Season 1, Episode 22
EmJ Juszczyk is joined by Nick Teich and Jace Schara to talk LGBTQ+ camps and programming! They talk about what, if anything, is different about camps centered around LGBTQ+ campers (hint: some things are different).
The crew talks bunking plans, traditional programming at camp, and baby steps camps can take to be more inclusive for all campers and staff.
If you’re looking for insight on being more inclusive and wondering what you’re not thinking about, this is the pod for you.
Producer EmJ’s takeaways:
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Want to know what campers want? Ask them.
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Own and be honest about where your camp is in terms of being inclusive to campers and staff, especially if it’s not where you’d like it to be.
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All we’re really asking for is that everyone forms great friendships and keeps their hands to themselves.
Show Notes
We recorded this on March 21, 2023. Since then we have already seen acts in legislation that affect our campers and community. Check out Transplaining For Camps and Transplaining for more information and resources for your community.
Reach out to Nick and Fairwinds Consulting for direct support and consulting for your camp!
Our Guests
Jace Schara
Jace Schara is the Director of programming at Central Oklahoma Camp and Conference Center and Cofounder of Camp Prism, a camp for LGBTQ+ individuals. I got into the camp industry while pursuing my Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology: Outdoor and Community Recreation from the University of Central Oklahoma. Now that I have graduated I work full time at camp. I am a lover of all things climbing, golf cart rides, and Oklahoma sunsets!
Nick Teich
Dr. Nick Teich, PhD, LCSW, started Harbor Camps for transgender youth and directed it over the next 13 years. He now consults with camps from everywhere while he also runs a new camp in Maine: Fairwinds Family Camp. Nick began his overnight camping career in Maine at the age of 10. Nick is a member of the ACA-New England Board of Directors, Maine Summer Camps, and the World Professional Association of Transgender Health. He is also the author of Transgender 101: A Simple Guide to a Complex Issue (Columbia Univ. Press). He lives in the Boston area with his wife and two young children.
Episode Info
This episode is hosted by EmJ Juszczyk.
The Summer Camp Society Podcast is edited and produced by EmJ Juszczyk.
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