Culture & Climate: The Collective Marks of Trauma on the Identity of Camp

When we consider the thresholds people cross, entering the space we call camp, do we trace the roots of trauma beyond a person and to a group of people? The term collective trauma exposes the physiological and psychological reaction to events that affect(s) an entire segment of society. When a significant event in our life occurs, it is not something naturally existing; it is something we construct as participants within the larger whole. In this webinar, attendees will explore how cultural and climate-based trauma can impact the identity of our work, as well as the MESH (+) effects on the holistic development of our well being.

Presenter Bio:

John Hamilton is a strategic leader in the camp, out-of-school time (OST) and youth development fields. He currently serves as Chief Strategy and Engagement Officer for the Alliance for Camp Health (ACH). John has a deep understanding of mental, emotional, and social (MESH) health needs of youth, national program expansion and a hope-filled perspective. Prior to ACH he served as the National Director for Camp HOPE America where he collaborated with city/county government, national leaders, clinicians, psychologists, and community-based organizations.

John has an MA in Leadership and Cultural Justice, has been named ACA’s Subject Matter expert on MESH and Trauma-Informed Care at camp and is a former Executive Director of a camp near Lake Tahoe. With perspective from hands-on experience overseeing fifty-plus programs around the country, being onsite at an average of ten different camps per summer, and consulting organizations, his voice will help restore belief in the future of our work and guide us to discover ways to create healthier summer learning communities.