Welcome Message from Our Founder and CEO
Greetings Camp Diva Participants, Parents, and Caregivers,
Welcome to another powerful summer at Camp Diva Leadership Academy. For more than two decades, it has been my honor to watch this space grow into something truly sacred—a place where Black girls are protected and cared for, challenged and celebrated, and reminded that they are worthy exactly as they are.
When we began Camp Diva, we were rooted in a simple but powerful truth: Black girls deserve spaces where they can lead, heal, experience joy, and show up fully and unapologetically. That truth continues to guide us. It has carried us through years of growth, change, and transformation, and each summer I remain inspired by what blossoms when Black girls are given the room to be themselves.
This summer, our work is grounded in the theme Soft and Strong in Sisterhood. We are intentionally creating space for girls to be emotionally open and deeply supported while also building confidence, leadership, and self-advocacy. Here, softness is honored as care and reflection, and strength is nurtured through voice, courage, and connection. Sisterhood is the foundation that allows both to exist at the same time.
As Founder and CEO of Girls For A Change, my commitment remains steadfast. I am dedicated to building environments where Black girls can thrive not only academically or socially, but as whole human beings. This summer, I look forward to watching each girl
grow more rooted in who she is and rise with new confidence, clarity, and purpose—ready to take up space in the world with care for herself and others.
Thank you to our parents, partners, staff, and community who make this work possible. And to each participant—you are the reason, the joy, and the future. Your light fuels everything we do.
This summer, we move together.
Soft where we need care.
Strong where we need courage.
Rooted in sisterhood as we rise.
With love and gratitude,
Sistah Angela Patton Founder and CEO,
Girls For A Change
The History and Legacy of Camp Diva Leadership Academy
Camp Diva Leadership Academy was born from love, sisterhood, and a shared commitment to uplifting Black girls. This year, we proudly celebrate 22 years of Camp Diva—22 years of creating space where Black girls are protected, affirmed, challenged, and free to become who they are meant to be.
The story of Camp Diva begins with a lifelong friendship. Sistah Angela Patton and Sistah Clover Smith, the mother of Diva Mstadi Smith, were childhood friends whose bond was rooted in trust, vision, and deep care for their community. When Sistah Angela began developing a summer camp to honor Diva’s life after her tragic passing, she asked Sistah Clover for her blessing and partnership. Without hesitation, Clover said yes.
From the very beginning, Sistah Clover stood alongside the camp, helping to shape a program that would keep Diva’s spirit alive while empowering generations of Black girls to grow, lead, and thrive. Camp Diva carries both of their spirits—two women who believed deeply in Black girl brilliance and always used their wings to help others soar.
The butterfly in the Camp Diva logo symbolizes transformation, growth, and freedom. It reflects Diva herself, her mother Clover, and every girl who enters this space and leaves changed—more confident, more rooted, and more ready to spread her wings.
One of Camp Diva’s most cherished traditions, the White Dress Ceremony, was created by Sistah Clover. This ceremony symbolizes purity of purpose, intention, and new beginnings. We proudly continue this tradition in her honor, celebrating each girl who completes her Camp Diva journey with dignity, reflection, and grace.
Now, 22 years later, the legacy of Camp Diva lives on through the thousands of girls who have passed through this space. Those girls are now adults, college graduates, parents, spouses, entrepreneurs, educators, advocates, artists, and changemakers. They are leaders in their families, workplaces, and communities—carrying forward the lessons of sisterhood, confidence, care, and courage that Camp Diva planted early on.
Camp Diva has grown and evolved with each generation, but its roots remain strong. With two angels watching over us, we continue this work with intention and love—honoring the past while building the future. As we enter our 22nd year, Camp Diva remains committed to preparing Black girls for the world while preparing the world to better care for Black girls.
“Last Summer, I had the opportunity to work with Camp Diva, and I was amazed by the girls’ display of emotional intelligence and creativity. Through this experience, I learned not only about the girls but also about myself. The girls’ unapologetic selfexpression encouraged me to embrace my voice and creativity. Camp Diva is important because it fosters confidence, creativity, and leadership while also valuing and preserving Black girlhood. Camp Diva is especially important to young Black girls because it is a safe and empowering place where they can express authenticity.”
— Sistah Afryea
“I am excited for this year’s Camp Diva Leadership Academy. Our theme, ‘Softness in Sistahood,’ will be one that immerses the girls in culture, relationshipbuilding, and, of course, lots of fun!”
— Sistah Na’Kera
Camp
Leadership
DATE & TIME
LOCATION June 1 – July 10, 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM Girls For A Change
About Camp Diva Leadership Academy
Camp Diva Leadership Academy is a dynamic summer experience where Black girls get to shine. At Camp Diva, girls discover their voices, uncover their unique spark, and begin defining who they are and what they stand for.
Through movement, art, play, cultural expression, leadership activities, and meaningful connection, participants build confidence, stretch their creativity, and strengthen their social and emotional skills. Girls are encouraged to explore their identities, express themselves freely, and develop the courage to lead with authenticity.
Most importantly, girls leave Camp Diva believing in themselves, their brilliance, and their ability to move through the world with confidence and care.
This summer, Camp Diva Leadership Academy is grounded in the theme Softness in Sisterhood.
This theme affirms that Black middle school girls do not have to choose between tenderness and strength. They are entitled to both. Through sisterhood, girls learn that softness is not weakness, but a powerful expression of care, empathy, and self-awareness. At the same time, their resilience, confidence, and leadership continue to grow.
Camp Diva creates a space where girls are encouraged to be emotionally open and deeply supported while also building confidence, leadership skills, and self-advocacy. Through
leadership development, creative expression, storytelling, and intentional sisterhood practices, participants learn that softness is not weakness and strength is not hardness. Community becomes a pathway to healing, confidence, and leadership.
This summer, our weekly themes are intentionally grounded in books written by Black women. Stories have always been one of the most powerful ways Black girls learn who they are and who they can become. These books serve as mirrors and maps, allowing girls to see themselves reflected with care and dignity while imagining new possibilities beyond their everyday experiences.
Each book reflects our theme of softness and strength in sisterhood. Through literature, discussion, creative expression, hands-on activities, and field experiences, girls gain language for their feelings, courage for their voices, and confidence in their lived experiences.
By using books as the foundation for our weekly themes, Camp Diva nurtures the whole girl: her mind, her heart, her creativity, and her leadership. This is how we prepare Black girls for the world. Soft where they need care. Strong where they need courage.
Rooted in sisterhood as they grow into who they are becoming.
93% 100% 100% 71%
of surveyed participants answered positively that being in Camp Diva, “Improved my relationships with people my age.”
of surveyed participants answered positively that “In Camp Diva, I… Used my imagination to solve a problem”
of surveyed participants answered positively that “In Camp Diva, I also… Learned more about being a leader”
of surveyed participants answered positively that “In Camp Diva, I also improved my… Academic skills (reading, writing, math)”
“I have been a Girls For A Change participant for eight years, and my journey began with Camp Diva, a life changing experience that laid the foundation for my growth. Through Camp Diva, I evolved as a young Black girl, deepened my understanding of real sisterhood, and embraced unique opportunities that expanded my perspective. The program immersed me in cultural awareness and self-discovery, exposing me to experiences that shaped both my confidence and identity. Without Camp Diva, I would not be the empowered and confident Black girl I am today.”
— Nadia Fraser
“Camp Diva is a motivational program to me. Camp Diva allowed for me to grow and be my true, authentic self. This program taught me the importance of utilizing and owning my voice. It taught me to use my voice to stand up for what I believe in. This program also showed me the importance of sisterhood. Sisterhood means being supported by the people close to you. People who will grow alongside you and will guide you every step of the way. That’s what this program is all about. This program is about guiding young girls and letting them shine in their own, special way. Camp Diva has mentored me and has exposed me to many opportunities, I am so grateful that I participated in this insightful program.”
— Milani Hopkins
At Camp Diva, we believe Black girls deserve space to be soft and strong at the same time.
We believe in laughter, healing, creativity, and courage.
We believe our voices matter and our stories are powerful.
We believe sisterhood is a place where we grow, support one another, and rise together.
We honor our softness as care.
We honor our strength as leadership.
We are Camp Diva girls. Rooted in sisterhood. Brilliant in spirit.
Ready to lead.
Weekly Themes
WEEK 1
I Am Enough: Identity & Self-Love
Book Inspiration: Brown Girl Dreaming by
Jacqueline Woodson
Focus: Identity, voice, and self-expression
What Girls Will Explore
Girls explore who they are, where they come from, and the power of telling their own stories. Through journaling, poetry, movement, and creative expression, participants reflect on their identities, family roots, and lived experiences while building confidence in their voices.
By the end of the week, girls will: Leave with a personal affirmation that reinforces: I am enough, exactly as I am.
WEEK 2
Softness Is Strength: Emotional Wellness & Care
Book Inspiration:
The Black Girl’s Guide to Being Whole by Lalita
Marie
Focus: Emotional awareness, self-care, and boundaries
What Girls Will Explore
WEEK 3
Sisterhood Over Competition: Friendship & Belonging
Book Inspiration: Sister Days by Patricia McKissack
Focus: Friendship, trust, and collective growth
What Girls Will Explore
Girls learn that rest, feelings, and asking for support are leadership skills—not weaknesses. Through guided reflection, mindfulness practices, creative expression, and group conversations, participants explore how to recognize their emotions, honor their needs, and care for themselves without guilt. Girls practice naming their feelings, setting healthy boundaries, and understanding that softness is a source of power.
By the end of the week, girls will: Understand that their emotions are valid and deserve care.
Girls examine how sisterhood shows up in their lives and how collaboration builds confidence and belonging. Through group activities, role-playing, creative projects, and guided conversations, participants practice teamwork, navigate conflict with care, and learn that success does not require comparison or competition. This week centers the joy, safety, and strength that come from growing together.
By the end of the week, girls will:
There is room for me and my sisters to shine. We grow stronger together.
Finding My Voice: Confidence & Courage
Book Inspiration: Finding Her Voice
by Angela Patton, Dr. Faye Z. Belgrave and Ivy Belgrave
Focus: Self-advocacy and speaking up
What Girls Will Explore
Girls practice using their voices in conversations, presentations, and creative work. Through role-play, storytelling, writing, and group dialogue, participants learn how to express their thoughts, needs, and ideas with confidence. This week emphasizes that leadership does not require perfection—only truth, courage, and the willingness to be heard.
By the end of the week, girls will: Practice expressing their ideas clearly and respectfully.
WEEK 5
Dreaming Big: Imagination & Possibility
Book Inspiration: Not So Different by Sharon G. Flake
Focus: Imagination, goals, and self-belief
What Girls Will Explore
Girls explore future possibilities without limits. Through visioning activities, art, storytelling, and guided reflection, participants practice imagining themselves as capable, creative, and worthy of big dreams. This week encourages girls to expand how they see themselves, their talents, and the paths available to them— without shrinking their hopes to fit others’ expectations.
By the end of the week, girls will: Believe in their ability to dream boldly and without restriction.
Summer Route: Sisterhood in Motion offers girls the opportunity to explore their city, build sisterhood, and learn beyond the classroom through cultural, creative, and community-based experiences.
WEEK 6 I Rise With My People: Leadership & Legacy
Book Inspiration: Betty Before X by Ilyasah Shabazz and Renée Watson
Focus: Leadership, legacy, and community impact
What Girls Will Explore
Girls reflect on how they show up for themselves and for others. Through discussion, storytelling, creative projects, and leadership activities, participants explore what it means to lead with integrity, compassion, and pride in who they are and where they come from. This week centers legacy—understanding that leadership is rooted in values, relationships, and responsibility to community.
By the end of the week, girls will: Recognize their ability to positively impact their community.
The Girls For A Change Leadership Pathway Per Grade
At Girls For A Change, we believe leadership development begins long before high school. Camp Diva Leadership Academy is the foundation of our youth leadership pipeline, intentionally designed to meet girls where they are developmentally while nurturing their confidence, voice, and sense of belonging.
This approach was created through years of listening to girls, observing how they grow, and building programs that support them through different stages of adolescence. Middle school is a critical time in a young person’s life. It is when identity begins to form, friendships shift, emotions deepen, and girls begin to ask important questions about who they are and where they belong.
Camp Diva provides a safe and nurturing space where girls can explore these questions within a community of sisterhood. Our programming intentionally balances emotional wellness, creativity, leadership development, and cultural identity. Girls are encouraged to practice both softness and strength as they learn to express themselves, support one another, and grow into confident young leaders.
Each stage of the Camp Diva experience reflects the developmental needs of girls as they move from discovery to confidence and eventually to leadership. Through this approach, girls begin to see themselves as capable, creative, and connected to something larger than themselves.
This foundation prepares them for the next opportunities within Girls For A Change, including leadership programs, workforce experiences, creative industry exposure, travel opportunities, and the Girl Ambassador Program.
Camp Diva is where the journey begins.
Rising 6th Grade Experience
DISCOVER
Girls entering 6th grade are beginning a new chapter as they transition into middle school. For many, Camp Diva is their first introduction to a leadership space created specifically for Black girls. This experience centers discovery, confidence building, and belonging.
Participants explore who they are, how to express themselves, and how to build healthy friendships through play, creativity, storytelling, and reflection. In a supportive sisterhood environment, girls learn that softness can look like curiosity, kindness, and learning to trust themselves.
This stage helps girls begin discovering their voice while building the confidence to step into middle school with courage and self-awareness.
Camp Diva honors the transition into middle school by creating a special experience for rising 6th graders. This stage of the journey is about discovery, belonging, and confidence building. Through playful learning, creative expression, and meaningful sisterhood, girls begin to understand that their voices matter and their stories are important.
The Rising 6th Grade Experience welcomes girls into the Camp Diva community and prepares them to enter middle school with courage, curiosity, and a growing sense of who they are becoming.
Rising 7th & Rising 8th Opportunities
NAVIGATE
The middle years of middle school are often a time of change. Girls are growing socially, emotionally, and intellectually while learning how to balance friendships, identity, and expectations. This Camp Diva experience focuses on helping girls navigate these transitions with care and confidence.
Participants strengthen communication skills, emotional awareness, and teamwork while exploring how sisterhood can replace competition with support. Through leadership activities, creative expression, and meaningful conversations, girls learn how to advocate for themselves and care for others.
This stage helps girls understand that softness can be empathy and reflection, while strength can be speaking up, setting boundaries, and supporting their sisters.
The middle years of adolescence are often misunderstood, but at Camp Diva we know this stage is full of possibility. With attentive support, patience, and sisterhood, girls learn how to navigate change, build confidence, and develop their voice.
Camp Diva ensures that girls in the middle are not overlooked. They are seen. They are supported. And they are growing into leaders.
Camp Diva Leadership Pathway | Softness Through Sisterhood
Rising 9th Grade Experience
FLOURISH
Mission in Bloom
Preparing for the High School Journey
Entering high school marks another important beginning. After three years of middle school, girls often carry excitement, uncertainty, and many emotions about stepping into a new environment and new expectations.
At Camp Diva Leadership Academy, rising 9th graders begin to see themselves as young leaders. This stage of the journey helps girls recognize the seeds that have already been planted through their Camp Diva experience and prepares them to grow into the next chapter of their lives.
Participants reflect on the confidence, sisterhood, and selfawareness they have developed while beginning to imagine the possibilities that lie ahead. They are introduced to pathways within Girls For A Change that continue beyond the summer, including the Mission in Bloom experience, Immersion Lab, Creative Industry Camp, peer leadership opportunities, travel experiences, and our highly sought after Girl Ambassador workforce program.
This stage reminds girls that they are entering high school rooted in something powerful. Camp Diva is their foundation. What they discover about themselves here prepares them to step into new environments with courage, clarity, and confidence.
Here, softness becomes confidence in who they are, and strength becomes the courage to step forward and lead.
Mission in Bloom serves as the bridge between Camp Diva and the next stage of leadership at Girls For A Change.
During this experience, rising 9th graders begin preparing for high school academically, socially, and emotionally. They learn how to navigate new environments, build supportive relationships, set meaningful goals, and advocate for themselves.
Through reflection, mentorship, and leadership activities, girls identify their strengths, passions, and interests while exploring opportunities that will support their growth throughout high school.
Mission in Bloom also introduces participants to the larger Girls For A Change leadership pathway, helping them understand how they can continue developing their skills, exploring career pathways, and contributing to their communities.
Mission in Bloom reminds girls that their journey does not end at Camp Diva. It is only the beginning.
The seeds have been planted.
Now it is time to grow.
Welcoming Back Torian Jones
Our New Camp Manager
Celebrating the Return of a Former Camp Diva Counselor. We are proud to announce a dedicated leader return.
Camp Diva Leadership 2026 Field Trips
During the summer, Camp Diva girls will be ripping and running across the city and beyond, exploring spaces that inspire curiosity, creativity, and discovery. Our field trip days are intentionally designed to give girls hands-on experiences that expand how they see themselves, their community, and the world around them.
Through these outings, participants explore culture, science, entrepreneurship, the arts, and nature while strengthening their sisterhood and leadership skills. These moments often become the unforgettable memories that girls carry with them long after the summer ends.
Our commitment is to ensure every participant in a Girls For A Change program has opportunities to explore, navigate, and discover who they are while learning alongside their sisters.
Planned Experiences May Include Overnight Experience
Virginia State University Agriculture and Aquaculture Program
Parsons Fine Art Services
National Museum of African American History and Culture
(Washington, DC)
Science Museum of Virginia
Challenge Discovery Adventure Course
Local Art and Gallery Studio Workshops
Swimming and Recreation Days
Community Exploration and Cultural Learning Days
Spa Day — a self-care and wellness experience where girls learn about rest, relaxation, and caring for their minds and bodies
These experiences are designed to expand the girls’ curiosity, confidence, and connection to their community while reinforcing the values of leadership, creativity, sisterhood, and self-discovery.
Tuesday, July 7th - Wednesday, July 8th
Participants will travel together for a special overnight experience including visits to:
The National Great Blacks in Wax Museum, Inc.
Gloucester
These experiences allow girls to explore history, culture, and the environment while building deeper sisterhood connections.
Camp Diva Traditions & Signature Experiences
Camp Diva is known for its powerful traditions that celebrate creativity, leadership, culture, and community.
Market Day — Juneteenth Celebration
June 19
The Annual Market Day is an interactive entrepreneurship experience where girls create, promote, and sell products or services to the community.
Through this hands-on event, participants learn:
Entrepreneurship and small business basics
Customer service and communication skills
Financial literacy and money management
Collective fundraising and community engagement
Camp Diva girls will have the opportunity to showcase their creativity and entrepreneurial spirit while engaging with the community.
This year we will also invite Her Journey Home participants to join us for a special travel photo experience while raising funds for the Ghana journey.
Portrait of a Black Girl
Portrait of a Black Girl is a creative expression experience that invites participants to reflect on identity, beauty, culture, and self discovery.
Through photography, storytelling, and art, girls create powerful images that celebrate who they are and how they see themselves in the world.
This experience encourages confidence, creativity, and self affirmation.
Black Girl Wrap Up
Black Girl Wrap Up is the closing celebration of the summer experience. It is a moment for reflection, storytelling, and honoring the growth each participant has experienced.
Girls share what they have learned, celebrate their achievements, and recognize the sisterhood and leadership developed throughout the program.
This year’s event will also include a Fireside Chat conversation with Charis Jones, the founder and CEO of SassyJones, an award-winning fashion and accessories brand founded in 2013, known for empowering women through vibrant style. A mother of twins, she pivoted from traveling trade shows to e-commerce and live-stream “Sparkle Parties,” scaling the business to a top-25 spot on the Inc. 5000 list.
Tickets and sponsorship opportunities will go on sale May 1 and will be available on the Girls For A Change website and newsletter.
Important Dates
Camp Registration: March 1 – May 15
Scholarship Deadline: April 15
Camp Orientation: May 20 6–6:30pm, May 21 6–7:30pm, May 22 5–6:30pm
Scan the QR code to register for Camp Diva Orientation!
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1984830280800?aff=oddtdtcreator
Information Sessions
Open House dates will also be available through Eventbrite.
Scan the QR code to RSVP and learn more about the Camp Diva experience!
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1984829454328?aff=oddtdtcreator
Payment Procedure
With our Reserve Now, Pay Later system, by filling out this application form, you will reserve a spot for your daughter at the camp this summer. After reserving a spot at Camp Diva, you will visit WWW.MYPROCARE.COM, click login, set up your daughter’s profile, agree to the payment plan or pay in full by Friday, May 22 at 5 p.m. You can visit our website for more information or and follow the Step by Step guide.
Final payment is due on Friday, May 22 at 5 p.m. If you do not confirm your reservation and pay for camp by the cutoff date, your reservation will be canceled and made available to other participants.
We realize that camp is a BIG investment for your family, and that it only gets bigger after your first summer. For some families, the large chunk of change is more than you might be comfortable dropping at one time. That’s why we’re putting some fresh perspective on the payment plan before camp starts.
You can spread your payments across as many as two months at no additional cost. As long as you maintain a few milestones along the way, your daughter gets to keep their spot for this summer. However, our 10% Sibling Discount will still be honored, and we recommend that you apply for financial aid or a full scholarship to help your family with camp expenses.
Camp Diva spots will be reserved on a “first come, first served” basis for all registrants.
Registration will close on Friday, May 22nd before camp’s start date or when camp is full.
Camp Diva is more than a place for girls to have fun. It’s a place where Black girls imagine a summer where they can have the time of their life and grow as a person in ways that will impact who she is for the rest of her life. Invest in your daughter’s future with a summer located at Girls For A Change.
Donate Today
Support a Girl. Change Her Summer.
Make a donation to our scholarship fund to ensure every girl has access to Camp Diva Leadership Camp this summer.
For many families, transportation and the cost of out of school programs are real barriers. Your support helps remove those obstacles and opens the door to life changing experiences.
Your gift can cover full or partial scholarships, including:
Camp tuition
Transportation to and from camp
Field trips and cultural experiences not typically covered
Because of you, a girl will not be left out. She will arrive, participate, and grow alongside her peers confident, supported, and seen.
Give today and help a girl get to camp, stay at camp, and experience all that she deserves.
Scan the QR code to visit our website and learn more about the ways you can support us!
https://girlsforachange.org/ways-to-support/
