All staff deserve the right to be safe and affirmed as their authentic selves at camp. LGBTQIA+ staff face unique barriers, including lack of representation and understanding as well as insufficient support in addressing issues surrounding sexuality and gender identity with campers. Let's examine how you can make a safe(r) space for your staff starting today by learning about the top 5 things that camps are doing that they shouldn’t be- and the top 5 things that they should do that they aren’t.

Presenter:

Chris Rehs-Dupin: Pronouns: he/him/his –Chris spent the majority of his professional career (18 years) in youth development in the outdoors before transferring to a management position with the City of Columbus.  Chris is a passionate speaker, trainer, and educator.  His crowing camp achievement was acting as a member of the ACA Illinois Mid-states Camp Conference leadership team in 2019.  

Chris is an active member of his church community as part of the social justice ministry- including LGTBQ+ advocacy, homeless outreach, and New American ministries.  The church even allows him to mow the grass- although he has run over things he shouldn’t have more than once.  Chris is a father of two children who are the center of his universe and his consistent reason for trying to make the world a better place.  When he is not working he enjoys running, maple syrup production, gardening, and wine making.