Summer camps remain a battleground over what it means to be American

At a time when Americans disagree deeply over the meaning of citizenship, belonging and education, summer camps remain places where visions of the nation are communicated to young people.

By: Seth T. Kannarr, University of Tennessee and Derek H. Alderman, University of Tennessee, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: June 26, 2026

Words: 1,514

Last Updated: 3 weeks, 6 days ago

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By Seth T. Kannarr, University of Tennessee and Derek H. Alderman, University of Tennessee

Imagine tall trees across the lake, a calm breeze, children laughing in the distance, the scent of your old canvas tent – there’s no forgetting the sights, sounds, smells and feel of summer camp.

Even if you’ve never gone to an overnight summer camp, you can still conjure visions of these iconic American outdoor places, thanks to books like “Otherwise …

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