B.O.C. 2024: “You Won’t Feel Alone.”
We hosted our second annual BIPOC Overnight Camp (B.O.C.) at the Common Ground Center Aug. 18-22nd. Twenty-nine campers joined us from all over Vermont. Seven of the campers were involved in planning the camp. The mission of BOC is to bring youth of color into nature and provide opportunities for connection, healing and joy. There was a theme for each day of camp based on our guiding principles:
We believe…
in the importance of affinity groups to inspire self-empowerment and build confidence and resiliency - (our) space
in building relationships across the state - weaving
in building queer and trans affirming spaces - inclusivity and joy
in centering empathy and care for our community - empathy and care
pride in who we are as Black and Brown Vermonters is built through community - people power
We designed connection activities based on each day’s theme. Each camper received a copy of either Resist by Veronica Chambers or The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo. Veronica Chambers joined us virtually for a Q&A. Campers asked Veronica questions about her book and her personal life.
Even though the weather wasn’t ideal, we were still able to offer swimming, fútbol, yoga, tai chi, archery, poetry, theater games, political education, tie-dye, sewing, jewelry-making, indigo dyeing, astrology, and more. We also had a campfire, movie night, game night, talent show, and dance party.
The food and helping out in the kitchen was a highlight for many campers. Alyssa was our head chef. Campers signed up for cooking shifts and made arepas, muffins, dal, burritos, bún, doro wat, berry crisp, brownies, pancakes, and so much more. We also had a couple of guest chefs join us as well. One night, Phet Keomanyvanh worked with the campers to make chicken wings, pad thai, egg rolls, and a tapioca dessert. A parent of a couple of the campers, Cecile of Le Bon Goût made fufu, ugali, sukuma wiki, chapati, plantains, and a goat stew.
In the feedback we received about camp, many of the campers said they wished camp could be longer. Here are some quotes from the campers:
“It's fun and it's just a vibe to hangout with people.”
“There are lots of people who are welcoming and accepting and you won't feel alone.”
“BOC is such an amazing place to feel connected to others and belong in a group. The food is also really good too.”
“Camp is accepting for people queer of color.”
“I wish it was longer, like two weeks or a week.”
“This camp really helped me in so many ways and made me feel like myself again.“
Thank you Vermont Humanities, Ben & Jerry’s Foundation, Schott Foundation, Rutland NAACP, Vermont Federal Credit Union, Unitarian Church of Montpelier, Northfield Savings Bank, Concept Rowing, Wilcheck Iarrapino Law Office, and many individual donors for financially supporting this camp! There was also a donation in memory of Bishop Asaro. Many of our campers wouldn’t have been able to attend if they had to pay the full cost of camp. Your donations are making a difference in the lives of these incredibly resilient young people.
