We develop young leaders who are committed to social and environmental justice and are equipped with a sense of awe for natural and human beauty, tools for non-violent multicultural community-building, as well as the confidence to make positive change in our families, communities and world. By supporting the scholarship fund you are ensuring that Hidden Villa Summer Camp is accessible to youth of all backgrounds to learn about the environment and social justice, make friends, and have fun.
The genesis of Hidden Villa Summer Camp in 1945 was a direct response to rampant racism, disenfranchisement, and tension between people who treated each other as fundamentally different. Over 65 years later, these problems have changed in appearance but continue to cause conflict. Our challenge, as educators, is to break down prejudices and cultivate respect by building community within a diverse group of young leaders.
Scholarships ensure that Camp is accessible to youth of all socioeconomic backgrounds, creating opportunities for personal development and friendships that empower them to make positive changes in themselves and their communities and reinforce stewardship. HVSC also provides an integrated continuum of learning experiences that extend beyond one summer; campers grow skills and confidence that they can bring to their personal lives, their schools, their families, and their communities.
We see countless examples of former campers who attribute their careers in education, social work, and community organizing to their experience at Camp. Fun Camp activities such as farm chores, hiking, or animal encounters also build confidence, develop leadership abilities, and teach problem-solving and communication skills. Through their shared experiences, Campers build community and experience teamwork, meanwhile exploring the problems and feelings associated with peer pressure and identity.
This project has provided additional documentation in a DOCX file (projdoc.docx).
