Six months of dedication and hard work by members of the Free Inquiry Group, Inc. (Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky area), reached fruition in August when Camp Quest, the first camp for children of secular humanist families, had a successful inauguration. Twenty children between the ages of eight and twelve, from five states, arrived on August 11 at the Bullittsburg (Kentucky) Camp and Retreat Center for a week of camping activities.

Camp Quest was envisioned as an alternative to scouting and religious camps, a camp with the traditional camping activities but without the confining layers of religious dogma. The objective was to provide a week of fun and exploration, emphasizing scientific and secular understanding of the natural world. Along with nature hikes, a field trip to an endangered wetland area, games, singing, arts and crafts, swimming, and camp fires, workshops were conducted on entomology, lake ecology, photography, and astronomy.

But perhaps what set Camp Quest apart from most traditional camps were the open discussions. Bullittsburg Camp, which was leased for the week, is a Baptist camp, complete with religious symbols and Bible verses. While a bit unsettling at first, it provided an excellent backdrop for discussions on secular humanism and what it is like to be a secular humanist in a religious world. During the week, each cabin (4-6 children and an adult counselor) was given a challenge (dealing with, for example, the nature of the world, communities, beliefs and myths) to discuss and present to the Camp on the final evening. These presentations were a highlight of the week.

Most satisfying for those of us who participated in Camp Quest was the opportunity to provide for children an environment where they were free to talk about things in their own words, things like god and atheism and humanism and nature and science. The members of FIG and the staff who came from out-of town, all volunteering their time and talents to make Camp Quest work, deserve hearty congratulations from the secular humanist community. A special recognition goes to Edwin Kagin, who had the inspiration for this camp, thanks also go to the Council for Secular Humanism and members of the secular humanist community for financial support and to many, many humanist and freethought organizations for encouragement and publicity.

The feedback from children and parents has been very positive and encouraging. Planning is already underway for Camp Quest '97.

Vern Uchtman is Registrar of Camp Quest. (1996-1997)

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