As camp people, we know that camp magic is real. It exists not only in the joyful moments and meaningful connections that we form at camp, but also in our ability to successfully deliver a program through which authenticity, creativity, and the magical feeling of camp can be experienced by all. This altruistic nature of camp can promote ingenuity and evoke a sense of purpose for camp professionals — but it can also be exhausting for those who do it well and a petri dish for imposter syndrome for those who may struggle to meet these high expectations.

At the American Camp Association, we believe diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the heart of a thriving camp experience.

Anyone who operated, worked at, or attended a camp this past summer knows more than a thing or two (and likely more than they ever wanted to know) about risk. I, Briana Mitchell, am one of those people.

Summer camps provide children an opportunity for goal achievement, a sense of community, and development of self-concept. Toward that end, goal-directed camp activities revolve around teamwork, as well as improving coping skills and fostering intimate relationships (Carlson & Cook, 2007). However, campers may have cognitive-behavioral concerns — an inability to attend to activities, for example, or impulsiveness, decreased ability to cope with environmental demands such as sound, light, and tactile sensations, and decreased social awareness.

Here you are, catching up, maybe relaxing now that camp is over. You’re reflecting on the joy of having experienced another successful season; the sadness of saying goodbye to campers and staff who have developed meaningful relationships; your readiness (or not) to review staff and camper evaluations; worry about budgets and funding for next year; and wondering what constitutes “normal” as we go forward.

All of the inclusion, diversity, social justice, and equity work that many are doing in the field right now — all of it is to get us on level ground. To help us to understand that we are all connected. Nature provides us the level ground and the perfect environment to heal our cultural divide through camp.