--- title: How to Start a Conversation About Inclusive Language with Your Child description: While it may be intimidating to speak to children about diversity, we can encourage inclusive language by giving them tools to understand different backgrounds. image: https://blog.avid4.com/hubfs/201806-4821-avid-1.jpg --- **[What's new about camp in 2024?](https://avid4.com/2024)** [COVID RESPONSE](https://avid4.com/summer-updates/covid-19-policies) [Login](https://campsself.active.com/Avid4AdventureNew) [Store](https://gear.avid4.com/) [Help Center](https://help.avid4.com/help) ![](https://avid4.com/wp-content/themes/avid-v3/images/mobile-menu-open.svg) ![](https://avid4.com/wp-content/themes/avid-v3/images/mobile-menu-close.svg) [![](https://avid4.com/img/avid-logo.png)](https://avid4.com/) ![](https://avid4.com/wp-content/themes/avid-v3/images/mobile-logo.svg) CAMPS LOCATIONS ABOUT US JOBS [![](https://avid4.com/wp-content/themes/avid-v3/images/camp.png) NEW CAMPS ![](https://avid4.com/wp-content/themes/avid-v3/images/camp.png)](https://avid4.com/programs-overview/) CAMPS - [Camps](https://avid4.com/programs-overview) - [Day Camps](https://avid4.com/day-camps) - [Camp At Home](https://avid4.com/camp-at-home) - [Camp On The Go](https://avid4.com/camp-on-the-go) - [Valmont Bike Park](https://avid4.com/colorado-boulder-valmont-bike-park-camps-day) - [Overnight Camps](https://avid4.com/overnight-camps) - [Expeditions](https://avid4.com/expedition-camps) - [Resident Camps](https://avid4.com/resident-camps) - [Grades](https://avid4.com/programs-overview) - [PreK - K](https://avid4.com/programs-overview?grade%5B0%5D=pre-k&grade%5B1%5D=k&date_range) - [1st - 2nd Grade](https://avid4.com/programs-overview?grade%5B0%5D=1&grade%5B1%5D=2&date_range) - [3rd - 4th Grade](https://avid4.com/programs-overview?grade%5B0%5D=3&grade%5B1%5D=4&date_range) - [5th - 6th Grade](https://avid4.com/programs-overview?grade%5B0%5D=5&grade%5B1%5D=6&date_range) - [7th - 8th Grade](https://avid4.com/programs-overview?grade%5B0%5D=7&grade%5B1%5D=8&date_range) - [9th - 10th Grade](https://avid4.com/programs-overview?grade%5B0%5D=9&grade%5B1%5D=10&date_range) - [11th - 12th Grade](https://avid4.com/programs-overview?grade%5B0%5D=11&grade%5B1%5D=12&date_range) - [See All Camps](https://avid4.com/programs-overview) Locations - [Colorado](https://avid4.com/colorado-camps) - [Boulder](https://avid4.com/colorado-boulder-camps) - [Castle Rock](https://avid4.com/colorado-castle-rock-camps) - [Colorado Springs](https://avid4.com/colorado-colorado-springs-camps) - [Denver, Greenwood](https://avid4.com/colorado-greenwood-camps) - [Denver, Lowry](https://avid4.com/colorado-lowry-camps) - [Denver, Central Park](https://avid4.com/colorado-central-park-camps) - [Denver, Wash Park](https://avid4.com/colorado-wash-park-camps) - [Golden](https://avid4.com/colorado-golden-camps) - [Highlands Ranch](https://avid4.com/colorado-highlands-ranch-camps) - [Lafayette](https://avid4.com/colorado-lafayette-camps) - [Superior](https://avid4.com/colorado-superior-camps) - [California](https://avid4.com/california-camps) - [Burlingame](https://avid4.com/california-burlingame-camps) - [Mill Valley](https://avid4.com/california-mill-valley-camps) - [Oakland](https://avid4.com/california-oakland-camps) - [Orinda](https://avid4.com/california-orinda-camps) - [Palo Alto](https://avid4.com/california-palo-alto-camps) - [Santa Rosa](https://avid4.com/california-santa-rosa-camps) - [Oregon](https://avid4.com/oregon-camps) - [Bend](https://avid4.com/oregon-bend-camps) - [Portland](https://avid4.com/oregon-portland-camps) ABOUT US - [About Us](https://avid4.com/about-us/) - [Inclusivity](https://avid4.com/culture-of-inclusivity/) - [Auction Donation Request](https://avid4.com/auction-donation-request/) - [Leadership](https://avid4.com/about-us/leadership-team-2/) - [Press](https://avid4.com/about-us/press/) - [Financial Assistance](https://avid4.com/scholarship/) - [Partners](https://avid4.com/about-us/partners/) - [Jobs](https://avid4.com/jobs/summer-jobs-overview) JOBS - [Why Work With Us](https://avid4.com/jobs/summer-jobs-overview/) - [Compensation](https://avid4.com/jobs/compensation/) - [Inclusivity](https://avid4.com/culture-of-inclusivity/) - [FAQs](https://avid4.com/jobs/faqs/) - [Positions](https://avid.workbrightats.com/jobs/) - [Staff Portal](https://help.avid4.com/help/staff-portal?_ga=2.139532913.379522487.1606095775-1720513239.1604422259) - [![](https://avid4.com/wp-content/themes/avid-v3/images/pre-camp.svg) Login](https://campsself.active.com/Avid4AdventureNew?__hstc=100965726.0722881a3a3ce4d5db8cf4dd0fd14c4b.1604422280482.1606238273823.1606253249890.60&__hssc=100965726.64.1606253249890&__hsfp=514153516&_ga=2.132184524.379522487.1606095775-1720513239.1604422259) - [![](https://avid4.com/wp-content/themes/avid-v3/images/user.svg) Store](https://gear.avid4.com/) - [![](https://avid4.com/wp-content/themes/avid-v3/images/store.svg) Help Center](https://help.avid4.com/help) ### Overview - [Day Camps](https://avid4.com/day-camps) - [Camp At Home](https://avid4.com/camp-at-home) - [Camp On The Go](https://avid4.com/camp-on-the-go) - [Expeditions](https://avid4.com/expedition-camps) - [Resident Camp](https://avid4.com/resident-camps) ### States - [California](https://avid4.com/california-camps) - [Colorado](https://avid4.com/colorado-camps) - [Oregon](https://avid4.com/oregon-camps) ### [Camps](https://avid4.com/programs-overview) - [Day Camps](https://avid4.com/day-camps) - [Camp At Home](https://avid4.com/camp-at-home) - [Camp On The Go](https://avid4.com/camp-on-the-go) - [Valmont Bike Park](https://avid4.com/colorado-boulder-valmont-bike-park-camps-day) ### [Overnight Camps](https://avid4.com/overnight-camps) - [Expeditions](https://avid4.com/expedition-camps) - [Resident Camps](https://avid4.com/resident-camps) ### [Grades](https://avid4.com/programs-overview) - [PreK - K](https://avid4.com/programs-overview?grade%5B0%5D=pre-k&grade%5B1%5D=k&date_range) - [1st - 2nd Grade](https://avid4.com/programs-overview?grade%5B0%5D=1&grade%5B1%5D=2&date_range) - [3rd - 4th Grade](https://avid4.com/programs-overview?grade%5B0%5D=3&grade%5B1%5D=4&date_range) - [5th - 6th Grade](https://avid4.com/programs-overview?grade%5B0%5D=5&grade%5B1%5D=6&date_range) - [7th - 8th Grade](https://avid4.com/programs-overview?grade%5B0%5D=7&grade%5B1%5D=8&date_range) - [9th - 10th Grade](https://avid4.com/programs-overview?grade%5B0%5D=9&grade%5B1%5D=10&date_range) - [11th - 12th Grade](https://avid4.com/programs-overview?grade%5B0%5D=11&grade%5B1%5D=12&date_range) ### [See All Camps](https://avid4.com/programs-overview) ### Overnight Camps - [Colorado, Boulder Area](https://avid4.com/colorado-boulder-expeditions) - [Colorado, Mt. Evans](https://avid4.com/mt-evans-camps) - [Colorado, Windy Peak](https://avid4.com/windy-peak-camps) - [California, East Bay](https://avid4.com/california-sly-park-expeditions) - [Oregon, Portland](https://avid4.com/oregon-portland-expeditions) - [Wyoming, Curt Gowdy](https://avid4.com/wyoming-curt-gowdy-expeditions) ### [Colorado](https://avid4.com/colorado-camps) - [Boulder](https://avid4.com/colorado-boulder-camps) - [Castle Rock](https://avid4.com/colorado-castle-rock-camps) - [Colorado Springs](https://avid4.com/colorado-colorado-springs-camps) - [Denver, Greenwood](https://avid4.com/colorado-greenwood-camps) - [Denver, Lowry](https://avid4.com/colorado-lowry-camps) - [Denver, Central Park](https://avid4.com/colorado-central-park-camps) - [Denver, Wash Park](https://avid4.com/colorado-wash-park-camps) - [Golden](https://avid4.com//colorado-golden-camps) - [Highlands Ranch](https://avid4.com/colorado-highlands-ranch-camps) - [Lafayette](https://avid4.com/colorado-lafayette-camps) - [Superior](https://avid4.com/colorado-superior-camps) ### [California](https://avid4.com/california-camps) - [Burlingame](https://avid4.com/california-burlingame-camps) - [Mill Valley](https://avid4.com/california-mill-valley-camps) - [Oakland](https://avid4.com/california-oakland-camps) - [Orinda](https://avid4.com/california-orinda-camps) - [Palo Alto](https://avid4.com/california-palo-alto-camps) - [Santa Rosa](https://avid4.com/california-santa-rosa-camps) ### [Oregon](https://avid4.com/oregon-camps) - [Bend](https://avid4.com/oregon-bend-camps) - [Portland](https://avid4.com/oregon-portland-camps) ### Our Core Values - [Live Fun](https://avid4.com/about-us/#corevalues) - [Live Environment](https://avid4.com/about-us/#corevalues) - [Live Truth](https://avid4.com/about-us/#corevalues) - [Live Smart(er)](https://avid4.com/about-us/#corevalues) - [Live Gratitude](https://avid4.com/about-us/#corevalues) - [Live Empowered](https://avid4.com/about-us/#corevalues) - [Live Balanced](https://avid4.com/about-us/#corevalues) - [Live Community](https://avid4.com/about-us/#corevalues) - [About Us](https://avid4.com/about-us) - [Inclusivity](https://avid4.com/culture-of-inclusivity) - [Auction Donation Request](https://avid4.com/auction-donation-request/) - [Leadership](https://avid4.com/about-us/leadership-team-2) - [Press](https://avid4.com/about-us/press) - [Financial Assistance](https://avid4.com/scholarship) - [Partners](https://avid4.com/about-us/partners) - [Jobs](https://avid4.com/jobs/summer-jobs-overview) ### Need Help? - [Housing Resources](https://avid4.com/jobs/instructor-housing-options/) - [College Interns](https://avid4.com/jobs/college-internships/) - [Why Work With Us](https://avid4.com/jobs/summer-jobs-overview/) - [Compensation](https://avid4.com/jobs/compensation/) - [Inclusivity](https://avid4.com/culture-of-inclusivity/) - [FAQs](https://avid4.com/jobs/faqs/) - [Positions](https://avid.workbrightats.com/jobs/) - [Staff Portal](https://help.avid4.com/help/staff-portal) [Day](https://blog.avid4.com/blog/how-to-start-a-conversation-about-inclusive-language-with-your-child#finder-day) [Resident](https://blog.avid4.com/blog/how-to-start-a-conversation-about-inclusive-language-with-your-child#finder-overnight) [Expedition](https://blog.avid4.com/blog/how-to-start-a-conversation-about-inclusive-language-with-your-child#finder-expedition) Pre-K K 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th 9th 10th 11th 12th Burlingame Mill Valley Moraga Oakland Palo Alto Boulder Boulder - Valmont Castle Rock Colorado Springs Denver - Greenwood Village Denver - Lowry Denver - Stapleton Denver - Washington Park Golden Highlands Ranch Lafayette Superior Portland Go Grade Entering 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th 9th 10th 11th 12th Go Grade Entering 5th 6th 7th 8th 9th 10th 11th Go # How to Start a Conversation About Inclusive Language with Your Child [Back to Blog Homepage](https://blog.avid4.com/blog/) Posted by [Cassidy Morris](https://blog.avid4.com/blog/author/cassidy-morris) on August 23, 2019 [![](https://blog.avid4.com/hubfs/201806-4821-avid-1.jpg)](https://blog.avid4.com/blog/how-to-start-a-conversation-about-inclusive-language-with-your-child) Share This [Twitter](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https://blog.avid4.com/blog/how-to-start-a-conversation-about-inclusive-language-with-your-child&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&text=How%20to%20Start%20a%20Conversation%20About%20Inclusive%20Language%20with%20Your%20Child&tw_p=tweetbutton&url=https://blog.avid4.com/blog/how-to-start-a-conversation-about-inclusive-language-with-your-child) [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://blog.avid4.com/blog/how-to-start-a-conversation-about-inclusive-language-with-your-child&display=popup&ref=plugin&src=like&kid_directed_site=0) [Google Plus](https://plus.google.com/share?app=110&url=https://blog.avid4.com/blog/how-to-start-a-conversation-about-inclusive-language-with-your-child) [Pinterest](https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://blog.avid4.com/blog/how-to-start-a-conversation-about-inclusive-language-with-your-child&media=https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/524285/201806-4821-avid-1.jpg) As awareness of diversity and inclusion spreads throughout the outdoor industry, [implicit biases](https://www.npr.org/programs/invisibilia/532950995/the-culture-inside) and stereotypes continue to impact the outdoor adventure community and those who occupy it. Although it can be intimidating to speak to children about diversity for fear of making it too complex or misinterpreted, giving them simple tools to understand different backgrounds and experiences can help them be someone who is helping to create positive change and inclusive spaces. Here are five ways to start a conversation about inclusive language with your child: ### 1. Explain what inclusive language is in simplistic terms: It is a tool to choose words and phrases that are respectful of all people.    ### 2. Explain the WHY: Inclusive language is welcoming to all people—particularly those who identify with communities that have been underserved and underrepresented—to feel accepted and supported in their beliefs, backgrounds, and identities. It also helps us connect in our diverse communities. When it comes to kids, [feeling included and accepted for who they are](https://blog.avid4.com/blog/looking-beyond-fun-feeling-included-is-what-really-matters-to-kids) is crucial.   [![inclusivity summer camp](https://blog.avid4.com/hs-fs/hubfs/201806-5274-avid-1.jpg?width=900&name=201806-5274-avid-1.jpg)](https://avid4.com) ### 3. Give them examples (gender pronouns, sexuality, race, ethnicity, bodies, families, etc): Present examples ahead of time, or address them when your child says or acknowledges examples of non-inclusive language. Here are some examples that we use at [Avid4 Adventure](https://avid4.com) camp: - Addressing a group by saying y’all, friends, team, etc. We are so used to addressing a group of people as “guys”—gender-neutral language is better. - Using the gender pronoun that a person self-identifies as (he, she, they) when referring to them. Don’t ASSUME you know which pronouns a person prefers. Wait for the individual to use a pronoun, and then follow their cue of what you should use. - Using language that acknowledges that all family sizes and make-up are different by saying “guardians” or "loved ones” when referring to family. It’s easy to say things like, “Tell your mom about happened at camp today…” or “Is your mom or dad picking you up today?” Again, assumptions can land hard on a child who might not have parents or might have two moms/dads, etc. - Avoid words that degrade or stereotype people based on their race or ethnicity. Ensure that we are not assuming a person’s background based on their appearance, speech, etc.  - When talking about and engaging in physical activity, celebrate all shapes and sizes of bodies because there is no such thing as an ‘ideal’ body type for outdoor recreation! [![knot tying summer camp](https://blog.avid4.com/hs-fs/hubfs/201806-4820-avid-1.jpg?width=900&name=201806-4820-avid-1.jpg)](https://avid4.com) ### 4. Be a support system when they’re trying! Model inclusivity in your language and let them know that it is ok to make mistakes! Deconstructing implicit biases and social norms in our minds isn’t easy and it takes practice and patience to adopt inclusive language. Teaching children about inclusive language is by no means the end goal of diversity and inclusion. There are many steps that we as outdoor educators, parents and guardians, and others can take to create a more inclusive society. However, it's a starting point to provide our youth with tools to help them strengthen communities where more people feel heard, respected, and connected to one another. To learn about Avid4 Adventure's commitment to creating and maintaining a culture of inclusivity, click the link below.  [![Inclusivity at Avid4 Adventure](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/524285/1a318cba-54d4-4001-83b7-62a1e25ed467.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/524285/1a318cba-54d4-4001-83b7-62a1e25ed467) If you are interested in learning more about inclusive language, please visit the resources listed below: 1. [Twelve Activities to Develop Kindness in Children](https://www.playworks.org/resource/twelve-activities-to-develop-kindness-in-children/) 2. [Using More Accurate and Inclusive Language](https://www.du.edu/studentlife/media/documents/iee-intentional-language-8-2017.pdf) 3. [The Art of Mindful Speech](https://www.statepress.com/article/2017/03/spopinion-spgraphic-intentional-wording-matters) 4. [An Incomplete Guide to Inclusive Language](https://open.buffer.com/inclusive-language-tech/) Share This [Twitter](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https://blog.avid4.com/blog/how-to-start-a-conversation-about-inclusive-language-with-your-child&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&text=How%20to%20Start%20a%20Conversation%20About%20Inclusive%20Language%20with%20Your%20Child&tw_p=tweetbutton&url=https://blog.avid4.com/blog/how-to-start-a-conversation-about-inclusive-language-with-your-child) [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://blog.avid4.com/blog/how-to-start-a-conversation-about-inclusive-language-with-your-child&display=popup&ref=plugin&src=like&kid_directed_site=0) [Google Plus](https://plus.google.com/share?app=110&url=https://blog.avid4.com/blog/how-to-start-a-conversation-about-inclusive-language-with-your-child) [Pinterest](https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://blog.avid4.com/blog/how-to-start-a-conversation-about-inclusive-language-with-your-child&media=https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/524285/201806-4821-avid-1.jpg) Topics: [Inclusivity](https://blog.avid4.com/blog/topic/inclusivity) ### NAVIGATION - [Day Camps](https://avid4.com/day-camps/) - [Policies](https://avid4.com/policies/) - [Overnight Camps](https://avid4.com/overnight-camp/about-colorado-mountain-camp/) - [Contact](https://avid4.com/contact-us/) - [Gear Store](https://gear.avid4.com/) - [Blog](https://blog.avid4.com/blog) - [About Us](https://avid4.com/about-us/) - [Staff Portal](https://avid4.com/jobs/staff-portal/) - [Jobs](https://avid4.com/jobs/summer-jobs-overview/) - [Parent Login](https://campsself.active.com/Avid4AdventureNew?_ga=2.82785814.1896501485.1508936271-1717527764.1507131859) - [Scholarships](https://avid4.com/scholarship/) - [Request Info](https://avid4.com/request-information/) ### GET IN TOUCH **Avid 4 Adventure** PO Box 287, Boulder, CO 80306 [1.720.024.2412](tel:+17202492412) **Social** ### ACCREDITATIONS [![](https://avid4.com/img/accreditations/licensed.png)](https://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite/CDHS-Main/CBON/1251590215770) [![](https://avid4.com/img/accreditations/accredited.png)](https://www.acacamps.org/) [![](https://avid4.com/img/accreditations/leave-no-trace.png)](https://lnt.org/youth-program-accreditation) © All content copyright 2018 Avid4 Adventure. Site Design by [Designsensory](https://www.designsensory.com)