Youth Initiative
Camp Joy
Summer 2023
Launching in 2023, the summer enrichment program will focus on empowering BIPOC youth from under-resourced communities; providing them with exciting opportunities to curate their own personal libraries, explore the outdoors, engage in STEM activities, and make lasting childhood memories. Our initial campers will be rising 5th through 8th graders residing in the Washington D.C. region.
Camp Joy will serve as a safe place where BIPOC children can develop their creativity, grow their leadership skills, and cultivate new friendships. Our guiding principle is Joy is an Act of Resistance!
The 4-week multi-disciplinary program will offer activities ranging from theatre arts to sports to music to culinary arts to filmmaking. Each day will include an academic component to combat summer learning loss.
At the end of the summer, we will host the inaugural WELL-READ KIDS BOOK FAIR so that campers can begin the school year with brand-new books for their very own home libraries.
Camp Joy will serve as a safe place where BIPOC children can nurture their creativity, develop leadership skills, and cultivate lifelong friendships. Our guiding principle is JOY IS AN ACT OF RESISTANCE. The powerful declaration comes from the poem "The Telly Cycle" by Toi Derricotte. The summer enrichment program will improve literacy among DC's youngest readers and exemplify our core values of collective community and social justice.