S.T.A.R.S. stands for strength, teamwork, attitude, relationships, and self-esteem, all qualities emphasized in Pawnee's Youth
Community Services. Children diagnosed with SED have a mental health condition that substantially disrupts the child’s ability to function socially, academically, and/or emotionally. Children with SED who have begun receiving community-based case management services typically experienced an improvement in symptoms of anxiety and depression, improved educational outcomes, reduction in law enforcement contact, and improved behavioral health and strengths.
For many youths, this is the only camp they can attend due to the severity of their symptoms. As a component of the treatment received by the children, S.T.A.R.S. Camp fills a void in the treatment plans of the children by providing an overnight experience, opportunities to participate in new activities not readily available within the community, and the chance to meet and interact with new people, both adults and peers. The need for these types of experiences and interactions is well documented in the literature, as well as anecdotally by parents and caregivers of the children who have attended STARS Camp in the past years.