You are all probably fairly familiar with that Always ad that asks kids what it looks like to throw like a girl. The children, already affected by social norms, proceed to represent how a girl throws with spirit-finger-like tosses. Initially, after watching the video I was just as struck by the influence that supposed gender characteristics had on even the youngest children.

Beyond my first reactions, I sought a solution. And now do not confuse this as the ultimate solution for a major societal issue, I couldn’t do that even if I wanted to; this is just an observation after watching the Always ad and noticing some already present remedies to the problem.

For the last 4 years, I have spent each summer working at a sleepaway camp. There are girls and boys of all ages at camp, but I work specifically with the 12 and 13 year old girls. I always say it, but I’ll say it again, camp is the greatest equalizer. Gender is virtually obsolete.

Even though the kids are split up in groups based on their ages and gender, everyone participates in the same activities. Swimming and boating are mandatory and boys and girls the same are expected to clean their wash house and tidy their tents.

When a girl throws a baseball at camp, she is throwing like a girl. When a boy throws a ball at camp, he is throwing like a boy. Gender is not debilitating, but instead is empowering. The importance of a strong character, and the taking of initiation is encouraged consistently through years as a camper, and even as staff. Also, encouragement to explore campers are readily encouraged to explore their personal talents and interests, whether they be art and music based or athletic based, or anything in between.

Here’s my remedy: everyone go to camp. I know, not everyone can go to camp, also it might be a little late in the game for some to go. But really, find your own camp. Find the place that empowers your creativity, and encourages everyone to throw like themselves, because that’s the best way they can throw.