Special Populations, Camps, & Outdoor Programs

Supporting Special Populations Requires Partnership

Summer learning in camp communities and outdoor spaces offers youth a unique opportunity to grow—helping close the summer learning gap, support mental health, and build essential social skills. These natural environments provide proven benefits for learning and development. Concurrently, many children today are affected by Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and other challenges, creating diverse and unique needs. By combining the power of outdoor education with intentional support for youth with unique needs, we can ensure every child has meaningful opportunities to learn, connect, and thrive.

This PLC fosters a supportive community where professionals can connect, share resources, and address emerging trends in youth development with a specific focus on outdoor education and summer camps that welcome participants with individualized needs through either inclusive or specialized programming. Through expert-led discussions, networking opportunities, and collaborative resource-sharing, the PLC empowers members to better serve their communities. Key topics explored include trauma-informed care, social-emotional learning (SEL), staff and volunteer support, vicarious trauma, and more.

This PLC is a network of dedicated youth development professionals who serve young people in summer camps, outdoor education, or focus on welcoming and supporting various special populations. Special populations include, but is not limited to, youth with physical, cognitive, or learning disabilities, those experiencing homelessness, illness, or bereavement, immigrants, LGBTQ+ youth, and children exposed to domestic violence or trauma.

Example Discussion Topics:

• Self-care for full-time, year-round leadership staff
• Supporting and retaining staff and volunteers
• Recruitment strategies
• Effective marketing techniques
• Addressing vicarious trauma in youth and staff
• Implementing trauma-informed care
• Social-emotional learning (SEL)

Who Should Join?
This Professional Learning Community is designed for youth development professionals who create inclusive and supportive learning experiences in outdoor and camp settings. Ideal participants include:

• Summer camp staff and leaders working in day, resident, or specialty camps
• Outdoor educators bringing learning to life in nature-based environments
• Professionals serving specialized populations, such as youth with disabilities, those experiencing homelessness or bereavement, immigrant and LGBTQ+ youth, or children impacted by trauma
• Program directors, frontline staff, and volunteers seeking tools, resources, and a supportive network to strengthen inclusive or specialized programming

Join a community that shares your passion for making a difference, while gaining access to the tools, resources, and connections that can enhance your impact.