Camp Free to Be: “A Space Like No Other”
We hosted our fourth annual Camp Free to Be Aug. 20-24 at a new location in the Northeast Kingdom. Thirty-nine campers joined us from all over Vermont. The mission of the camp 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
in building relationships across the state
in building queer and trans affirming spaces
in centering empathy and care for our community
in having pride in who we are as Black and Brown Vermonters is built through community
Each morning, campers participated in KinShip groups which were small groups led by a counselor where they checked in and had a discussion about one of the guiding principles.
Jr. Director and camper, Jesse, helped plan camp and took a leadership role during camp. All campers received a copy of Banned Together: Our Fight for Readers' Rights by Ashley Hope Pérez. Campers had the option of joining a book club during camp where they read and discussed the book.
Campers participated in many different activities like mountain biking, fútbol, tie-dye, drag performance, archery, swimming, kayaking, embroidery, slime-making, low ropes course, an outdoor cooking competition, herbalism, basketball, improv dance, and more. Evening activities included a campfire, In the Heights movie night, a talent show, and dance party.
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:
“Its a wonderful place that is fun and great for making connections with other people of color. It's also the most fun camp I've ever been to.”
“This camp is a way to connect with a lot of unique individuals and have a diversity of friends who care for you and will love you for you.”
“It’s so fun and great!! You get the community that you wonder even exists in Vermont and you’ll make so many connections! So many activities too… very fun…”
“The community is so strong and kind, and even if you don’t enjoy being in nature, it’s an amazing experience to be in a place where there is no judgement and you’re with people like you!”
“It’s a space like no other and that coming here is worth every bit.”
Thank you to Vermont Humanities, Hosmer Point Camp, Unitarian Church of Montpelier, Vermont Federal Credit Union, Sunshine Fund, Voices for Inclusion in Essex and Westford and many individual donors who contributed money to make this camp possible!
