Religious Summer Camps Employ a Secular Model of Activism
Churches across the country are changing the definition of religious summer camps. Like most traditional summer camps, religious camps have been chockfull of outdoor activities, except with Bible study and religious indoctrination sprinkled throughout. But as younger generations and their parents are expecting more from their faith leaders, more and more congregations are recognizing the need for social activism—that prayer isn’t enough to combat the systemic problems plaguing a global society.
Catering to the demand for social action from and among religious groups, many churches have partnered with organizations that are dedicated to youth activism. Groups like Kids for Peace and the American Friends Service Committee partner with churches to create programs that replace traditional Bible camps by putting congregations’ faith-based morality into action.
Additionally, in order to remain dedicated to their mission of community building and engagement, a lot of these camps are no longer exclusive to specific beliefs. Rather than focusing on one religion, kids are taught about a variety of important issues and are encouraged to be open-minded and work together. From a humanistic point of view, this a positive step for religious organizations, even if these camps still have a sense of religion in their mission. It teaches kids to put the biblical lessons they are taught into action. But while this is a positive change in teaching religious children accountability, these programs still don’t cater to the nonreligious and aren’t entirely secular.
Truly secular summer camps focusing on community, education, and social activism have been open for decades. Youth Empowered Action Camp (YEA Camp) is a summer camp that empowers teens to learn how to take on global issues like climate change, LGBT rights, nutrition, poverty, and so on. They learn about organizations dedicated to the causes they care about most and ways they can contribute to those causes. Staying true to their philosophy, YEA campers are provided environmentally responsible meals and may qualify for financial aid.
A camper is attempting to piece together a puzzle while her vision is significantly impaired. After she struggles for another minute, a counselor will offer to finish the task for her, giving her a strong lesson in independence and empathy for those who are differently-abled. (Photo by David Diskin)
Camp Quest is a secular summer program that focuses on science and self-empowerment. Camp Quest provides an atmosphere where children are free to explore and question everything. Combining traditional summer camp activities from hiking to singing with secular and scientific activities like astronomy and world religions, campers are not only taught the value of community and teamwork, but also the value of learning and progress, globally.
“A week at Camp Quest isn’t just about science and the great outdoors,” says David Diskin, president of Camp Quest West. “It’s about helping children understand more about the world around them and their communities. We help them develop empathy for those who are disadvantaged in one way or another, and to respect our fragile planet.” Camp Quest West is running three sessions in California this summer.
Camp Quest is also dedicated to creating a safe place where children of all races, traditions, socioeconomic classes, and abilities feel welcome and valued, and where independence and empathy are promoted. Camp Quest also provides financial assistance to low-income families.
So whether you’re religious or secular, if your kids are looking for some ethics with their archery, some science with their swimming, or some community-building around the campfire, the opportunities abound at summer camp.