Be aware Camp Quest is a humanist camp for children
Camp Quest is often presented to the public as a “secular camp” or an “atheist camp” for children. Upon doing further research on Camp Quest, however, one will learn it is actually a humanist camp.
In this 2016 video, recognized atheist commentator Seth Andrews labels Camp Quest a “secular camp” while soliciting for donations to fund camp activities. The video also features a short promo clip produced by Camp Quest that presents children, parents and staff praising the camp. Humanism is not mentioned in the video.
Camp Quest’s website vaguely explains what “humanist ethics” entail, and does not point visitors in a direction to learn about what exactly humanism is. The camp’s website explains, “Humanism is a progressive philosophy of life that, without theism or other supernatural beliefs, affirms our ability and responsibility to lead ethical lives of personal fulfillment that aspire to the greater good. Camp activities that focus on humanist ethics aim to familiarize campers with this worldview which promotes altruism, peace and social justice, community service, and personal responsibility to helping others and caring for our planet.”
While the camp’s vague explanation of humanist ethics makes humanism seem simple, one who researches humanism may be surprised to learn how structured humanism actually is, almost as though it is a religion in itself. In 1933 the first Humanist Manifesto was released, explaining that humanism is a religious movement attempting to replace previous religions. Since then two other humanist manifestos have been released, the most recent one, called Humanism and its Aspirations, having been released by the controversial organization American Humanist Association in 2003.
Camp Quest launched in Kentucky in 1995 and has since grown to have camps in over 13 states, as well as international camps.
As a representative of Republican Atheists, I encourage parents to be cautious of sending their children to Camp Quest because of its affiliation with humanism, a belief system with an origin of mimicking religion. Humanist groups, which can be found throughout the United States, also tend to have a very left-leaning approach to issues. I recommend sending your children to a camp that does not follow a specific doctrine.
Lauren Ell is President of Republican Atheists. She is a business owner, consultant, marketer and communications strategist. Contact Lauren Ell here. Follow Republican Atheists on Facebook and Twitter.
