I’m angry that a 12-year-old was criticized for proudly wearing our flag at summer camp.

Summer Camp Experience Raises Concerns

During my time at a summer camp on the South Side of Chicago, we fully embraced the uncomplicated joys of childhood. Kids dove into water parks, roamed through nature, learned about money, and practiced speaking skills that bolstered their confidence. Politics didn’t creep into this picture. It was a place where children could simply be children, away from the divisive noise of adult issues.

So, I was taken aback when I heard about the camp my friend’s daughter attended. Nestled in a picturesque mountain setting, it seemed like a paradise—until it wasn’t.

On July 4th, my friend’s 12-year-old daughter wore an American flag shirt that symbolized her family’s journey from oppression to opportunity. They are aware of the country’s shortcomings but still believe it’s the best place to be.

Concerns over Political Messaging

At breakfast one morning, another camper confronted her about the flag shirt, asking, “How can you support a country that has hurt your people?” This girl was then encouraged to repeat phrases like “white privilege” and “social justice,” discussing systemic racism until “true equality” was met. My friend’s daughter, who is quite sharp herself, responded by pointing to her family’s achievements as evidence of what America could offer. Yet, she faced a wall of negativity, laden with rehearsed narratives of historical grievances. Consequently, her enthusiasm for camp activities like swimming and campfire songs dimmed.

As the days went on, the camp required participation in a “privilege walk.” Kids stood in a circle and stepped forward based on statements like, “If you’ve ever been racially profiled in a store” or “If your parents taught you how to behave around the police.” My friend’s daughter opted out of this exercise, sensing that it labeled kids as either oppressors or victims—something way beyond her years. Good for her.

This situation really upset me. Summer camps should not be political battlegrounds. Children start off innocent, and we should strive to keep that innocence intact for as long as possible. It doesn’t imply shielding them from reality, but rather, protecting them from narratives that depict America as fundamentally flawed. Why should a 12-year-old feel ashamed of her country when she expresses love for it?

We must stop this growing trend of politicizing our children. They deserve the space to develop their own views, not to be caught in the crossfire of someone else’s ideological conflicts. Kids should have a camp experience that’s joyful and exploratory, rather than one focused on shaming their nationality.