The State of DEI and Camp in 2025 - with Simone Gamble and Rachel Kent - CampHacker #215

The CampHacker Podcast

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Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2025/dei-camp-2025

Is Summer Camp Inherently Racist? A Frank Discussion on DEI in the Camp Industry

This week on the CampHacker Podcast, Travis Allison gets straight to the point with Chris Hudson, Rachel Kent, and Simone Gamble: Is summer camp inherently racist? They dig into the history of camping and how it's wrestled with being truly open and welcoming to everyone. The group doesn't shy away from the industry's past and looks closely at the challenges camps still face in making sure all kids and staff feel like they belong.

The conversation moves beyond just talking about diversity to practical steps camps can take to show they're serious about inclusion. They discuss real actions like looking at their own numbers, setting clear rules, and making sure their leadership reflects the campers they serve. The episode also touches on the tricky balance of speaking out about these values in today's world. Ultimately, the panel pushes the camp industry to really think hard about who feels welcome and to actively build camps where everyone can thrive.

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Tool of the Week - Make Yourself a Better Camp Director

• Travis - The World’s Fairest City - yours and mine (book) https://amzn.to/4ihb8no
• Chris - Laziness does not Exist https://bookshop.org/a/84130/9781982140113
• Rachel - Your Next BreakThrough Mark Manson newsletter - https://markmanson.net/breakthrough
• Simone - The Anti-Racist Organization : Dismantling Systemic Racism in the Workplace : Shereen Daniels https://bookshop.org/a/84130/9781119880622

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Your Hosts

• Travis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp Pro
• Chris Hudson, Camp Consultant and Director - Camp Highlight
• Simone Gamble, Founder - OAAARS
• Rachel Kent, Camp Consultant, RKent Consulting

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