Camp Quest

Do you know about Camp Quest? Camp Quest is the first residential summer camp in the U.S. for the children of humanists, atheists, freethinkers, brights, or whatever term is applied to those who hold to a naturalistic world view. The purpose of the camp is to provide children of freethinking parents a camp dedicated to improving the human condition through rational inquiry, critical and creative thinking, scientific method, self-respect, ethics, competency, democracy, and free speech. Campers learn about these things through games, skits and other activities. At mealtime, they celebrate the lives, beliefs and accomplishments of freethinkers throughout history. Campers are encouraged to be comfortable with who they are, while at the same time being respectful of people with different world views. Educational programs are interspersed with traditional camp activities such as swimming, campfires, chess, and archery, Camp Quest, Inc., an independent 501(c)(3) educational non-profit, operates the Ohio Camp Quest and works to coordinate with and support the other independently governed Camp Quest programs. Six Camp Quest summer camps currently offer programs across North America. On a personal note, I (Bob Bhaerman) recently returned from spending a day at the Ohio camp. What impressed me most was the balance between the “traditional” camp activities and humanist principles which are presented in non-didactic or pedantic ways.  To learn more about this marvelous learning experience, check the web site -- www.camp-quest.org.