Equity Action Fund

Mission Statement

Camp Sealth is committed to providing high-quality camp programs to all youth, especially those who need it the most. The Equity Action Fund provides funds to enable BIPOC youth to experience Camp Sealth programs through:

  • Full and partial scholarships to summer camp for kids who identify as BIPOC,
  • Free or low-cost Outdoor Education programs (day or overnight) for schools with a majority of BIPOC students, and
  • A low-cost weekend Family Camp for BIPOC families.

Guiding Principles

  • BIPOC children have historically been excluded from camp experiences due to structural and systemic racism.
  • Summer camp and Outdoor Education provide opportunities for social and emotional growth and learning critical life skills that are valuable for all kids, especially those from marginalized groups who may not normally have access.
  • Camp Sealth is committed to providing high-quality camp experiences to all kids, especially those who need it most due to adverse life experiences and historical exclusion.
  • The work of the EAF team:
    • Identifies and works to eliminate barriers that prevent BIPOC children from attending camp,
    • Incorporates BIPOC voices in directing priorities and making decisions, and
    • Maintains transparency about how decisions are made and money is spent.
  • The EAF team works towards long-term sustainability of the fund. At the same time, we don’t want money to be the primary barrier that prevents BIPOC youth from attending camp, and Camp Fire can reallocate resources to ensure the continuity of this program.
  • The work of the EAF team is supplemented by ongoing efforts to educate and diversify the camp staff, leadership, and board. We recognize that the organization will be better prepared to meet the needs of BIPOC youth when their identities are represented in the staff, leadership, and board.
  • The camp leadership work to create internal systems to ensure that BIPOC youth feel welcome, affirmed, and supported throughout their experience at camp.

Current EAF Work in Progress

As of summer 2022, the EAF raised over $25,000 through fundraisers and individual donations. In the summer of 2022, 40 first-time BIPOC youth attended overnight camp at no cost through the EAF, and in October 2022, Camp Sealth hosted S’more Diversity Family Camp, a retreat for BIPOC families.

EAF Timeline

  • December 2, 2021 – Creation of the fund by Chantel Jackson and first donation made by Rick & Deb Taylor
  • December 6, 2021 – Tiktok video was made and went viral
  • December 19, 2021 – $5k raised through first appeal, gumbo sales
  • February, 2022 – First EAF committee meeting
  • April 15, 2022 – S’more Diversity Family Camp registration opens and fills within one week
  • July 21, 2022 – Equity Action Fund feature on King 5’s Evening Show
  • Summer 2022 – 40 kids of color signed up for Camp Sealth resident camp
  • October 1, 2022 – First annual S’more Diversity Family Camp hosted at Camp Sealth

How Can I Help?

  • Donate to the Equity Action Fund
  • Identify BIPOC children, families, or schools who qualify and could benefit from the EAF
  • Recruit BIPOC teens and young adults (age 15+) to apply as teen leaders or summer staff
  • Share about the EAF with friends, business contacts, and through social media
  • Help us identify sources of ongoing funding to make the EAF sustainable in future years
  • Serve on the Equity Action Fund Advisory Group (BIPOC only). Email Carrie or Chantel to learn more.