Youth as Co-Creators: Shifting Towards Equity and Empowerment - with Alayna Schmidt - The Pudding #22

Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/the-pudding/youth-as-co-creators

Empowering Youth and Advancing Equity in Summer Camps: Insights from Alayna Schmidt

In this episode, Dr. Mandi Baker and Travis Allison interview Alayna Schmidt, a PhD candidate at Clemson University. Alayna’s research focuses on empowering youth as co-creators in camp settings and integrating justice-centered environmental education. She discusses her journey into research and the significant impact of youth participatory action research. The conversation shifts towards the historical and cultural aspects of summer camps, highlighting the pervasiveness of white supremacy in culture. The podcast shares practical strategies for camp professionals to advance equity without overwhelming staff, including youth engagement in decision-making processes and restorative justice approaches.

• 00:00 Introductions & Alayna’s Pathway to Camp Research
• 03:13 Sneak Peeks of Youth Participatory Action Research
• 05:17 Exploring Black Feminist Theory
• 08:02 Addressing White Supremacy in Camp Culture
• 21:00 Thoughtful Change of Traditions
• 23:13 Practical Steps for Advancing Equity in Camps
• 29:12 How to “Call Someone In” - Using Social Capital
• 32:33 Future Directions & Episode Wrap-up

Your Hosts

• Dr. Mandi Baker, Researcher - Summer Camp, Outdoor Recreation, Sociology and Hospitality/Tourism - getlamped@gmail.com
• Travis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp Pro - travis@gocamp.pro
• Alayna Schmidt, PhD Candidate, Clemson University - alaynas@clemson.edu

 Additional Links of Interest

• REYSE Collaboratory
• Alayna’s Website
• Toolkit: Racial Healing and Youth Development

Thanks to our sponsors!

The American Camp Association - Illinois

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Camptivities

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