ERIC Number: EJ1435353
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2024
Pages: 15
Abstractor: ERIC
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-2325-4009
EISSN: EISSN-2325-4017
Benchmarking Strategies Used to Increase Diversity, Equity, Inclusion at Summer Camps
Lisa Meerts-Brandsma; Tyler Wycoff; Jim Sibthorp
Journal of Youth Development, v19 n1 Article 4 p32-45 2024
Summer camps in the United States operate in different contexts and formats to attract and serve youth with varying backgrounds. Overall, they currently serve more White, able-bodied, middle- to upper-class youth than youth of color, LGBTQ+ youth, youth with differing physical abilities, and other diverse identities (American Camp Association, 2018; Browne et al., 2019). Like many youth organizations, many camps view this trend as problematic and are addressing it through new and updated diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies and practices (American Camp Association, 2013; Gutiérrez et al., 2017). While some research has documented DEI strategies used at summer camps, no research to date has assessed the prevalence of specific strategies used at camps across the United States. Therefore, this study aims to identify the frequency of specific DEI strategies used by camps, effective approaches to hiring staff from underrepresented backgrounds, and training strategies that support existing staff in incorporating DEI practices into their work. Having this data will enable camps to self-evaluate their own progress. It also establishes a benchmark where future scholarship can begin to determine how to assess and promote more effective DEI practices.
Descriptors: Camps, Summer Programs, Diversity, LGBTQ People, Minority Groups, Disabilities, Personnel Selection, Training, Benchmarking, Governance, Youth
Clemson University Press. 116 Sigma Drive, Clemson, SC 29634. Tel: 864-656-2278; e-mail: cupress@clemson.edu; Web site: www.clemson.edu/press
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A