The Summer Camp Society Blog
Working with English Language Learners
Let’s Get Visual
Transforming Our Communities
This blog explores the process of transforming camp communities by fostering inclusion, connection, and growth. It emphasizes the importance of creating safe spaces for campers and staff, building strong relationships, and promoting diversity. The post also discusses ways camp leaders can drive meaningful change within their camp environments by being intentional with their approaches to community building.
10 Takeaways From the Restorative Justice Conference (Might help sell your boss)
Defaulting to Inclusive Language
This blog emphasizes the importance of using inclusive language in camp environments, explaining how thoughtful word choices can create a more welcoming space for everyone. It encourages camp leaders to adopt habits of inclusive communication, ensuring that all campers and staff feel seen, respected, and valued. The post offers practical tips for incorporating inclusivity into everyday conversations and camp policies.
Diversity Training Part 2
This blog continues the conversation on diversity and inclusion in camp environments, offering actionable insights for camp leaders. It focuses on the importance of ongoing training, creating safe spaces, and addressing biases within camp culture. The post also provides tools and strategies for implementing effective diversity training, ensuring that camps are inclusive and supportive for everyone.
Letter to Black Counselors
Dearest Fellow Straight White Dudes
This blog is a candid reflection aimed at straight white men working in the camp industry, encouraging them to engage in conversations about privilege, power, and inclusivity. The post urges readers to challenge themselves, listen actively, and support the work of marginalized groups, with the goal of creating a more equitable and inclusive camp culture
Cookie Jar Communities
This blog explores the concept of “cookie jar communities,” where camp leaders build trust, connection, and emotional safety among staff and campers. The metaphor highlights the importance of accumulating positive experiences and emotional deposits that foster a strong, resilient community. It emphasizes intentionality in building relationships and supporting one another through both challenges and celebrations.
Diversity Training Part 1: Focus Points
This blog introduces the importance of diversity training in camp environments, focusing on building a foundation of inclusivity and understanding. It encourages camp leaders to be proactive in learning about different identities and perspectives, fostering an environment where everyone feels respected and valued. The post also outlines steps to begin meaningful conversations about diversity and inclusion within the camp community.
We Need to Reprioritize Paper Applications.
This blog argues for the importance of offering paper applications for camp staff and families, especially for those who may not have reliable access to digital technology. It highlights the equity issues that arise when camps solely rely on online applications and suggests that offering multiple application formats can help create a more inclusive and accessible environment for all potential campers and staff members.
Creating a Year-Round Camper Board
This blog discusses the idea of establishing a year-round camper board to foster stronger engagement and feedback from campers throughout the year. It highlights the benefits of empowering campers to have a voice in decision-making, contributing to camp programming, and staying connected beyond the summer months. The post also offers practical steps for setting up and managing such a board effectively.
DOUBLE RECAP: Lessons Learned in Gender Inclusive Housing & Equity and Identity
Celebrating Juneteenth at Camp
What's In a Name: Camp Onas' 7-Step Process to Move Past Appropriation
How Summer Camp Can Heal the World
Integration vs. Inclusion
Less Rules More Inclusion
...And I Swear.... What Constitutes a Bad Word at Camp
