Chris Rehs-Dupin, 5-Minute Fridays Instructor.
Chris Rehs-Dupin
5-Minute Fridays Instructor
What camps have you worked at?
Bear Creek Aquatic Camp
Camp Piomingo
Camp Pennyroyal
Camp Ken-Jockety
Why is working at summer camp important to you?
I believe that summer camp experiences are transformative in ways that are not accessible in other youth development fields because of the inherent independence from daily life and caregivers, the near peer relationship of counselors, the proximity to nature & play and the communal aspect of camp that reinforce the benefit of working together so everyone’s needs are met.
Who is a camp leader you look up to and why?
I am really grateful for Simone Gamble and the work they are doing both in the camp world and in their organizing work. I have had the good fortune to collaborate with Simone on several occasions and every time we work together I leave with expanded points of view and feeling continuously challenged and inspired to make change.
They are an expert in what justice should look like across contexts, but present it in a loving way that allows participants to dig deeper, but not shut down. Simone also has a cool factor that is just beyond words.
What was the first time you were noticed and appreciated by an adult that wasn't your parent?
In 1st grade we were doing a writing assignment about what we had for breakfast. I didn’t want to do a writing assignment, I wanted to write a song about my breakfast and so that is what I did. Looking back the teacher could have easily gotten mad that I didn’t do the assignment as requested but instead praised me for my creativity and even called my parents to tell them how special they thought it was that I was thinking out of the box.
I guess I have never been good at following rules when I am swept up in my own process. This teacher reinforced that sometimes pushing boundaries can even be rewarded!
What hobbies do you enjoy outside of camp?
I am a basement vintner (which means I make wine in my basement), I enjoy adventures in moderate climates, making maple syrup, partially completed home projects that make my wife grouchy, and writing.
What are you passionate about (besides summer camp)?
I am passionate about being a good Dad to the world’s 2 coolest kids, advocating for trans* equity in all spaces, redefining what work/life harmony should look like, and cultivating joy for myself and others.
Check out Chris’ on 5-Minute Fridays