In today’s increasingly divided world, the camp environment has become more than just a place for fun and games. It is now a microcosm of society — a unique space where young people and staff from diverse backgrounds come together.

As political polarization continues to shape our national discourse, camp professionals are faced with the challenge of fostering inclusive, values-driven communities while navigating sensitive topics that may arise.

A recent conversation among leaders from a range of faith-based and nondenominational camps explored this very issue: how can camps remain places of joy, growth, and learning amid cultural division?

Two Perspectives on Camp’s Role

One foundational idea was the recognition that all camps are, at their best, exercises in creating an ideal society. They offer a blank canvas for modeling values such as respect, kindness, and inclusion. However, as we prepare for the summer season, it’s essential to consider how our camps engage with — or retreat from — the social and political realities of the outside world.

Two opposing viewpoints often emerge:

• Camp as Retreat: A place of respite, separate from the noise of the world. This approach sees camp as a break from political discourse. Yet even this philosophy requires preparation, as challenging behavior and difficult conversations can still arise.
• Camp as Teacher: A space that doesn’t shy away from moral or social issues. For camps with missions rooted in values or faith, it may be essential to engage with the world’s complexities to remain relevant and impactful.

Both approaches require careful thought, preparation, and clarity of purpose.

Core Takeaways and Strategies

Across diverse settings — from faith-based camps to community-focused organizations, leaders identified a number of shared strategies for addressing polarization and promoting respectful dialogue.

1. Respectful Dialogue and Structure

Creating an environment where open, respectful conversation is possible begins with clear expectations. Many camps use behavior contracts and intentional staff training to guide interactions among campers and staff. Training often includes how to mediate discussions and de-escalate conflicts, particularly when topics become politically charged.

2. Inclusivity Without Imposition

Some camps are transitioning to more ecumenical or interfaith approaches, welcoming campers from all backgrounds. These camps focus on helping campers value their identities without imposing beliefs on others. The goal is to give young people agency — in their choices, in their expression, and in their learning.

3. Relationship Building and Conflict Resolution

Others emphasize the creation of intentional, temporary communities where foundational values like love, grace, and care guide interactions. Conflict is seen not as something to avoid, but as an opportunity for growth. Camps often rely on well-established conflict resolution frameworks and encourage staff to listen with empathy and nuance.

4. Anchoring in Core Values

Whether grounded in faith, tradition, or long-standing camp culture, a clear articulation of core values (such as truth, peace, justice, and kindness) provides an essential foundation. These values guide not only the camper experience but also how camps communicate with alumni, parents, and other stakeholders — especially when ownership, leadership, or affiliations change.

5. Cultural Competency and Political Awareness

Camps must be prepared to address issues like exclusionary behavior or bias. Cultural competency training and a commitment to welcoming environments are key. While some camps choose to remain nonpolitical, others recognize that being apolitical is not the same as being passive. Each organization must find its own balance in navigating political issues with intentionality and care.

6. Brave Spaces for Learning

Rather than striving only for “safe spaces,” many camps are working to create brave spaces — environments where campers can engage with difficult or unfamiliar topics in a supported, respectful way. This approach encourages self-reflection, empathy, and the development of critical social-emotional skills.

7. Transparent Stakeholder Communication

As political and social issues increasingly intersect with camp culture, it’s more important than ever to communicate clearly with parents, alumni, donors, and other stakeholders. Being upfront about the camp’s mission, values, and approach to difficult topics can help prevent misunderstandings and reinforce trust.

Questions for Camp Leaders to Consider

As summer approaches, camp professionals are encouraged to reflect on the following:

• What are your camp’s mission and core values?
• Who is responsible for determining how — or whether — political issues are addressed at camp?
• How do you anticipate campers and staff will show up this summer, and what changes (if any) are you making to your training or programming in response?
• How will you respond if staff or campers bring up personal political views?
• What messaging, if any, are you sending to families and alumni about your camp’s position on societal issues?
• What frameworks, stories, or lessons from past challenges can help guide your decisions this year?

A Shared Commitment

Despite different religious affiliations and organizational structures, the camps represented in this conversation shared a powerful commitment: to raise young people in spaces that are inclusive, reflective, and courageous. Through thoughtful staff preparation, clear communication, and an unwavering focus on core values, camps can continue to be places where character truly matters — even, and especially, in a polarized world.

As you prepare for this summer, take time to ask the hard questions, engage your leadership team, and reaffirm your camp’s mission. The work we do at camp can shape not just individual lives but our shared future.

Thank you to our moderator and panelists:

• Rabbi Avi Orlow (moderator), scholar in residence at the Foundation for Jewish Camp, a national organization based out of NYC and has been serving there for 17 years.
• Maggie Braun, camp director, WeHaKee Camp for Girls, a Wisconsin private girls' camp formerly affiliated for 99 years with a Catholic Congregation of Sisters.
• Josh Carr, executive director, Camp Foster YMCA, a nondenominational Christian camp in Iowa.
• John Copeland, camp director, Camp Tecumseh, a Salvation Army camp in New Jersey.
• Omar Ezzeldine, director of operations and community engagement for Rahma Center and thefounder of Camp Izza, in southern California.
• Rev. Andrew “Drew” Tucker, executive director, HopeWood Outdoors, a Lutheran camp in Ohio.
• Don Johnson, executive director, Lutheran Outdoor Ministries (LOM), an association of 114 camps and retreat centers affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

Photo courtesy of Lake Valley Camp in Milwaukee, WI