CAMPER Grant (Camp Accessibility, Meaningful Participation, and Equal Representation)

CAMPER Grant Overview

Full Name: Camp Accessibility, Meaningful Participation, and Equal Representation

Program Type: Three-year initiative to better include underserved youth populations at summer and overnight camps

Focus Areas

The grant supports removal of barriers for three specific populations:
• Youth who identify as LGBTQ+
• Young people with disabilities
• Young people from economically underserved backgrounds

What the Grant Supports

Practical Barriers:
• Additional housing for trans and gender-nonconforming youth
• Updates to camp facilities
• Financial assistance for campers

Educational & Cultural Components:

Staff training and education on diverse identities

Development of welcoming language in program descriptions and marketing materials

Proactive accommodation planning before youth arrive

Consultation with youth from underserved populations on accessibility needs

Geographic Scope

National initiative across Camp Fire's 52+ council affiliates

Contact Information

Ben Matthews, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Specialist Email: ben.matthews@campfire.org

Program Background

This grant was instrumental in launching Camp Fire's first specific summer camp session for LGBTQ+ kids as a pilot program, which was so successful it motivated Camp Fire's national headquarters to seek out grant funding for broader camp outreach to underserved populations.