Camp Free to Be: “It felt almost like a big family.”
We hosted our third annual Camp Free to Be Aug. 17-21st. Thirty 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
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.
This year, we appointed two Jr. Directors who were campers who were heavily involved in the planning of camp and led some activities during camp. Eleven campers joined planning meetings prior to camp. The camp book Black Boy Joy was chosen by the planning crew. Each camper received a copy of the book and had the option to join a book club during camp where they read a story from Black Boy Joy and discussed it. Some campers also participated in an activity where they watched the film Riding Han and then spoke with the director, Eugene Pak.
Other activities included swimming, fútbol, yoga, archery, theater games, drag performance, embroidery, crocheting, kickball, slime-making, and more. Evening activities included a campfire, Black Panther movie night, game night, talent show, and dance party.
The food and helping out in the kitchen was a highlight for many campers. Campers signed up for cooking shifts and made sagamité, apple crisp, french toast, bibimbap, bún, doro wat, ugali, fufu, laap, egusi, and so much more. Phet Keomanyvanh of Moo Noit Market and Elom of Le Bon Goût joined us as guest chefs.
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:
“I enjoyed that we were so free to do whatever we wanted and speak to whoever whenever. It felt almost like a big family.”
“All of the counselors were amazing!!! I felt safe, connected, and accepted.”
“Camp Free To Be lets you meet so many others just like you that you might not find in school. So many different people, foods, cultures, and friends to be made!”
“It was the most amazing camp I have EVER been to!!”
Thank you to Lawson’s Finest Liquids, Vermont Humanities, Northfield Savings Bank, Winooski Schools, The Alchemist, Rutland NAACP, Ben & Jerry’s Foundation, Voices for Inclusion in Essex and Westford and many individual donors who contributed money to make this camp possible!
