Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
“Since 1908, Camp Pemigewassett’s abiding mission has been to inspire and support boys ages 8 to 15 as they find their own distinctive paths in becoming self-reliant, caring, and engaged citizens of our diverse and ever-changing world.”
Guided by our mission statement, Pemi seeks to create an environment where every boy finds the inspiration and support needed to grow into a self-reliant, caring, and engaged community member, and a commitment to embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion lies at the forefront of this effort. Pemi campers and staff come from all walks of life, and we strive to ensure that each individual is embraced for who they are. Our efforts include constantly asking ourselves if we really are the camp we want to be and committing to improvements when we identify them. Pemi believes that we are a place where everyone belongs, and we’re dedicated to ensuring that belief is well-founded.
Pemi’s DEI vision relies on our full community. We teach our counselors and staff how to promote an equitable and inclusionary environment where all feel welcome and valued. Counselors talk with their boys about what it means to live together, to respect each other, and to embrace the unique attributes of each member of the Pemi family. Older boys partner with younger campers to help instill our ethos of inclusion and mutual respect. Even Pemi parents, families, and alumni play a prominent role in our efforts, as we work with them to help increase the diversity of our campers and staff. We believe that the ongoing work of building an ever-more inclusive community requires all our efforts.
To guide our ongoing work and learning, and to ensure that we hold ourselves accountable, Pemi’s Board established a DEI Committee. This group meets on a regular basis throughout the year to create, evaluate, reassess, and refocus actionable steps designed to advance our DEI goals. The Committee consists of current staff members, managing directors, Pemi parents, and Board members, all of whom are committed to helping Pemi continue to grow and improve.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee Members
Created in June 2020, Pemi’s DEI Committee—with representatives of Pemi parents, alumni, managing directors, and the Board of Directors—meets regularly to formalize plans for improvements and initiatives as we embrace the opportunity to grow as a camp community.
Land Acknowledgement
As we delve into learning more about the Indigenous Peoples who lived on and cared for the lands we now occupy, and in consultation with the New Hampshire Indigenous Collaborative Collective, Camp Pemigewassett will incorporate a land acknowledgement into our campfire tradition:
This campfire takes place on N’dakinna, which is the traditional ancestral homeland of the Abenaki, Pennacook, and Wabanaki Peoples past and present. We acknowledge and honor with gratitude the land and waterways and the people who have stewarded N’dakinna throughout the generations.
Pemi’s Statements & Actions
- We created a senior management position with a focus on camper and staff mental health and wellbeing
- Since the formation of our DEI Committee, Pemi has:
- Increased our financial aid budget to extend access
- Changed our payment structure to remove additional in-summer charges
- Reviewed and updated our program, songs, and place names to ensure all reflect Pemi values
- New Hampshire Magazine Feature
- DEI Committee Interim Report – April 2021
- Pemi Statement – June 2020