New England’s first atheist summer camp launches, raising questions about atheist youth education -

[rug]

Campers at Camp Quest Chesapeake in 2013. Photo by Siobhan Riordan, courtesy Riordan.

Chris Stedman | May 5, 2014

This summer Camp Quest (CQ)—a trailblazing summer camp for the children of nontheistic parents with locations across the United States and around the world—will launch its first camp in New England, with registration recently opening for campers and counselors.

What happens at an atheist summer camp? How do they avoid charges of “indoctrination”? And if atheists “don’t have no songs” as Steve Martin claims, what do they sing when gathered around the campfire?

To learn more I spoke with Paul Chiariello, founding Director of CQ’s Humanism, Ethics, Logic, and Philosophy Curriculum Committee and Program Director for CQ New England. Below, we discuss CQ New England, education for atheist, agnostic, and Humanist youth, and why they’re not “indoctrinating” children.

Chris Stedman: What’s the mission and history of CQ?

Paul Chiariello: CQ is the first summer camp aimed at Humanist, atheist, and secular families. It started in 1996 with the mission of providing a unique resource for Humanist parents, as well as the often-elusive fun educational opportunity for their kids. Given our growth I think we’ve been widely successful. We currently have around 18 member camps across the country, many of which can’t keep up with demand.

http://chrisstedman.religionnews.com/2014/05/05/new-englands-first-atheist-summer-camp-launches-interview-camp-quests-paul-chiariello/

http://campquestnewengland.org/

[cbayer]

1. I think it's cool and the guy sounds thoughtful and insightful.

My only concern would be if they took an anti-theist approach, but it doesn't sound like that is the case.

I went to church camps as a kid, and, like this guy, they were the highlight of my summer.

Other than some songs, I don't remember it being religious at all. If it was, it certainly wasn't the part that really appealed to me.

I wouldn't hesitate to send my kids to a camp like this, but I wouldn't hesitate to send them to a church camp if it had a liberal/progressive base.

[AleksS]

2. The trouble would be to vet the church camps first

The trouble would be to vet the church camps first. You got lucky. I know first (and secondhand) that church camps can often be a very dogma-intensive, high-pressure, indoctrination session.

Camp can be great! My daughter loves her camps, but we've gone exclusively with Girl Scout and YMCA camps. I would totally do a Camp Quest, if one ever opens in Wisconsin. I'm surprised there isn't one by Madison here.

[cbayer]

3. I am aware of those kinds of camps.

I grew up in a very progressive church in a very progressive denomination. They focused on issues of social justice, civil rights, peace and very little on anything one might consider fundamentalist.

And I'm very aware of how fortunate I am.

I would love to see more non-religious alternatives that didn't cost a fortune. They are not easy to come by.

[rug]

4. There's one in western Michigan and one in Minnesota.

http://www.campquest.org/locations

[AleksS]

5. Yeah, I saw. My daughter's seven years old

Yeah, I saw. My daughter's seven years old, so we'd want the camp to be at least in state if we need to get over to it for some unexpected reason.

Aleks