Camp Everytown - Social-Emotional Learning

"I'm bringing back to my community what I learned from Camp... including people, helping people, not judging, and standing up for myself and others."

These are the words that Amy, a senior at Mountain View High School, wrote in her college application essay to describe how Camp Everytown changed the way she perceives others.

Born in China, adopted by Caucasian American parents, and raised in an interfaith family, Amy had multicultural experiences of her own to share. Like many high school students attending Camp, she was nervous but excited for the upcoming activities. 

Over the next four days she participated in a variety of exercises, ranging from topics such as racism to sexual orientation. One exercise gave students a simulated disability. Eating meals without the ability to see or with the use of only one arm was an enlightening experience. Another memorable activity involved responding to statements about violence, personal issues, and other stressful situations. Amy shares that it was "really emotionally intensive... [it] made me realize that we're not the only ones who have been going through hard times."

However, Amy revealed that the activity that held the greatest impact for her personally was focused on gender stereotypes. She described a tense atmosphere as the girls recounted the derogatory slurs they'd experienced. After the boys began to show their vulnerabilities, both "sides" felt more connected to and compassionate towards each other. This, among other eye-opening activities, was why Amy was inspired to write about her time at Camp Everytown. 

Amy is looking forward to college next year and contemplating a major in international business. Wishing you all the best, Amy!