Toxic Positivity, COVID-19 & Camp - Beyond Camp #5

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What’s the opposite, but still unhelpful version of a “Debbie Downer”?…A “Chipper Charlie”? Whatever it is, there’s a time and a place when that overly positive personality is not appropriate. Let’s dig into “Toxic Positivity”

Do you ever find yourself thinking or saying “nothing can go right today”. Have you had some say “Just look on the bright side” or “think positive.” in response? When someone shares the sentiment of simply “remaining positive” through something as hard as a global pandemic, they may not realize the effect they are having on others. 

Do you find you struggle to share your emotions and put on your mask when having conversations with enthusiastically positive personalities? Beyond Camp is ready to dig into toxic positivity and how we can navigate the use of healthy positivity with those that surround us. 

Tune in to this episode to hear about:

• What is toxic positivity and where does it show up in and out of camp?
• What effect does it have on people who are genuinely struggling?
• How to handle a situation where someone is displaying some toxic positivity? How to have that hard conversation.
• How does toxic positivity get in the way of an empathetic response to hardship?
• What does positive and healthy self-talk look like during a crisis as big as this one?
• How do we help our staff understand toxic positivity in a way that encourages resilience, but doesn’t shame the naturally positive person, 

Have you had an experience with toxic positivity? Tell us about it in the comments!

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Links & Other Bonus Material

• Video: Brené Brown on Empathy
• Article: Positive Self-Talk
• HBR: Make a To-Don’t List

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Enjoy the new show?

We’re grateful to those of you who shared their excitement for the show with us. If you enjoyed Beyond Camp, please pass it on to a Camp Director in your circle.

Any feedback? Send Matt an email at [email protected]

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Your Hosts:

Cassie Bloy, Consultant & Freelance Camp Director - Stephane Richard Development Consulting 

Rachel Kent, Coordinator, Member Risk - Girl Guides of Canada - [email protected]

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What is Beyond Camp?

Beyond Camp is a new summer Podcast brought to you by Go Camp Pro.

Cassie Bloy and Rachel Kent are here to explore the intersection of camp and our lives. As much as people like to talk about camp and ‘the real world’ as two separate entities, camp professionals know that this simply isn’t true. Beyond Camp dives into how different aspects of our lives affect our camp experience, effectively bursting the camp bubble and welcoming all parts of our lives into the conversation.

Go Camp Pro is excited to bring you this weekly podcast during the summer of 2020.

If you have any feedback, or would like to support the work of Go Camp Pro email our producer, Matt, at [email protected]