Photo: Getty Images
This week on the IHeart SoCal show Ej talked to Nikki Glaspie from the Harold Robinson Foundation. They talked about Camp Ubuntu. They are using camp based programming based on the CASEL social and emotional framework to help build community. They are investing in children their families, schools and communities in South Los Angeles through creative retreat programs at a recreational summer camp in the Angeles National Forest along with camp programs in the community at Markham Middle School.
They begin their work with elementary school, specifically 5th and 6th graders who will be transitioning into middle school the following year, Middle school is tough for all kids but it’s especially challenging for our kids in Watts who are living in housing developments that have been at war with each other for 50 years. When they enter middle school it’s when these kids from 4 different developments come together for the first time and fights ensue, kids get jumped into gangs, and there is a constant tension that creates an environment that is far from ideal for learning. The Harold Robinson Foundation brings students, their teachers, school admin, and some parents from 2 schools that would not normally be doing things together or even know each other out to a beautiful camp in the mountains, away from their daily stressors and they work, play, eat, dance and sleep together for 3 days with people who they would have never met before, including young people from more affluent communities who volunteer, a very diverse group of counselors and specialists who surrounded them with love. is
Camp Ubuntu in the mountains is where they plant the seeds and bring it back to the community to help it grow. Unfortunately, the pandemic has had a devastating effect on the community and the kids. It’s almost like they have to go back to square one.
The Harold Robinson Foundation never stopped during the pandemic. They provided hundreds of thousands of pounds of fresh food to the community, they provided tons of toys during the holidays and shoes for shoe drives. They did virtual camp, delivering camp in a box with all the supplies they would need. They also did movie nights and virtual campfires on Friday nights.
The Harold Robinson Foundation is also having a event called Pedal on the Pier. There are a few different ways to participate. Go to www.pedalonthepier.com and you can sign up for a bike and create a team. Each bike has to raise $2,500 but most raise more. You can also buy a ticket for $100 that gives you all access to the festivities, the food and bar. One thing they added this year is that if you love the mission like we do and don’t spin you can be a fundraiser without a bike. You can raise your all access pass for anything over the $100 entry.
Click here for more information on Camp Ubuntu and The Harold Robinson Foundation
Click here for info on Pedal on the Pier