programs offer informal experiential education. By following the NAA HEPA Standards and including healthy eating and physical activity, high-quality programs have increases school attendance, improve behavior, enhance coursework, and contribute to positive outcomes (including improved health) for young individuals. Access the HEPA Standards, Self-Assessment Tools, and other HEPA resources at https://naaweb.org/page/HEPAStandards.

The school bells are ringing, and the excitement of a new school year is here. But amidst the hustle and bustle, it's essential to remember that the back-to-school season and the beginning of fall Out-of-School Time (OST) programs can be overwhelming, particularly for kids and families dealing with mental health challenges. Thankfully, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) offers support with its comprehensive "Back to School" guide, ensuring that mental health remains a priority at the beginning of the school year and beyond.

1. Recognizing the Importance of Mental Health NAMI's one-sheet guide opens our eyes to the significance of mental health awareness in educational settings, including out-of-school time (OST) programs.  Mental health issues often affect academic performance, attendance, behavior,  and well-being. Recognizing this connection is the first step toward fostering a supportive environment that enables kids to thrive academically and emotionally.

2. Identifying Warning Signs Families, school day, and OST personnel should notice warning signs. NAMI's guide enlightens us on red flags to watch for, such as sudden changes in behavior, persistent feelings of sadness or anxiety, social withdrawal, or declining academic performance. Although it is not within OST educators’ purview to diagnose mental health issues, they can be essential in identifying early signs that can lead to timely interventions and prevent potential crises.

3. Nurturing a Supportive Environment Creating a compassionate and understanding environment is paramount. The guide offers valuable tips for adults fostering a safe space for kids to share their mental health concerns. Promoting open communication, breaking down stigma, and encouraging empathy can go a long way in making young people feel heard and supported.

4. Involving Schools, Families,  and Caregivers The partnership between schools, OST programs, and families is invaluable. NAMI's resource emphasizes the importance of families and caregivers actively engaging with the school community to meet the child’s mental health needs. Communication channels between home, school, and OST programs should remain open, allowing for collaborative solutions to any challenges.

5. Educating Young People about Mental Health Empowering young people with knowledge about mental health is another critical aspect of the guide. Incorporating mental health education into program activities can equip young minds with the tools to recognize their emotions, cope with stress, and seek help. This proactive approach supports children and youth with pre-existing mental health conditions and fosters a more empathetic and understanding program culture.

6. Promoting Self-Care and Coping Strategies Teaching kids self-care and coping strategies can be a game-changer. NAMI's guide encourages healthy habits–similar to those in the NAA Healthy Eating and Physical Activity Standards for OST Programs–like regular exercise, sufficient sleep, and balanced nutrition. Additionally, incorporating mindfulness practices and relaxation techniques into the daily schedule can help young people manage stress and anxiety effectively.

7. Accessing Support and Resources NAMI's one-sheet guide is a treasure trove of resources.  From helplines to educational materials and support groups, the guide offers a plethora of avenues for kids, families, OST, and other educators to seek help. These resources act as a lifeline for those navigating the complexities of mental health challenges, reaffirming that they are not alone on this journey.

Out-of-school time programs and educators can make this school year one of growth, resilience, and compassion.

As we embark on this new (after) school year,  remember that prioritizing mental health is a responsibility and an opportunity to nurture a thriving generation. NAMI's "Back to School" guide is a guiding light, empowering us to create a supportive and understanding environment where everyone can flourish.

Access the NAMI one-pager at https://www.nami.org/NAMI/media/NAMI-Media/PDFs/NAMI-Back-to-School-One-Sheet.pdf.

I often hear that the HEPA standards can be overwhelming: "There are so many of them. How could I possibly implement these on my site?" Yes, there are a lot of them. But one thing to remember is that these are a vital framework—and a way to talk about healthy eating and physical activity components in afterschool programs that move the work forward.

It's essential to think about simple ways to incorporate the HEPA standards throughout your program while meeting the high demands and academic rigors. Give yourselves the freedom to be creative and have fun with it. Think about ways to incorporate physical activity into what you're already doing; you have homework time and a science club, so how can physical activity be included with them?

There are many simple, fun ways to include HEPA into many aspects of your program, especially during family and community events. A few ideas to help get those creative juices flowing:

Sometimes talking about healthy eating and physical activity with families can be difficult, but there are tools and resources to help start a dialogue. Check out Food and Fun for tips on talking about healthy eating in conversation and through family newsletters. The resource has simple advice for starting the conversation and talking to families about fruits, vegetables, and water. Programs and sites can also create wellness policies using tools from the Alliance for a Healthier Generation. These policies provide a foundation that shows families the value of healthy eating and physical activity.

Remember to have fun with this work! We can't wait to hear about how you integrate HEPA in family and community events like Lights on Afterschool! Keep up the fantastic work out there, and thank you for supporting healthy practices with young people, families, and communities. You truly are changing lives!

Contributed by Jessica Hay, MSW