Each summer, tens of thousands of kids are shipped off to summer camp. They spend a week in the woods learning about canoeing, burnt food, and making things with beads.
The vast majority of these camps are religious in nature or, at least, have a religious group as a sponsor. The Boy Scouts have religion as a core belief [1].
Camp Quest is purely secular though.
Camp Quest provides an educational adventure shaped by fun, friends and freethought, featuring science, natural wonder and humanist values.
Values we teach: integrity, empathy, creativity, critical thinking, and community.
My child isn’t old enough for summer camp, but this is where he’ll be heading.
Each year, I make a small request for you guys to help out Camp Quest Texas. They have an Amazon Wish List that includes what they intend to use the materials for (there are beads… sigh).
If you can, please help out. Or help out a Camp Quest in your state. Many of these camp quests offer scholarships so that kids who normally wouldn’t be able to go to camp get a chance to go. None of this goes to me or benefits me in any way (until my kid gets to go to camp). It does benefit us all, making freethought, skepticism, and naturalism more accessible to children.
We now return you to your regularly scheduled blog post.
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[1] from http://www.scouting.org/FAQ/Parent.aspx
Scout Oath
On my honor I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law; to help other people at all times; to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.
Scout Law
A Scout is:
Trustworthy – A Scout tells the truth. He keeps his promises. Honesty is part of his code of conduct. People can depend on him.
Loyal – A Scout is true to his family, Scout leaders, friends, school, and nation.
Helpful – A Scout is concerned about other people. He does things willingly for others without pay or reward.
Friendly – A Scout is a friend to all. He is a brother to other Scouts. He seeks to understand others. He respects those with ideas and customs other than his own.
Courteous – A Scout is polite to everyone regardless of age or position. He knows good manners make it easier for people to get along together.
Kind – A Scout understands there is strength in being gentle. He treats others as he wants to be treated.
Obedient – A Scout follows the rules of his family, school, and troop. He obeys the laws of his community and country. If he thinks these rules and laws are unfair, he tries to have them changed in an orderly manner rather than disobey them.
Cheerful – A Scout looks for the bright side of things. He cheerfully does tasks that come his way. He tries to make others happy.
Thrifty – A Scout works to pay his way and to help others. He saves for unforeseen needs. He protects and conserves natural resources. He carefully uses time and property.
Brave – A Scout can face danger even if he is afraid. He has the courage to stand for what he thinks is right even if others laugh at or threaten him.
Clean – A Scout keeps his body and mind fit and clean. He goes around with those who believe in living by these same ideals. He helps keep his home and community clean.
Reverent – A Scout is reverent toward God. He is faithful in his religious duties. He respects the beliefs of others.
