A New Approach to a Traditional Girls’ Summer Camp at YWCA VT Camp Hochelaga: Embracing Spirituality while Centering Anti-Racism and Women’s+ Empowerment

Abstract: Summer camps are spaces for spiritual transformation, initiation, and development; acting as a rite of passage for many North American adolescents. Beyond the friendship bracelets and campfires, the origins of summer camp are rooted in Muscular Christianity, white supremacy, colonialism, and cultural appropriation. By acknowledging these facts and centering the YWCA’s mission to, "eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all," YWCA Vermont Camp Hochelaga has begun work to repair the harmful white-supremecist-neo-liberal-patriarchical and colonial origins of camp to create an integrated and holistic approach that can pave the way for a better society beyond campgrounds.

Presenter bio: Chelsea Irys Rendlen is a spiritual activist and author. She holds a M.A. in Spirituality Mind Body, Psychology in Education from Columbia University, has her own Healing Practice, Irys Healing Arts, and is the Executive Director of the YWCA Vermont Camp Hochelaga where she creates socially and spiritually conscious spaces.

Affiliation: YWCA Vermont