The Summer Camp Society Blog
Inclusion at Summer Camp: The Whats, The Whys, and Sweet Potato Pie
Equity and Identity Off-Season Road Map
As we spend our September resting, and reflecting- we need to be keenly focused on how
we will spend the rest of our planning season creating positive spaces for campers of all backgrounds so
that they have equitable and safe access to the life changing benefit that camps have and will continue
to deliver.
Introducing the Intersectional Equity Scenario Seminar
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.
Reflections on Restorative Justice 101
A Flawed Justice System
Restorative Justice: Cornerstone of Equity at Camp
White is the default at camp: Let's work to change that
Black Lives Matter at Camp.
Yes, and: This statement needs to be viewed more as a call to action than as a declaration. Because the work of dismantling white supremacy culture at camp (and in our greater society) can’t simply be “accomplished”. In some spaces, or many spaces, it hasn’t started. This call to action drives members of the camp community to start and continue the process of building an equitable camp community where everyone can thrive. It’s recognizing that it’s a lot easier for white kids to thrive at (or even attend) most camps, because, as Nelson Strickland has noted, white is the default at camp.
The Little Book of Race and Restorative Justice - AT CAMP!
BLACK LIVES MATTER.
In camping, I have been a part of (and led) many conversations about how to be sure that we, as white camp leaders, are nice. In other words, how to be “inclusive”, “accepting” and “welcoming.” This is how white camp leaders have largely approached racism in camping: Thinking if we are kind enough, and if we get more people of color involved with camp, “camp magic” will do the work and racism will not be a problem within our camp bubbles. We’ve been wrong.
Thoughts on Being Black at Camp
In 2008 my mom told me I was going to summer camp. I didn’t know anything about summer camp; I just knew she already signed me up and I was going. She wanted me to have the same experiences growing up that privileged white kids had. What started as one trial week at an overnight summer camp in Northern Michigan ended up changing my life.
Losing the Light When Summer's Ended
“We become special versions of ourselves in the right environment. One reason I’ve stuck with camp so long is that I often feel like the best version of myself when I do camp work. At the end of the summer, I see many people go out into the world and feel a bit like a rudderless ship. Without the camp atmosphere they are unable to completely access that person they were there.”
Your alumni need you, too
Virtual Bunks: Building Consistent Camper Connections Online
Making a Camp Internet Safety Video
Illuminating the Hidden Curriculum. Good for Mission. Good for Money.
Inclusion at Summer Camp - The Hidden Curriculum
Insider Info Creates Outsiders at Camp is That Ok?
Lessons learned (and still learning) on equity and seasonal staff
“They bank on the goodwill that I will return because the conditions are better here (not by pay but by community)...they bank on the love that I have for this place and that doesn’t make me feel valued. I don’t want a “thank you” I want dignity.”
What is the Hidden Curriculum?
