A Statement from Camp Pemi

Dear Pemi Family,

We feel deep and profound grief over the murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Tony McDade, and countless Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) before them. Their killings continually expose the institutionalized racism that plagues our nation.

In the face of such entrenched intolerance, we stand in solidarity with BIPOC Americans, and with those pressing for change across the country and globe. We stand in solidarity with our Pemi campers, staff, alumni, and families of color.

We acknowledge that, as a camp for boys founded over 100 years ago, our very existence was established in—and allowed to thrive within—a system of white male privilege that continues to this day. For all of Pemi’s existence, our beloved “Campfire Song” has urged us to look inwards in the spirit of reflection and fellowship: “I wonder if anyone’s better for anything I’ve done or said, and whether good will in the heart may offset mistakes of the head.” Today, as momentous events on the American scene compel us to say something, we at Camp Pemi resolve to do more in order to address the racial inequities that should have been eliminated long ago from a nation dedicated to freedom and equality.

We resolve as an organization to channel our expressions of outrage and solidarity into the rigorous and considered process that this moment calls for, to learn from “past mistakes of the head,” and to align our “good will of the heart” with concrete actions that affirm that Black lives matter.

We pledge to keep you informed as we formalize plans for concrete actions, improvements, and initiatives – including revisiting our mission statement – in our endeavor to ensure that Pemi is a safe, diverse, inclusive, and supportive place for all. As we more formally engage in this work, we are listening, and we welcome your partnership.

– The Board, Directors, and Shareholders of Camp Pemigewassett