Creating a More Inclusive Camp Experience for Every Camper

At Campfire Circle, we believe every camper deserves to feel seen and celebrated for who they are. Before every summer, we host our Campfire Conference where volunteers, staff, and community members gather for a full day of professional development sessions, connection, and fun. From deepening our understanding of our Indigenous history to learning strategies to support mental health at camp, we hear from key speakers on how we can make camp a safer, more inclusive space for campers.

Supporting Campers Exploring Identity

Camp is a powerful space where kids can explore and express parts of themselves they may not feel safe or confident sharing elsewhere. Whether it’s their gender identity, gender expression, pronouns, or simply trying on new aspects of who they are, we honour the courage it takes to show up at camp as their most authentic self. As staff and volunteers, we hold a vital role in creating spaces that support exploration, choice, and self-discovery. By meeting each camper with openness, curiosity, and respect, we help build a community where everyone feels seen and valued. 

Letting Campers Self-Identify

We ask campers how they want to be identified: what name, what pronouns, what language feels right to them. And then, we honour it. Giving campers the ability to self-identify helps create a space where kids feel respected and gives them ownership over their story.

Building Trust with Full Value Contracts

Every session at camp begins with a conversation within their cabin group. Together, counsellors and campers co-create a Full Value Contract that sets the tone for the week. This agreement outlines expectations for sharing space and for treating one another with kindness and respect. An important part of this includes honouring each other’s preferred names and pronouns, demonstrating the cabin’s commitment to respect, empathy, and mutual support. By co-creating this contract, campers have a voice in shaping their environment. It empowers them to show up as their full, authentic selves and helps foster a safe, inclusive space for everyone.

Leading by Example

Inclusivity starts with humility. Our staff are encouraged to model curiosity, openness, and a willingness to learn – especially when they don’t get it right the first time. As a community, we aim to model for our campers that making mistakes is a natural part of learning and that taking responsibility builds trust. When we get something wrong, especially around names or pronouns, we can say “I’m sorry,” correct ourselves, and move forward. These small actions are powerful in showing campers that they’re safe, respected, and supported. If campers and counsellors are unfamiliar with something – we encourage them to ask! It’s okay not to know everything. In fact, showing a willingness to learn models a growth mindset and creates a culture where learning is always welcome.

Practising Pronouns Before Campers Arrive

Before our campers even step off the bus, our staff are preparing. We practice names and pronouns ahead of time to reduce missteps and ensure every camper is welcomed with warmth and respect. While we strive to be ready for arrival day, we also understand that gender identity and expression are personal, evolving, and sometimes fluid. At Campfire Circle, we greet each camper as they are on Day 1 – and we stay open, curious, and respectful as we continue getting to know them throughout the session. Our goal is to create a space where every camper feels seen, supported, and free to be who they are. 

Calling In, Not Calling Out

When we hear mistakes – whether it be misgendering a camper, using the wrong pronouns, or using an outdated term – we practice “calling in”. Calling in is a gentle correction, in which we invite a conversation and hold space for learning. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about being committed to growth and taking responsibility for how we show up in our community. By calling in, we support each other in becoming more accountable, respectful, and kind. It’s one of the ways we build a camp culture rooted in care, empathy, and shared learning. 

At Campfire Circle, inclusion and care are part of our guiding principles. Creating braver spaces where campers can show up us as their authentic selves is one way we help promote overall well-being and help them build confidence and resiliency.