Through four generations of family ownership, Scatico has worked to provide a second home for campers and staff from the moment they step through our gates. At Scatico, campers and staff explore, learn, and play together to discover passions, make lifelong friends, and grow into the fullest version of themselves.  Scatico empowers campers and staff to develop empathetic and socially-responsive ways of thinking, feeling, and living in an ever-changing world.

Our Four Core Values

JUSTICE, EQUITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION (JEDI) LETTER

Scatico is a community steeped in tradition and history – but it is our vow as owners and directors to continue to reflect, listen, grow, and evolve. As child development professionals, we are always looking forward;  always thinking of the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and doers and how to do better by them, and for them. 

Among the many pivotal events and forces that have shaped our most recent chapter in history is the  loud and unequivocal call for racial justice, equity, and access and belonging for historically marginalized identities. We are forced to ask ourselves hard questions about camp as a place built by those who have historically held power, for families who share those same privileges, and our own shortcomings with regards to inclusion. We are committed to doing the work to better  support and prioritize the safety of every member of our community, especially the most marginalized. 

As part of these conversations we worked with a JEDI consultant and laid plans for the ways Scatico could move forward and hold itself accountable. We developed the above Mission, Vision and Values statements to serve as our guiding principles, and to push us to take stock of our blind spots. 

Camp is naturally a place of perspective- sharing and growth; a place to strengthen relationships across lines of difference. We are excited to further lean into this natural power of camp, and are here to listen, support and do the work needed to make change.Among our ongoing commitments are:

• Creating a JEDI Committee to serve as a resource for campers and staff, so that we may prevent and not just react to issues regarding safety and inclusion at camp.

• Implementing activities that develop socially responsive skills and mindsets that will support camper’s commitment to equity and social justice beyond the camp context. 

• Fostering partnerships with local organizations that will allow campers and staff to engage in hands-on programming focused on social justice.

• Continuing our partnership with Schaghticoke Nation,, in order to educate our community about the indigenous history of our land and to show gratitude to the people whose land we occupy. 

• Creating a safe space for staff members to share open and honest feedback.

• Re-evaluating our hiring and recruitment practices to ensure that we are representative of the world at large, and of the community we want to be.

•  Taking a careful look at traditions, especially those rooted in colonialism. We vow to prioritize the safety of campers and staff of marginalized identities over preserving traditions that no longer serve us.

• Including JEDI training during staff orientation and throughout the summer. 

• Seeking to expand financial aid access so more children have the opportunity to attend camp.

• Remaining accountable to community members of color, including implementing an evaluation and reflection process that centers their voices.

• Taking the lead from the organizations and marginalized voices from within the camping industry, who are at the forefront of this work.   

We often say camp is a journey. This work is also a journey. We may not know today what needs to be done tomorrow, but we are ready to learn and unlearn.

David, Diana, Nicki and Audrey