Camp JunneBug

Our inaugural Camp JunneBug: Create. Move. Express. brought together 30 young people throughout the week centered on creativity, movement, cultural connection, self-expression, leadership, and community. Throughout the week, participants were encouraged to explore new ways of expressing themselves, discover their strengths, and build confidence while having the freedom to simply create, connect, and be young.

Each day introduced campers to a different form of expression and learning. Participants practiced Aikido and African martial arts, explored the creativity and cultural traditions of hair braiding, expressed themselves through water painting, learned the rhythms and traditions of the Shekere, and discovered the power of their own voices through writing and storytelling. Through each experience, campers learned that expression can take many forms—from art and movement to culture, tradition, and the stories we tell.

Camp JunneBug also incorporated leadership and civic engagement through a youth-led Town Hall experience. Campers took on community roles, developed ideas, participated in elections, and practiced using their voices to help shape the community around them.

More than a summer camp, Camp JunneBug created a space where young people could Create. Move. Express. while building confidence, connection, and a stronger sense of self. With 30 participants in our inaugural year, Camp JunneBug demonstrated the power of creating intentional spaces where young people are encouraged to explore who they are, embrace their creativity, connect with culture and community, and recognize that their voices matter.