Inclusion & Belonging
Camp Includes Me Affinity Group
Whether you’re new to this work or bring years of experience, this community invites you to show up as you are; curious, reflective, and ready to engage.
Join us to explore what it means to create camp environments where everyone feels seen, valued, and supported.
Purpose of Camp Includes Me
The purpose of the Camp Includes Me Affinity Group is to create a supportive space where camp professionals can deepen their understanding and strengthen their practice around engagement and belonging.
We seek to:
- Create a brave and welcoming space for open dialogue, reflection, and shared learning
- Build knowledge and awareness around topics such as inclusion, cultural intelligence, unconscious bias, and systemic patterns
- Explore how identity and lived experience shape interactions within camp communities and beyond
- Develop practical strategies to foster more inclusive, equitable, and accessible camp environments
- Support one another’s growth as leaders committed to belonging-centered practices
Who Should Join
This affinity group is open to:
- Camp professionals who identify as allies
- Individuals who serve or want to better serve underrepresented campers and staff
- Anyone seeking to grow their skills in building inclusive and equitable camp spaces
What to Expect
Our virtual gatherings are grounded in connection, learning, and action. Together, we will focus on:
- Community & Connection — Building meaningful relationships and fostering a sense of belonging for all participants.
- Shaping Belonging for Campers & Staff — Exploring how camp environments can be intentionally designed so every individual feels valued, respected, and included.
- Mutual Support & Learning — Engaging in shared learning experiences where participants can ask questions, exchange perspectives, and support one another’s growth.
Be part of a community that is committed to doing the work together. Whether you’re here to listen, learn, or lead, there’s a place for you in Camp Includes Me.
Upcoming Conversations
Exploring How Allyship and Accountability Intersect in Camp Staff Culture
April 20, 2026, 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. ET
Join our April conversation as we explore how allyship and accountability intersect in camp staff cultures. Learn how to move away from shame-based responses and build systems that support growth, safety, and shared responsibility while protecting historically excluded staff from disproportionate emotional labor.
This conversation will be a follow up to Chris Rehs-Dupin's March 17 webinar entitled Creating Space for Imperfection, Growth, Accountability, and Allyship. It will be the perfect place to ask questions and gain additional insights and resources from Chris.
Avoiding Silos and Cliques by Understanding People and Navigating Conflict
May 11, 2026, 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. ET
When communication styles, expectations, and lived experiences differ, conflict can surface quickly at camp, often resulting in cliques and silos. This solution focused session explores five conflict resolution styles while creating space for reflection and exploration. Participants will gain insight into their own communication and conflict tendencies, examine the assumptions and biases they bring into professional relationships, and recognize how staff behavior often signals underlying feelings and needs.
Land Appreciation
We gather today with appreciation for the people of indigenous tribes of the United States, whose ancestral lands are where we come together.
We say these names to acknowledge those that are still here and those that were displaced through colonization. We acknowledge the harm and commit to doing better.
As a camp community, and in alignment with the values of the American Camp Association, we choose to move beyond performative statements toward meaningful action. This Land Appreciation reflects our commitment to accountability, learning, and repair.
We are committed to an ongoing process of collaboration, growth, and relationship-building with Indigenous communities. This means centering Indigenous people as experts and partners in this work. Through the leadership of ACA’s Indigenous Peoples Task Force, we strive to educate our community, uplift affirming practices and stories, and encourage both ACA and individual camps to identify and create accessible pathways for Indigenous youth, families, and community members to engage with camp spaces, programs, and resources. This includes working in partnership with local tribes to reduce barriers, expand access, and share opportunities in ways that honor Indigenous sovereignty, knowledge, and lived experience.
This work is ongoing, and along the way we will reflect, learn, and continue to do better, guided by humility, respect, and a commitment to action.
Indigenous Peoples Task Force
- Les Peters, Facilitator — YMCA of Greater Long Beach
- Tim Baumann — International Music Camp
- Vance Gilmore — Camp John Marc, retired
- Andy Lilienthal — Camp Winnebago
- Shari Sigoloff — Camp Thunderbird
- Andrew Corely — Sioux YMCA
- Andrew Leary — Leave No Trace
- Henry DeHart — ACA Staff Liaison
The Indigenous Peoples Task Force helps develop educational resources to support individual camps in reducing or eliminating the misappropriation of indigenous cultures in their practices. A passion for this work is necessary, and direct experience with addressing the misappropriation of indigenous culture in the camp space is preferred but not required. Taskforce members serve one-year terms, with the potential to continue for additional terms.
Contact Henry DeHart if you are interested in serving or have questions for this volunteer task force.
