Walmart Is Promoting Pride Merchandise While Target Scales Back

Walmart is promoting Pride merchandise now, just ahead of June Pride Month, while most Target stores are scaling back after a huge backlash and lower sales last year.

Walmart's new "Pride Always" collection includes rainbow-adorned flags, clothing and accessories. Even products like a notebook that says "beyond gender," a tote bag that says "totes gay," a fanny pack with "I heart gay people" on it, and rainbow-colored products for the kitchen and even the pool.

Some angry customers are encouraging consumers to boycott Walmart for placing Pride-themed merchandise in the toy section of its stores.

Although Pride Month doesn't begin until June, Walmart promoted its new Pride clothing on social media over the Memorial Day weekend, writing on Instagram, "Not just a slogan. #PrideAlways is a reminder to lead with love."

"While I was creating my collection, it was important to me for it to be positive and uplifting," said Bianca of Bianca Designs.

Walmart is promoting Pride merchandise this year, but Target is taking a less aggressive approach. Target had displayed Pride Month merchandise for years, but drew extreme backlash last year when the company added female-style bathing suits that could be used to "tuck" male genitalia. The backlash was so severe that many Target stores were told to relocate their Pride month displays to other areas of the store. The company reported some of its workers were being threatened, customers were boycotting the stores and there were even bomb threats at some locations.

Despite the controversy and scrutiny Target received last year, Walmart says it has not made any changes to its LGBTQ-related merchandise tied to Pride Month.

Walmart's Chief Merchandising Officer, Latriece Watkins, said, "Walmart stores sell products all year that supports different groups adding that in this particular case, we haven't changed anything in our assortment."

Walmart CEO Doug McMillon recently told shareholders that "We want everybody to feel comfortable shopping with us and we want everybody to feel comfortable and excited about working at Walmart."

Pride Month merchandise is available in-stores and online at www.walmart.com.

Target says it would be selling its Pride merchandise in a select number of stores this year. Apparel from the collection will be for adults only. Pride merchandise is also available online at www.target.com.

School is wrapping up, and that means summer is on the way. Are you hoping to keep your kids active and learning this summer? There are various summer camps in the CSRA that offer a variety of activities to stimulate their minds and keep them moving this year.

For working parents, summer camp can be a solution for finding childcare during the summer. But not only does it provide a safe space for your child, it can be a great opportunity for your child to make new friends and learn new things.

Many summer camps offer a variety of activities throughout the summer. These can range from arts and crafts, sports, science, swimming, and more. Some camps host themed weeks throughout the summer to focus on different areas. This can include dress up days or field trips to learn more about the weekly topic.

There are many great benefits for kids going to summer camp, including building new friendships, fostering independence, learning life skills, and more.

Most camps are day camps, but there are a few overnight camp options around the CSRA. You can see the different camp options below. Be aware that summer camps in the CSRA can fill up fast, so you'll want to reserve your spot as soon as possible.

Keep in mind that some day camps are not open for early drop off or late pick up. This could be a determining factor when you're planning which camp you choose. Most camps are closed on holidays that fall within the camp calendar (Memorial Day, 4th of July).

Also, some camp costs include lunch and snacks for campers, while others require you to send lunch and snacks with your child each day. Keep this in mind when looking into camps to fit your budget.

Costs vary by camp, and some may include additional costs for field trips or days where campers can purchase special treats (ice cream, snacks, etc.).

See some upcoming camp options here in the CSRA, and remember to reserve your spot before they book up!

The Family YMCA of Greater Augusta offers a range of summer camps, including overnight and day camp.

Overnight camp is hosted at Camp Lakeside in Lincolnton, GA, and runs Sunday through Friday. This is for ages 8 to 12. Sessions start on May 26th and runs through July 25th. Get details HERE.

Day camps are hosted at nine of the YMCA locations across the CSRA. These camps offer a variety of experiences for your child with arts and crafts, swimming, sports, and S.T.E.A.M. activities. Camps are divided by age groups starting at 5 years old and going up to 12 years old. Learn more about day camps HERE.

The Salvation Army Kroc center hosts Kroc Camp, which is an ACA accredited day camp program. Kids can enjoy swimming, arts and crafts, group games, sports, and more. Camps begin on Tuesday, May 28th, and are available on a first come, first served basis. Camp is available for ages 5 to 12, and are divided by age group.

Campers need to bring snacks and lunch each day. Camp runs through August 2nd. Hours are 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Learn more about Camp Kroc HERE.

Episcopal Day School offers a variety of camp options. Their day camp is an 8 week camp for children ages 3-12. Campers will participate in games, arts and crafts, outdoor activities, and more.

Day camp runs from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Half days end at 1 p.m. They also have extended day options running until 5 p.m. and early care that starts at 8 a.m.

Camps are held at Episcopal Day School's Flowing Wells Campus (1337 Flowing Wells Road) or their Walton Way Campus (2248 Walton Way).

In addition to themed summer camps, EDS also offers football, soccer, baseball, nature adventure, math & reading, baking & decorating, art camps, and more.

Learn more about all the camps at EDS HERE.

Summer camp for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Augusta kicks off June 3rd and runs through July 19th. The camps will be closed July 1st-July 5th). Camps are Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Lunch and snacks are provided.

Summer camp with the Boys & Girls Clubs includes S.T.E.A.M., performing arts, sports and fitness, water science, wildlife, and more. These weekly themes each have special activities and some field trips.

Camps are hosted at various locations. Learn more HERE.

Odell Weeks Activities Center hosts summer camp session for kids ages 5 to 12 years old. They have weekly themes, field trips, outdoor activities, swimming, arts and crafts, and more.

The Odell Weeks Activities Center is located at 1700 Whiskey Road in Aiken. Camp runs from June 3rd through July 19th. Hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with a 30 minutes early drop-off and late pickup period available.

Learn more HERE.

Augusta Parks and Recreation have a number of day camps with most beginning on Monday, June 3. Camps are available for kids ages 5 to 12 years old at various locations, starting at $50 per week.

Learn more about Augusta Parks and Recreation summer camps HERE.