With great power comes…well, you know the rest.

We all know that even in the sunshine and butterflies that is summer camp, there is evil lurking about. An evil that affects people and communities from all over. It has a name, too.

Are you ready?

Power.

Okay, maybe a bit dramatic, but it’s something nonetheless that we need to talk about when it comes to the microcosm that is summer camp.

On this episode, Mandi and Travis discuss how the power structures of the summer camp world have consequential effects on not just the employees, but the entire culture and program.

You’ll hear about:

• How power is an ever-present entity, how everyone has it (to an extent) and how dynamic it can be

• The risk of harm that can be inherent in the systems that even the most well-intentioned camp leaders can create

• How the different spaces, and the unspoken rules of those spaces create a power-filled environment

• How camp directors can be aware of these systems of power and consider the good, the bad and the ugly in them

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Your Hosts:

• Dr. Mandi Baker, Researcher - Summer Camp, Outdoor Recreation, Sociology and Hospitality/Tourism - getlamped@gmail.com

• Travis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp Pro - travis@gocamp.pro

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Thanks to our sponsors!

The American Camp Association - Illinois

The American Camp Association of Illinois is made up of nearly 289,000 members, volunteers, campers, families, and professionals who believe in the power of camp. We work to disrupt the effects of poverty by providing fundamental services for children and families, and learning opportunities for camp professionals. Learn more about ACA Illinois by visiting acail.org.

Camptivities

You know the impact you want camp to make in a child’s life. But figuring out the day-to-day details can be overwhelming. Let Camptivities help you make that impact by streamlining the creation of your camp activity schedules. Schedule a demo at camptivities.com.