I recently came across a blog post by Rue Mapp, the founder of Outdoor Afro, that resonated deeply with me and made me think of the camp community.
Mapp eloquently states, "We have always been a steady refuge in shifting sands, not just reacting to the moment, but rising above it — rooted in something deeper. For years, Outdoor Afro has served as an oasis organization, not an activist organization. While activism has its role, our work has been about something just as powerful: renewal, restoration, and connection."
These words leapt off the page and struck a chord. From the earliest camps established over a century ago to those that began just last year, camps have consistently provided a space for children and families to connect, grow, and thrive — regardless of external circumstances. While camps often advocate for various causes, their mission transcends activism. It is rooted in a foundational vision and purpose: to connect with campers, to provide restoration and renewal, and to enable campers to thrive. It would be tone-deaf to ignore the impact of current world events on camp life this summer. Yet, despite these challenges, we were made for this.
Creating, Building, and Growing Connections: Camp's Superpower
Camps excel at fostering connections, a powerful tool that enables camps to fulfill their mission. These connections can be to a place, a sound, or a smell. They can be to a person — a friend made during the first session, a young person's first supervisor who becomes a lifelong mentor, or the director from the camp across the lake who becomes a trusted peer. Some connections are fleeting, existing only in the moment, while others last a lifetime.
This summer, as campers arrive at your gates and leave the outside noise behind, help them connect. Encourage connections with one another, with new skills, with old friends, with beloved camp songs, or with favorite camp traditions. Strive to make your camp an oasis for your campers — a safe space they can always return to, whether physically or in their minds when they need a moment of calm. Creating, building, and growing connections is one of camp's many superpowers.
The Benefits of Connections
Research has shown that individuals with strong social and emotional connections have higher life expectancy, improved mental health, and heightened resiliency, among other benefits. Additional research from England indicates that a strong connection to a place can evoke a sense of belonging, calm, or safety more than a personal possession can. A strong connection to a place enhances overall well-being and provides feelings of joy, contentment, and energy.
These findings are particularly relevant when considering the character development of youth. Strong connections foster a sense of security and belonging, which are crucial for young people as they navigate the complexities of growing up. When youth feel connected to others and to a place, they are more likely to develop positive self-esteem, empathy, and social skills. These attributes are foundational for building character and resilience.
Moreover, the camp environment is uniquely suited to nurture these connections. Through shared experiences, teamwork, and community living, campers learn to trust and support one another. They develop leadership skills, learn the value of cooperation, and build lasting friendships. These experiences not only contribute to their immediate well-being but also equip them with the social and emotional tools needed to face future challenges.
Camp Is Made for Now
In today's world, so much is happening — with our kids, our society, our families, and our world. To say it can be overwhelming is an understatement. Yet, we all know that camp is an oasis of sorts, even on the craziest of days. And yet, camp has an opportunity to quiet the noise — in Rue Mapp’s words — opportunities for “renewal, restoration, and connection”.
In these times of uncertainty and change, camp remains a steadfast refuge, rooted in the deeper purpose of connection and community. As we prepare for another summer, let's embrace the opportunity to create, build, and grow connections that will sustain us through whatever challenges lie ahead. We were made for this.
References
Mapp, R. (2025, March 6). Outdoor Afro Blog Post; Outdoor Afro Was Made for This Moment. outdoorafro.org/2025/03/outdoor-afro-was-made-for-this-moment/
Seppala, E. (2014, May 8). Connectedness & Health: The Science of Social Connection. ccare.stanford.edu/uncategorized/connectedness-health-the-science-of-social-connection-infographic/
The National Trust (2017). Why Places Mean So Much. nationaltrust.org.uk/who-we-are/research/why-do-places-mean-so-much
Katie Johnson, MS, is a senior risk consultant at Chalmers Camp Insurance, where she merges her experience as a camp director with her expertise in risk management. With nearly 30 years dedicated to camps and youth-serving organizations — including an impactful eight-year tenure with the American Camp Association — Katie has become a trusted voice in fostering safe and transformative camp experiences. Driven by her passion for the magic of camp, she empowers leaders to create strong safety foundations, ensuring they can focus on inspiring growth, connection, and adventure in the communities they serve.
Photo courtesy of Camp Sugar Pine Girl Scout Camp in Arnold, California
The views and opinions expressed by contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the American Camp Association or ACA employees.