by: Hannah Herman, Ellen Fox, and Molly Herrmann

First, we at Eagle’s Nest recognize Black history month is every month. However, this February we want to cast special attention on historical events and figures, as well as amplify modern-day voices, to honor contributions from the Black communities. Our foundation’s mission, which is italicized throughout this blog, frames everything we do – including this reflection.

“Experiential Education for young people…

As a community of educators, Eagle’s Nest strives to create programs that are inclusive, innovative, and aligned with best practices for youth development. Throughout history, Black educators have made tremendous efforts which shaped – and continue to shape – the educational landscape so all children can learn, grow, and thrive. One of the many examples of inspiring educators and advocates to spotlight is Marian Wright Edelman.

Edelman’s lifelong dedication to children’s rights and education deeply resonates with our camp’s commitment to nurturing young leaders. As founder of the Children’s Defense Fund, she fought tirelessly to ensure all children have access to enriching experiences and opportunities to grow—a mission we embrace each summer as we welcome diverse campers and counselors and train counselors to care, teach, and create transformative experiences. Her famous words, “Service is the rent we pay for being,” echo through our community responsibilities at Eagle’s Nest. Her revolutionary Freedom Schools model, which provides summer and after-school enrichment through culturally relevant curricula, reading, mentoring, and family engagement, has transformed thousands of young lives. At Eagle’s Nest, we strive to teach campers that their talents and voices can create positive change in their communities, just as Edelman has done throughout her remarkable career.

…promoting the natural world…

Humans are inherently connected to nature, and it is important to recognize the history of this nature-connection amongst different communities. It is also important to seek out and listen deeply to lived experiences of the communities one seeks to better understand. We strongly encourage you to take a few moments to read Sally Steele’s blog. While reflecting on her own family’s history with nature, she deftly summarizes the legacy of connection, disruption, exclusion, and healing that Black communities have experienced with the outdoors.

At Eagle’s Nest Foundation, we recognize the history and lasting impacts of outdoor racism and are actively working to make our programs exemplars of belonging for every person. We know that people of all races enjoy spending time outside and that our cultures shape the ways we engage with nature. To learn more about the DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging) work that has been done and continues to be done and re-evaluated at Eagle’s Nest Foundation, visit our website here. This is why we partnered with Black Folks Camp Too, which is a company committed to getting Black folks outside. Our organization required every staff member to complete a Unity Blaze certificate training program offered through Black Folks Camp Too. The Blaze signifies, “You are invited and welcome.” At Eagle’s Nest, everyone belongs. We are committed to constant reflection on how we can make our spaces more safe, accessible, and joyful for all people. Your partnership in these efforts is warmly invited.

…and the betterment of human character.

Eagle’s Nest is a place for young people to discover and practice community-living skills rooted in our values and character strengths. Integrity, compassion, kindness, resilience, self-reliance, hope, and curiosity are the seven strengths we explicitly lift up, though many more are woven into, and manifest from, our daily lives. These character strengths infuse the content of our programming but can be interpreted and experienced by campers or students in ways that feel best to them.  This month, we will share a few historical and modern-day Black folx who embody these traits. We hope you will follow along!