Author name here for Edited books Chapter 15 Inclusive Outdoor Recreation and Summer Camps 15 Inclusive Outdoor Recreation and Summer Camps chapter Cindy Dillenschneider, Frederick Green, Terry Long, and Terry Robertson

Awareness is becoming acquainted with environment, no matter where one happens to be. Man does not suddenly become aware or infused with wonder; it is something we are born with. –Sigurd Olson

Outdoor Recreation Cindy Dillenschneider and Frederick Green

Values Respect of environment through ethical use Societal acceptance of all people

Outdoor Recreation Can enhance acceptance and inclusion Can improve self-concept of all Easy and inexpensive Simple; only required resource is space

People Who Recreate in the Outdoors Inclusive practice should not be restricted All cultures, abilities, and ages and both sexes Groups to include: –Returning soldiers –Grandparents and boomers –People who are overweight –Children of the 21st century –People with varied abilities

Creating Safe Space for Participation Physical and emotional safety Respecting faith and spirituality Gender, sexual orientation, and sexual identity –Creating a gender-neutral atmosphere –Appropriate language use Recognizing cultural and ethnic differences –Culture and outdoor participation preferences –Impact of the past on current participation –Value contradictions and land use

Advantages and Challenges Unique accessibility challenges –Likely to be in less developed areas –Development restrictions may be in place –Modification may be considered unethical On the other hand... –Outdoor recreation environments can be considered the most accessible –Developed sites can be built to be accessible –All activities take place “on one floor”

Water-Based Outdoor Activities Canoes Rafts Sailboats Kayaks Challenges and advantages

Land-Based Outdoor Activities Hiking and backpacking Rock climbing Orienteering Bicycling Horse power Dog sledding Snowshoeing (continued)

Land-Based Outdoor Activities (continued) Nordic and backcountry skiing Fishing Wildlife watching Challenges and advantages

Inclusive Summer Camps Terry Long and Terry Robertson

Camp Culture Camp is like no other environment. It is a unique opportunity to –be yourself, –explore your playful side, –develop relationships, and –forget your worries. Goal of camp counseling is to facilitate a safe, open, and accepting culture.

Building Camp Culture An inclusive identity –Establish your identity as an inclusive service –Inform the public through promotion –Don’t forget donors, sponsors, and partners –Communicate this message to potential staff Preparing camp staff –Attitude is critical –Skills and knowledge must be built through training

Staff Training Training on policies and procedures. –Behavior management policy –Medication policy –Accommodations policy Train them to be good counselors –How to talk with campers about their needs –How to deal with apprehension and homesickness –How to promote acceptance and participation –How to identify need for and implement adaptations (continued)

Staff Training (continued) Training on the inclusion process –Cabin and group placement procedures –Camper supervision responsibilities –Strategies for social inclusion Safety considerations –Registration procedures for identifying needs –What to ask and what not to ask –Transfers These areas interact and will overlap

Supporting Campers With Disabilities Segregated camp and program approach Segregated cabins and group approach Inclusive approach 1: –Support with specialized inclusion counselors –Only specific staff are assigned and trained to work with campers with special needs Inclusive approach 2: –Support with cross-trained counselors –Every staff member is assigned and trained to work with campers with special needs

Disability and Barriers Architectural barriers Environmental barriers –Present unique challenges in regard to access –Can be part of the camp experience, providing challenge to all campers Attitudes –Camp culture can facilitate positive attitudes –Building the culture is an ongoing process

Camp Logistics Cabin assignment Activity locations Restroom locations Daily camp schedules

Camp Programming Program to encourage interaction Program and modify to highlight strengths Program to celebrate differences Counselors should engage and facilitate

Self-Segregation Some campers may withdraw from activities. Research suggests campers with disabilities are encouraged less than others. Be careful to have high expectations for all. Counselors must work hard in a respectful manner to encourage participation.

Summary Recreation providers must recognize the rights of all people to experience inclusion. Keys to success: –Enable participants to be fully engaged rather than relegated to a lesser role. –Recognize individual competence and independence. –Provide choice from a range of supports. –Ensure every participant is respected as an active, contributing member with the same status as others.