Camp Ubuntu

Tucked away in the Angeles National Forest, along a winding canyon road, is an oasis of green surrounded by hills of brown and black. In 2013 a fire ravaged through the area, scorching 30,000 acres of land. If it weren’t for the the heroic efforts of firefighters - and a little luck - this small piece of land that’s home to Camp Ubuntu would be no more.

But it survived.

And along with it, the opportunity to continue to impact the lives of hundreds of school kids each year.

Seventy miles away in South Central Los Angeles, kids growing up in the inner city community of Watts couldn’t live in a more stark contrast to the inviting confines of Camp Ubuntu. Life can be dangerous. You’d be hard-pressed to find someone who doesn’t at least know of a friend or family member who’s been incarcerated, joined a gang, or killed just for living where they do.

When Camp Ubuntu was conceived in 2009, the goal was to give the kids growing up in less than ideal conditions the chance to escape, even if just for a weekend. It has since accomplished much more.

Camp Ubuntu is a full community initiative, involving students, teachers, parents, police officers, former gang members and neighbourhood leaders. They arrive on a Friday and depart on Sunday, but it’s what happens in between that makes all the difference.

In a home environment where kids have been raised to protect themselves first, Camp Ubuntu turns that train of thought on its head to foster trust, caring for others and expressing vulnerability that would be unheard of on the streets of Watts. Relationships are formed. Fears are challenged. Teamwork is prioritized.

Just being in a safe environment, far from the stresses of inner city life, nurtures their spirit. Surrounded by a support system that includes Camp Ubuntu staff, kids are met with a message of love.

Camp Mom, Jill Hudspeth greets each child as they come to breakfast with a hug and the familiar phrase: “You are loved!”. Even though they all get the same greeting, somehow it still feels personal and meaningful. The smiles on their faces are evidence of that. Regardless of their past, the daily challenges they face, the trouble they have been in, they all learn that they are valued.

Camp Ubuntu get its name from the southern African word for humanity and the bond of sharing that connects us all. Its philosophy of “I am because we are” emphasizes the value of togetherness, underscored by the idea that our existence is elevated when we reach out to others who are struggling, and accept help when we need it.

Throughout the weekend, kids are presented with situations that they are not able to complete by themselves.

The ropes course is a prime example.

Aside from the obvious need to be supported by a staff member who secures their harness and ropes, kids require help from their peers to steady the ladder, and often talk each other into overcoming their fears. Staring up at a sixty foot high challenge course is enough to make even the bravest second-guess themselves. That’s where the community comes in with words of encouragement, the value of facing their fears and some gentle coaxing. Some make it to the top multiple times, while some only get a few feet off the ground.

Regardless, each achievement is celebrated with the same enthusiasm.

Often, positive role models are hard to come by. The police are viewed as the enemy. Violence and abuse are rampant. Most parents are doing their best and teachers can only have so much impact. Camp Ubuntu ensures that kids learn to seek out positive influences. Many of the camp counselors were young gang members and formerly incarcerated adults. They tell their stories of the consequences of poor choices and the value of taking control of your own future. The message means more when it comes from one of their own.

They are relatable.

They have lived in the same conditions and grown up under similar circumstances. They are able to share the realities of gang life and remove the glamour. They can switch the perception of law enforcement from enemy to friend.

It might seem like a weekend spent at the camp might not be enough to effect lasting change. However, experience has shown that the lessons learned and personal impact on the students, their families and teachers has carried over to their time back at school and life in their community.

Camp Ubuntu also ensures that they follow up throughout the year with the students, with staff members occasionally stopping by for a visit during the school day. This frequent connection creates a sense of consistency and trust that is often lacking in the lives of the children outside of the camp.

In addition, Camp Ubuntu Watts was established during the summer months. This program takes the three day school camp and stretches it out to six weeks with unique experiences that has included visits from Red Hot Chili Peppers and other musicians. Even though the location of the summer camp at the school and not the outdoor oasis in the Angeles National Forest, the message remains the same:

I AM BECAUSE WE ARE!

Find out more at: https://haroldrobinsonfoundation.org/camp-ubuntu