Introducing the Intersectional Equity Scenario Seminar

Friends,

We are honored to partner with our friends Chris Rehs-Dupin, Makela Elvy and Briana Mitchell to offer a three-part learning experience this spring: the Intersectional Equity Scenario Seminar. Jack and I will host these three panelists as we dive into complex identity-related scenarios that could happen at any camp this summer. The goal is to practice thinking about these types of challenges before they arise in real life—because when they do, you’ll need to be as prepared as possible to protect and honor the safety of the individuals in your care—and your precious community.

We asked Chris, Makela and Briana to share their reflections about why they signed on to lead this seminar. We couldn’t ask for better partners in this effort and hope that you or one of your staff members will join us. ALL of your campers deserve it.

With gratitude,
Kurtz

Chris Rehs-Dupin, Transplaining

It is not uncommon that when faced with a problem or a decision that we have been told “go with your gut instinct”.  However, I think it is safe to say that our gut instincts are rooted in subconscious biases that have been established and solidified through social conditioning, norming and existing power structures.  To truly evaluate a situation with an intersectional justice lens, we must first evaluate our privilege and power and how that affects the way we confront and solve social conflicts.  Understanding equity concepts only matters insomuch as we can turn that understanding into action. This seminar series asks one important question- “What would you do in this situation to make sure that all participants’ safety is honored equally?”  Might seem simple, but we expect messy answers because justice is never a clean process.

 I spend a lot of time talking about justice- but I truly believe that the best learning occurs in community.  This is why I think this scenario-based workshops will be an excellent opportunity for camp professionals to evaluate situations in an environment that fosters growth.  Complicated things happen at camp- with an infinite amount of variation we cannot expect that we can account for every situation that may arise- and even if we could, there is an equally infinite number of possible responses. As a panelist, I am excited to challenge our participants to think creatively, and bravely to center the experiences of the marginalized parties of our scenarios.  With the understanding that flawed power structures brought us to our current understanding of how to handle these situations, we can empathetically teach one another to approach situations with responses that elevate those who have been traditionally left out.

 I have already learned so much from Briana and Makela and am so excited to be joining them for this project.  I am grateful to The Summer Camp Society for hosting, and am ready to meet camp professionals where they are as we all work to create safe(r) camp communities that invite campers of all backgrounds and experiences to enjoy the magic of camp.

Briana Mitchell and Makela Elvy, S’more Melanin

Wow- Chris, YES to all of that. The only thing we want to add is that we know that this summer there are going to be so many new things. New protocols, new procedures, new medical supplies…all aimed at ensuring our campers’ physical safety.  And our brains will be reeling. Did that camper wash their hands? Did I record the temperature checks for today? In light of all the ongoing lists that will be circling our brains, we cannot let up on ensuring a camper’s emotional needs are being met. 

This is why we at S’more Melanin are so excited to be partnering with Transplaining and The Summer Camp Society to bring you the Intersectional Equity Scenario Seminar. Our seminar is going to provide attendees with the framework to think through how to assess a situation from an equity lens. We will provide specific questions to consider as you evaluate a situation to make the process feel less gargantuan and more doable, which is something we will all value- especially this summer.

We agree with Chris that the work of inclusion is not pretty, but it is the most necessary work we can do for our campers. Learning and unlearning takes work - so attend our seminars to get some real opportunities for practice. You will also walk away with our vetted scenarios that you can bring to your camps this summer to allow for this work to continue in your communities. 

We at S’more Melanin are so appreciative of the continued opportunities to learn and unlearn alongside Chris and Transplaining and cannot express how much we value The Summer Camp Society making space for this work to happen. Additionally, we want to bring this opportunity to as many interested individuals as possible and we are thankful for the support of CampBrain and CampMinder for enabling us to do that—each organization providing full scholarships for 5 participants (email Kurtz to apply).