Thaindian News

July 1 (THAINDIAN NEWS) Camp Quest is a sleep away camp which was created specifically for the children of atheists, agnostics, humanists, and other non believers, even though kids whose parents do believe are still welcome. It is full of “normal camp” activities, such as campfires, hiking, relay races, and such, but supposedly has no religious connotations at all.

As the camp director gives the housekeeping lecture, kids are halfway paying attention, as if no one cares about cleaning when they could be playing games, swimming or just goofing around. But, although the religion isn’t there, the puns still are, “Remember,” the camp director stated with a slight grin crossing his face, “cleanliness is next to godlessness.”

The camp was started in 1996, and emphasizes the scientific method and critical thinking. Philosophical discussions are held on topics such as the nature of happiness by camp counselors, and “Rational Rules for Living” are posted on the walls. Rule No. 1: “Remember that everybody is here to have a good time. Respect all people, whatever their beliefs, which you encounter while you are here.”

Katie Hladky, an atheist teacher at the camp gives daily lessons on world religions, and states that she does not bad mouth or tell the kids what to believe. “I feel really strongly these kids shouldn’t be indoctrinated,” she said. Many of the campers, who range in age from 8 to 17, “don’t know what they are” yet when it comes to beliefs. It is said that poking fun at faith is forbidden.

Yet aside from the puns, there are team names such as “Flaming Messiahs” for the races, which was said to be a tribute to the recently burnt down “Touchdown Jesus” which was struck by lightening. Another team, the Dinosaur Jesus Riders has a cheer which goes, “Yeehaw! Ride that Jesus!”

One of the twelve year old children who were interviewed about their beliefs, or lack thereof stated, “I’m not really anything right now. I’m still deciding.” Another is an atheist, and so are her parents, “I’m an atheist, I just think it’s really nice because I feel these are my kind of people.”