PACKING LIST, DAILY FLOW & ACTIVITIES DETAILS

About PoH

We believe that by bringing together the wisdom, creativity and experience of both our elders and young people; we can create and hold space for the foundation, tools and support that youth will need to address the urgency of our times.  Through the use of the arts and other forms of creative expression we examine our own identities and learn new ways of being in community.  Only by building a community which is intentional, inclusive, intersectional, and evolving can we become more resilient and ready to be the change our world needs.  

Through multigenerational relationships, youth leadership and programming we offer spaces to; take creative risks, collaborate on solutions, process and heal from the complex issues impacting ourselves and our communities.  We stand with and are committed to the agency, capacity, leadership, ideas, expression and creativity of young people.  Power of Hope is an emergent space for young people to empower themselves. 

What’s camp like?

Day At A Glance:

7:30 am:  Wake up
8-9 am:  Breakfast
9-10:30 am:  Community Meeting and Morning Plenary
10:30-noon:  Workshop Session #1
12:15-1:30 pm:  Lunch
1:30-3:00 pm:  Workshop Session #2
3-6 pm:  Free time, hiking, beach time, impromptu workshops and optional outdoor activities
6-7:30 pm:  Dinner
7:30-8:15 pm:  Family Group meetings
8:30-10:15 pm:  Evening Event
11 pm:  Lights Out

Community Meeting and Morning Plenary:

After breakfast each morning, we gather for a community meeting and a plenary session.  At the morning meeting you get to add your ideas into how camp is going and how it can be even better. The morning plenary is an exciting whole-group arts empowerment session on themes like:

  • Learning from diversity

  • Expanding your comfort zone

  • Increasing your confidence

  • Exploring your relationship to others

  • Connecting with nature

  • Taking action in the world

Workshops:

Each day you get to participate in two to three 75-minute workshops on topics like:

Poetry - Freestyle - Nature Hikes - Plant Identification - Meditation - Capoeira - Acrobalance
Zine-making - Women and the Media - Theater for Social Change - Building Bridges Across Cultures
Mural Painting - African Drumming - Percussion - Songwriting - Game making - Singing - Hip Hop Dance

Why not try something totally new to you, so that you can expand your comfort zone and discover just how talented you are? Of course you can also go to workshops on topics you already love!

Our trained Environmental Educator leads workshops such as: animal tracking, bird language, sustainable farming and building, plant identification, and more.

Free Time:

Free time is chill time, perfect for group projects, relaxing and getting to know each other better. Some of the best conversations and improvised games happen during free time’s relaxing afternoon hours from 3 to 6 pm.

Some favorite free time activities are:

  • Mural-painting, song-writing, or other art explorations

  • Taking an optional workshop or learning more about an earlier workshop topic

  • Hanging out with other youth and staff

  • Going for a swim or hike

Family Groups:

Every night after dinner you meet with your “family,” a special group of 6 youth and 2 adults.

Meeting daily with the same small group gives you the chance to get to know each other well, and gives you the chance to share your thoughts about your experience.

During Family Group time, everyone can talk about how camp is going for them, do team-building activities and be a regular source of listening, support and camaraderie. Family group meeting is a favorite time for most everyone!

Evening Events:

Every night of camp, the whole community gathers for some fun and togetherness. We learn from each other. We entertain each other. And sometimes we laugh so hard we cry. Get ready for a good time!

The evening activity varies from night to night, and at Power of Hope we create a participatory culture where everyone can feel comfortable being themselves. Evenings are a great time to get to know yourself and others better, and to have an amazing time in the process.

Here are just some of the things you can look forward to:
Theater Improv Night
Music and Dance Night
Storytelling Night
Open Mic Night
Campfire Night
Closing Circle

What should I bring?

PACKING LIST FOR CAMP

***Please label EVERYTHING with your name!!***

Sleeping bag or bedroll and pillow
Sleeping pad
Flashlight!!
Rain gear!!
If you have one, please bring a tent you can share with others
Casual clothing appropriate to the season
Slippers/heavy socks for use in shoeless indoor areas
Warm clothes for evening outdoor activities
Personal toiletries (soap, shampoo, toothbrush, etc.)
Insect repellent (citronella)
Sun-block and hat
Two towels (for shower and beach)
A mug for bathroom use
Bathing suit
Shoes suitable for trails and wet grass
Water bottle with a strap on it
Extra socks

Optional Items:
Art supplies (like special paints or pencils you like to use), poems or other readings you might want to share, musical or percussion instruments, wild and funky costumes or accessories (you never know what might come in handy).

WHAT NOT TO BRING:
CELL PHONES
iPODS
CD PLAYERS
HEAD SETS
VIDEO GAMES
OTHER ELECTRONICS

IF YOU BRING THE ABOVE ITEMS TO CAMP, WE ASK YOU TO TURN THEM IN TO THE CAMP MANAGER UPON REGISTRATION FOR SAFE KEEPING. THEY WILL BE RETURNED AT THE END OF CAMP. IF YOU CHOOSE NOT TO TURN IN YOUR VALUABLES TO THE CAMP MANAGER, POWER OF HOPE IS NOT RESPONSIBLE IF THEY ARE LOST.

NOTE: Youth are responsible for the belongings they bring. Please DO NOT bring any valuables. Power of Hope is not responsible for lost or stolen items.