Pam Gockley, founder of The Camel Project, is on a mission to eradicate bullying and promote empathy across school districts and communities in Pennsylvania. In a recent live video interview with Alvernia University student Richard Wynne, Gockley shed light on the roots of her organization, the serious consequences of unchecked bullying, and the positive change her nonprofit seeks to inspire.
The Camel Project, established in 2018, takes its unique name from Gockley’s high school experience. “Camel was my nickname, and it was not a term of endearment,” she shared, “but it is now. I took the word back.” Today, the project stands as a beacon of resilience and positivity, reclaiming the term “Camel” as a symbol of fun and strength.
The project tackles the pervasive issue of bullying, addressing both traditional face-to-face encounters and the increasingly severe threat of cyberbullying. Gockley explained, “Cyberbullying is lethal, and our kids are dying.” By promoting a proactive approach that includes de-escalation skills, The Camel Project aims to reduce cyberbullying by addressing conflicts before they move online. Gockley believes that stopping bullying behaviors at their root can cut cyberbullying incidents in half.
At the core of The Camel Project is the Camel Caravan, a 40-foot awareness bus that Gockley proudly describes as “large, loud, and obnoxious.” This mobile initiative travels to schools and community events, spreading the message of anti-bullying through training sessions, awareness campaigns, and engaging activities. The organization also offers specialized training for adults, known as the “Certified Prevention Specialist” program. This three-hour course equips educators, parents, and community leaders with techniques to recognize and mitigate bullying behavior, helping them become better role models for children.
Gockley sees a pressing need for adults to be mindful of their own actions and words, especially in today’s social climate. She challenges adults to consider how their behaviors impact younger generations, pointing out that “role modeling costs zero.” According to Gockley, adults’ attitudes, especially in politically charged times, trickle down to children, reinforcing negative behaviors.
Beyond training, The Camel Project actively collaborates with local organizations, including the Girl Scouts, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and Berks County Juvenile Probation. These partnerships, along with community events like Chalkalooza and the annual 5K Camel Trot, are funded by donations and small grants. The project’s recent recognition by the Caron Foundation marked a milestone in gaining national attention for its innovative approach.
“Bullying behavior is a core issue,” Gockley said, “and addressing it can prevent issues like addiction, abuse, and even violence.” With Reading School District’s 18,000 students close to her heart, Gockley emphasizes personal accountability, urging everyone to think of local students as their own.
Community members looking to get involved are invited to volunteer or donate through The Camel Project’s website, thecamelproject.org, or their Facebook page. As Gockley explains, combating bullying requires everyone to “step up and be accountable.”
The Camel Project is reshaping the conversation around bullying with a focus on prevention, empathy, and community support. For those eager to make a difference, The Camel Project offers a clear message: it’s time to take a stand for the next generation.
