As Encampers participate in workshops, field trips, and community activities, they encounter viewpoints different from their own and begin to question and think critically about issues that are woven throughout our daily lives and reflected in the larger society. Staff are available 24/7 to help youth make the link between interpersonal issues and societal issues. Once Encampers internalize this method of questioning everything – not accepting what is presented at face value – they have a life-long skill adaptable to all life situations.

It is accompanied by workshops that provide historical, political and social context. For example, Encampers, including several from farmworker families, interviewed growers; met with representatives from the United Farm Workers Union; worked in the fields; and spoke with youth in a farmworker residence. This project led participants to look at global systems of food distribution, immigration and labor issues, and environmental sustainability. The Encampers – farmworker youth as well as Encampers who had never considered who put food on their tables – gained an understanding that was both personal and political and remained with them.

… focused on safety, relationship-building, youth participation, community involvement, and skill-building. Skills include facilitation, workshop development, public speaking, governance, conflict resolution and group decision-making.

Encampers may investigate issues such as institutionalized racism, sexism, classism, heteronormativity, and other forms of oppression, as well as other issues that affect their communities and the world around them.

They will explore social media as an organizing tool to gather and spread ideas and information.