KINGSTON, R.I. – April 9, 2025 – The University of Rhode Island is on a quest to teach children how to manage anxiety in a fun, interactive way this summer. At Courage Quest, a camp for children aged 8-12, campers will complete a series of challenges designed to strengthen coping skills and build self-confidence.

The camp is offered from July 14-18 and July 21-25 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Campers may register for one or both weeks of camp. Offered through URI’s Child Anxiety Program, which is part of the Psychological Consultation Center, the camp will be on URI’s Kingston Campus. The camp is open to children with mild to moderate anxiety, including those previously diagnosed with anxiety disorders.

Ellen Flannery-Schroeder, who is the Dr. Glenda L. Vittimberga ’88 endowed professor of psychology and the director of training in clinical psychology at URI, will serve as the camp director. Flannery-Schroeder has specialized in the cognitive-behavioral treatment of childhood anxiety disorders for more than 20 years.

“The camp was created to address a real need—children are facing a mental health crisis—one that’s grown since the pandemic,” said Flannery-Schroeder. “More kids than ever are struggling with anxiety, depression, and low confidence, and families are looking for meaningful, effective support. As a child psychologist, I wanted to do my part. My student collaborators and I want to create a space where children with anxiety could build coping skills, face fears, and feel proud of themselves while experiencing the joy and connection of summer camp.”

The adventure-themed camp will introduce coping skills via fun and interactive activities. The “quests” will solidify the newly learned skills through mildly anxiety-provoking tasks, such as a scavenger hunt that requires someone to lead the way or doing something silly.

Feedback will be provided to parents during and after completion of the camp.

“It’s important that parents, as well as children, gain the skills and knowledge to reduce anxiety,” said Flannery-Schroeder. “Parents are an important part of child behavior change.”

The camp fee is $500 per week per camper, with a limited number of need-based scholarships available. To learn if the camp is a good fit for a child’s needs, or to inquire about need-based scholarships, parents should complete the pre-registration form.