SUMMERCAMPCOUNTDOWN rights groups. They’re amazing.� And so she offered a pilot program in the summer of 2009 outside San Francisco and was prepared to tweak what didn’t work. But through her career as a high school teacher and someone who has always been involved in non-profits and in various components of activism, the session flew by without a hitch and she hasn’t altered that initial curriculum much. In subsequent summers, Kramer offered sessions in Oregon and California. This year, YEA Camp comes to New Jersey. At the very foundation of camp are four areas of instruction, she says. Campers learn how to make a positive change in the world as it relates to their “Issue of
difference at mealtimes – which include – like most camps – the good stuff like ice cream sundae night and pizza night‌all vegan. “It was nice to know that I would be at a camp where I didn’t have to ask a lot of questions about what I was about to eat, but where I could focus on being around nice people who share my interests,â€? she says. Karuk, along with her mother, has been actively involved in raising awareness about veganism for most of her life. Furthermore, she has spoken about issues within the walls of her local statehouse – an honor that she takes very seriously. “There are always representatives who come up to me afterwards and say how
Chess Program 16th Annual National Summer Chess Tour Tuition includes tee-shirt, trophy, chess board & pieces & much more.
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CHESS & GAME BUILDER SUMMER PROGRAMS July 30 - August 3, 2012 Fontbonne Academy • Milton, MA Chess • Video Game Creation (Intro & Sequel) • Animation July 30 - August 3, 2012 Cape Cod Academy • Osterville, MA Chess • Video Game Creation (Intro & Sequel) July 30 - August 3, 2012 Fay School • Southborough, MA Chess • Video Game Creation (Intro) August 6 - August 10, 2012 Bancroft School • Worcester, MA Chess • Video Game Creation (Intro & Sequel)
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Importance,� otherwise known around camp as their IOI. In addition to Building Knowledge and working on Skills related to reaching out to the community at large, campers are given intensive training in Confidence Building and, lastly, Building Communication. Campers are encouraged to take what they have learned at camp and go forward into their own lives to make a genuine difference in their community. “Essentially, we measure the success of our curriculum by how the campers integrate what they have learned and been inspired by in their lives,� she says. Past campers have had some significant successes thanks to their honed skills and increased confidence – including one camper who was invited to Oregon from the East Coast to speak at Planned Parenthood’s annual fundraiser luncheon. Over the years, these issues have ranged anywhere from racial equality to gay rights to sustainable farming. But what actually ends up being the draw for many campers, like Jasmine Karuk, 16, from South Windsor, CT, is the fact that all of the food served in the mess hall is vegan. All of the produce is organic and mealtime, as per one of Kramer’s founding principles, is designed to be a very special time of the day. “When we eat together at camp, it’s always a reminder that we’re doing something really special,� Kramer says. “We are creating food that has been prepared thoughtfully and consciously, and we are paying close attention to how our actions are impacting the world.� But according to Karuk, it’s the social environment at camp that makes all the
they like hearing from young people about the issues they feel strongly about,� she says. “They tell me it’s a nice change to see young people who care so deeply.� Kramer is proud beyond measure of the accomplishments of her campers, many of whom return year after year. One highlight is setting up a poster at the start of the week for each camper. Throughout the session, friends and counselors write positive messages for each person, giving them a boost of confidence that lasts a lifetime. “I always laugh when someone tells me they still have theirs,� Kramer says. “We create a really safe environment where kids can – and are encouraged to – take risks in ways that are safe and smart because ultimately, we believe it scaffolds their ability to do so after camp is over.� YEA Camp will be held August 5-12, 2012 at the Murray Grove Retreat Center in Lanoka Harbor, New Jersey. Space is limited; early registration is encouraged. The camp is located approximately 1.5 hours from both New York City and Philadelphia. “There are camps for kids who play soccer, and camps for kids who are musically inclined� says Kramer, “but the kids that come to YEA camp are interested in having a positive and lasting impact on their world.� For information on Youth Empowered Action (YEA) Camp, visit yeacamp.org
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Amanda Roberge is a freelance writer and mother of three girls who muses online at ConfessionsofaCurvyGirl.com. BAYSTATEPARENT 47