The Bronze Chapter: Believe in Me’s 2024 Grant Recipient
Believe in Me is thrilled to announce The Bronze Chapter as our 2024 grant awardee. With a $5,000 grant, we continue our mission of championing all children’s empowerment. The Bronze Chapter’s Samish Island Nature & Adventure Camp is a unique Enrichment Program centering marginalized Black Native & youth of color (BIPOC) and their families in life-changing sleepover summer camp experiences. Unlike youth-only programs, this camp, organized and led by BIPOC leaders, goes beyond providing a safe, multicultural, intergenerational space where marginalized kids of color can exhale, rest, and be themselves—free from judgment or racism.
This all-inclusive camp pioneers diversity in outdoor experiences, emphasizing Coast Salish wisdom, history, culture, and crafts. The camp collaborates with the Samish Indian Nation, Swinomish Indian Tribal Community, Families of Color Seattle, and Samish Island Campground & Retreat Center, ensuring a holistic approach to empowerment. This blog will explore The Bronze Chapter’s mission and the transformative impact of their camp as we make a difference in the lives of historically disempowered and oppressed children and their families.
Our Vision and Mission
At Believe in Me, our vision is to empower all children to develop the self-confidence they need to succeed. Through the generosity of our supporters, we fund youth empowerment programs that provide marginalized kids with a safe place to call home, a family that loves them, a feeling of community, and opportunities to learn, build self-esteem, and have fun.
Our core values revolve around diversity and inclusion. We are committed to creating a space that radiates warmth, inclusivity, and friendship, where individuals can confidently explore their potential. Our unwavering dedication extends to creating a nurturing community that celebrates individuality, fostering an environment for meaningful growth, and realizing personal potential.
The Bronze Chapter’s Samish Island Nature and Adventure Camp
The Bronze Chapter’s Samish Island Nature and Adventure Camp is a testament to their unwavering commitment to crafting a unique and enriching experience for marginalized Black, Native, and youth of color (BIPOC) and their families. In stark contrast to typical youth-only programs, this camp transcends conventional boundaries by offering a safe, multicultural, and intergenerational space where marginalized kids of color can truly be themselves, free from the shackles of judgment and racism.
Led and organized by BIPOC leaders, the camp orchestrates various activities with guidance from Native experts. These activities serve as a bridge for children to connect with nature, delve into the rich tapestry of Coast Salish history and culture, and acquire essential life skills. The overarching goal is not only to provide a transformative experience for the participants but also to cultivate an environment that fosters lasting connections and friendships.
The camp’s vision aligns seamlessly with Believe in Me’s mission to empower all children, as it seeks to build excitement for and connections with the outdoors and nature, particularly for BIPOC youth and families who may not have felt safe in outdoor environments before. With a target of hosting at least 80 BIPOC campers, 50% or more of whom are younger than 18, the camp spans four nights and five days at the Samish Island Campground & Retreat Center in western Washington State in July 2024. All aspects of the program, from leadership to staffing, are BIPOC-led, creating an environment of safety and pride while fostering education and connections among BIPOC individuals.
Celebrating The Bronze Chapter’s Impact with Believe in Me’s Support
The Bronze Chapter’s Samish Island Nature and Adventure Camp is a beacon of diversity, inclusivity, and empowerment. As Believe in Me’s 2024 grant awardee, their mission aligns seamlessly with ours, fostering an environment where marginalized youth can thrive, connect with nature, and build essential life skills. We are proud to support The Bronze Chapter in their transformative journey and look forward to their camp’s positive impact on the lives of historically disempowered and oppressed children and their families. Together, we are making a difference in the lives of those who need it the most.
