Camp Quest is atheists’ answer to Bible school

[rug]

A dispatch from atheist summer camp.

At Camp Quest Chesapeake, 34 campers have been asked to create, in the name of self-governance, a list of five rules that they think everyone should follow for the week.

“Be friendly to everyone.” Camp director Sarah Menon reads an item from one picnic table’s list before moving on. “Have your water bottle filled with water.” “Don’t attempt to fight telepathic bears without a helmet.”

The goal of the exercise is to get campers to think about the democratic process: What is the purpose of creating and following rules? What if a rule passes that they don’t agree with? Are they obligated to follow it anyway

http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/camp-quest-is-atheists-answer-to-bible-school/2011/07/19/gIQAe1hRbI_story.html

I like the “Be friendly to everyone” rule.

[no_hypocrisy]

1. I know the founders. They are amazing people who created Camp Quest

years ago with wonderful programs for kids of all ages.

[ZombieHorde]

2. My wife wants to go to a family atheist camp next summer.

I'll go if she goes, but I often feel uncomfortable around people who think like I do.

I took a philosophy 101 class two or three semesters ago, and all of the students were fellow atheists, so I found myself defending theism. I just get uncomfortable when everyone seems to think alike.

I used to belong to a religious cult, and I really liked it because very few members were atheists/skeptics, but they were still very open sexually. They were also very tolerant of my skepticism, though I think some of them thought I was joking. Very fun group for young, single people if you love religious debate and sex.

[laconicsax]

3. It's a mistake to market this as an "answer to Bible school"

It'd be better to just let it stand as is. I think a lot of liberal Christians would be willing to send their kids to a summer camp that emphasizes critical thinking, discussion, democracy, and ethics. Labeling it an "atheist camp" with "atheist swimming" and "atheist hiking" is just stupid.

If you look at the activities page on the Camp Quest website, there's a list of traditional summer camp activities and a list of 'educational' activities:

Astronomy
Biology & Evolution
Critical Thinking
Ecology & Environmental Science
Ethics
Famous Freethinkers/Humanist Heroes
Fossil Hunting
Invisible Unicorn Challenge
Philosophy
Science Experiments
World Religions

I find it difficult to see a liberal Christian having a problem with the vast majority of these.

[rug]

4. You're probably right.

It's better to describe it for what it affirms rather than what it denies.