by Nora Kramer
Youth Empowered Action (YEA) Camp is training the next generation of leaders and activists who will work for the environment, peace, animal rights, justice, gay rights, etc. We will be having three sessions next summer — two at last year’s beautiful venue near Santa Cruz, CA, and one just outside Portland, Oregon.
This means that we will be able to reach three times as many young people to support their development as inspired, effective leaders.
Check out just some of what YEA accomplished last summer and intends to build upon in 2010:
•   We instilled in campers a sense of pride for whatever they care about — being “loud and proud!” It’s cool to care.
•   Campers practiced thinking strategically about an issue of importance to them and then developed a campaign to address this issue at home
•   Campers learned how to start and run an effective school club, and developed confidence and skills in publicizing their issue
•   Campers got practice in making clear “asks” or requests, and not being stopped by getting a “no.” Picture singing “Don’t stop till you get a yes!” to the tune of a certain Michael Jackson song.
•   We did activities deconstructing advertising, exploring eco-friendly choices, and addressing issues of privilege and distribution of resources in ways that were experiential and empowering.
This is just the beginning. Our vision is to reach thousands of young people through camps located all across the country. Here’s to a 2010 in which we collectively create a massive and miraculous shift toward peace, sustainability, compassion, and community.
For more information, or to make a donation to YEA Camp, visit www.yeacamp.org, email Nora Kramer, Program Director at nora@yeacamp.org, or call 415.710.7351. Φ
YEA Camp is a project organized by Nora Kramer and Laura Carver, daughter of PeaceWorker “Beltway Bulletin†columnist Phil Carver.
Photo courtesy of http://strikingattheroots.wordpress.com/2009/07/31/summer-camp-for-young-activists/
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