Chief Operating Officer Bender JCC of Greater Washington
Diversity is a fact. In recreation, we see this in the evolving nature of camps, where youth arrive with varied identities shaped by race, gender, economic background, and other characteristics. Every camp has a unique opportunity to intentionally create a community where all campers feel like they belong. How can staff recognize when and how to intervene or provide accommodations? How can the timing and flow of your camp activities be modified to be more inclusive? We can learn from camps that include youth with and without disabilities about how to train staff and develop programming for campers with diverse backgrounds. Experienced camp directors will share and facilitate a discussion with specific, intentional, and actionable strategies that camp leaders and staff can take back to their own programs to better serve all campers.
