Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Resources
The American Camp Association, NY and NJ works as an organization to be an open, inclusive and diverse group of professionals who are committed to creating camp experiences that promotes equity for all. We pledge to be part of the solution and will not stand for injustice.
We strive to create an association that welcomes diverse ideas, experiences, perspectives, and voices. If you have thoughts on programming, events, or resources that may help underscore these values, please let us know.
Together, we can be the difference.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Committee
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) is paramount in our efforts to support and enhance the summer camp community. Because of this, the Board of Directors has commissioned a DEIB Committee that is tasked with evaluating current and future programs and events to ensure that they are accessible and welcoming to all peoples. Please take a look at our release regarding this committee. If you’d like to be a part of it, information can also be found on that page.
#BLMatCamp
The American Camp Association of NY & NJ affirms that Black Lives Matter. The Association promises to work to eliminate structural racism in all of the spaces of our organization and across the entire camp industry.
We are part of a society where the lives of Black Americans continue to be blighted by structural racism, lack of opportunity, health disparities, economic inequality, and direct violence that is committed by or with the support of agents of the government. Associations, including our own, have for too long been complacent or complicit.
The American Camp Association of NY & NJ hereby is committed to racial justice and pledges to act in solidarity with those who are targets of violence and inequity. We are a powerful network of camp change agents with an opportunity before us to create positive systemic change. Affirming that Black Lives Matter engages with our mission of “preserving, promoting, and enhancing the quality of the summer camp experience” and recommits us to creating “an inclusive membership organization that reflects the diverse community we serve.”
Resources and Videos
A Parent’s Guide to Black Lives Matter
Privilege/Class/Social Inequalities Explained in a $100 Race
Sesame Street Explains Black Lives Matter
Coursera Courses on Race, Inequality, and Social Justice
Confronting Prejudice: How to Protect Yourself and Help Others
How to Provide a Multicultural Education
Resources to Help Empower Asian and Pacific Islander Communities
Helpful Articles:
HeySigmund.com "How to Talk to Children About Racism, Prejudice, and Protests"
TeachingKidsNews.com "Black Lives Matter"
Tolerance.org "Bringing Black Lives Matter Into the Classroom (Part 2)"
Get Involved
Join our BIPOC Affinity Group!
What is the purpose of this group? The purpose of this affinity group is to cultivate Black and Brown leaders in the outdoor education/camping field. This affinity group will serve a space for black and brown camp professionals to meet and share experiences, resources, receive mentorship and foster opportunities for collaboration. It will also aim to increase diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging in the camp world.
A committee comprised of black/brown senior level professionals who have expertise in camp management, camp ownership, camp operations, diversity equity and inclusion, and are passionate about both mentorship and coalition building. Join to serve talented young black and brown camp professionals who are interested in moving upward in the outdoor education/camp field. Committee participants should meet one of the following criteria:
1) Full-time staff at any ACA accredited institution
2) Individuals who have completed 1 or more seasons at an ACA accredited institution, and/or camp institution registered with corresponding state/local health department
3) Any experienced outdoor education/overnight expeditionary learning program professionals
We at the American Camp Association, NY & NJ are committed to creating an inclusive membership organization that reflects the diverse community we serve. We welcome all people regardless of gender expression, race, religion, sexual orientation and age and celebrate the varying voices and points of view of our employees and members.