Summer Camp Empowers Youth Leaders for Social Change
OK, so we’re a little socially outspoken here at Tom Dwyer. One of the big issues that’s repeatedly drawn Tom’s frustration in the past is the apathy that too many people show when it comes to politics. We saw a large youth vote with Obama’s election, but that youth interest has faded with the day-to-day reality of the Obama administration. But long before they can vote many young people take an interest in the issues around them, and a new and innovative summer camp is giving them the tools they need to make a difference.
Youth Empowered Action Camp (YEA) is an Oregon camp whose mission is to empower youth with knowledge, skills, confidence and community to address social justice issues including animal cruelty, gay rights, climate change and racism. Each camper chooses his or her area of interest and explores how they want to take action on this issue. This summer’s camp will be the organization’s second year in Oregon and will be held in Corbett, August 7th to the 14th.
YEA Camp is for 12 to 17 year olds who want to make a difference. The emphasis at YEA is on teaching skills kids can use to tackle social injustices in the real world. “Each camper has a mentor who will work with them to make sure they have accurate information and are connected with local or national groups working on their issue of importance,” explains Nora Kramer, the Director of YEA Camp.
An example activity at camp is to have campers create their own talking points, break out into small groups and practice answering questions about their topic; not only does this give them exposure to the rhetoric of their chosen issue, but they’ll be teaching one another. (This is a technique adults can apply to their activism too: Take a public-speaking class, for example, and you’ve got a built-in audience for your outreach efforts while polishing your skills.)
Not only is YEA Camp a powerful catalyst for youth to take action on the issues they care about, it’s fun, too! The campers build strong relationships with one another and with the experienced staff, and enjoy activities such as games, hikes, scavenger hunts, and talent shows.
Here’s a review from camper Clayton Davis, age 16:
“I was a camper last year and am returning this year as a Junior Camp Counselor. This camp was life changing and super fun for me last year. I completed many activities this year, which I never would have been involved in, had it not been for attending this camp. I became involved in the Environmental Action Club at my school and was instrumental in helping my school begin to become a WA State “Green” School, participated in “Jeans for Teens” campaign, attended a Boardman Coal Power Plant meeting, participated in VegFest 2010, participated in Earth Day activities, attended benefits for YEA camp AND organized a dinner benefit raising over $700. for scholarship funds for YEA camp. I never would have thought it possible to do these things without YEA camp. Plus I made lifetime friends that think and feel the same way I do. If you know any teens – send them to this camp – it’s great! Also a big thanks to Tom Dwyer Automotive for their generous donations at my benefit! “
YEA Camp has capacity for 30 campers, and still has some spots left for this year’s session. There’s still time to apply and register at www.yeacamp.org
