#blmatcamp

Sara Kurtz McKinnon, “WHITE IS THE DEFAULT AT CAMP: LET'S WORK TO CHANGE THAT,” Summer Camp Society

When we are looking to make camp accessible and appealing to all families, there are many things to consider. Some suggested in this article include choosing camp themes and activity themes, music both played and sung, health care, hair care and inclusion, sun considerations, data collection and where supplies are purchased.

Today (11/19/2020) was Black Lives Matter at Summer Camp Day of Action. Camps from around the country and further posted and pledged to support Black Lives Matter. If you’re looking to see, check the #BLMatCamp tags on Facebook and Instagram. While I can’t make my camp participate, and I’m only piecemeal at camp, I want to participate with their personal statement:

As a summer camp professional, I affirm that Black Lives Matter. I am committing to do my best to, and to continue to learn how to, be a part of the work to eliminate structural racism and white supremacy in all of the spaces of summer camp and the rest of my life.

With thanks to GoCampPro.com and Blacklivesmatteratcamp.com for organizing this event throughout the US and Canada and providing language, reach, and resources

Today, Camp Ernst stands with camps all over the country in affirming that Black lives matter. We are committed to the on-going work of eliminating structural racism and white supremacy within camping and Camp Ernst. We commit to advancing on this journey through action. We welcome and need the help of our community in our journey. See Eli’s reflection from June on the work ahead of us. Below are few steps that we are currently taking to do better as we prepare for Summer 2021.

 -      Collecting demographics and segmenting survey data to better understand how groups of individuals with different identities and races experience camp.

-      Continuous review of traditions and rituals at camp, adjusting programs and operations to better reflect the range of cultures present in our community.

-      Launching a Staff and alumni/volunteer collaboration to develop and implement strategies that more strongly support Camp Ernst campers, families, and staff of color for Summer 2021 and beyond. (This will include engaging community stakeholders with a broad range of skills, perspectives, and connections-- critical to strengthening camp’s impact, including our work to address structural racism.

Don’t All Lives Matter?

Yep. When we say proudly that “Black Lives Matter,” we are not diminishing the value of all lives. For all lives to truly matter, Black lives must matter. Long-term, meaningful, positive change requires actions and changes from as many people and institutions as possible.

Why this public announcement today?

Many of our camping colleagues around the continent are coming together on social media today to highlight our commitment to affirm Black lives. We know a social media post doesn’t equal action. We will continue to collaborate across camps, in the recreation industry, and in youth development to make a difference in the lives of our campers, staff, and families.

Why are people getting political at camp?

Not political— HUMAN.

Camps have the power to improve the lives of our communities. The Y has a long history of local, state, and national legislative advocacy. This work and affirming that Black lives matter is not a partisan message or in service to a particular political party. Working together towards justice and caring for others is something that all people- camp people especially- can and should engage in.

Ernstlove,