How To Be An Ally At Summer Camp

As an international staff member working at summer camp, you’ll encounter people from all walks of life. Your fellow counsellors and campers will come from many backgrounds. They will bring their unique perspectives shaped by their cultures, religions, and nationalities. This presents you with an opportunity, allowing you to be a champion for inclusion and a strong ally for your campers and counsellors.?

While working at camp, making the most of your experience is important. Be open to learning and get out of your comfort zone. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about cultures, traditions, or identities. Especially ones that are different from your own and encourage others to do the same. This will help to break unconscious biases. It will show the challenges faced by others and empower people to be advocates.?

At camp, your campers and fellow counsellors might feel homesick or struggle to adjust. Especially if it’s their first time away from home. Let them know you're there for them. If they seem sad or left out, be a friendly face. Offer a listening ear if they want to vent, and be an active listener. If they share their experiences with you, validate their feelings. Offer support without judgment, this will go a long way.?

Using inclusive language is also crucial as an ally. This helps create an inclusive environment. In it, everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to be themselves. This means embracing how others choose to express themselves and respecting everyone's identity. You can do this by using pronouns and chosen names.

Remember, being an ally is a continuous journey, it's perfectly normal to make mistakes. That's how we learn and grow as allies. Camp is the perfect place to ask for feedback and to seek opportunities to learn more. Continuing to learn and to communicate openly will help you become a better ally.

So make camp unforgettable for everyone this summer by embracing differences and implementing small acts of inclusion. Take steps towards becoming an ally, and create a summer where everyone feels like they belong!

If you want to experience working abroad at a summer camp in Canada, apply here to start your adventure.