“Yes, I Use Sunscreen,” and Other Takeaways from a Black Girl at Sleepaway Camp

Abstract

Summary Have you ever been curious about what it is like to be a speck of pepper in a sea of salt, or the only Black or brown body in a sea of white bodies? Speaking from experience, there are times when your body will experience a sudden shock of recognition or understanding. Things you had not fully grasped before become clear–you feel your differences in your body even before it registers in your mind. My story is about the unique arc of trauma my body experienced at predominately white summer camps simply because it was different from the other bodies. One goal of this piece is to impress upon you, the need to create a sense of belonging for bodies of non-dominate campers. To achieve this, it is critical to seek to understand and gain knowledge about the trauma Black and brown bodies experience because they are different and to create emotionally safe environments for all bodies. Information © CAB International 2024