Auburn Hip Hop Congress continuing legacy of Growing Peace Camp

The Auburn Hip Hop Congress will continue the legacy of its annual Growing Peace Camp from July 31 through Aug. 4. The camp aims to create a culture of caring and serves children of all ages, from entering Transitional Kindergarten to high school-age students. Natalie Zapata, who runs Auburn Hip Hop Congress, said there are two new programs for the camp this year, which include a special camp just for students headed to Transitional Kindergarten or Kindergarten and a behavioral assistance program tailored for junior high students. In addition to the new programs, Zapata said all students coming from the recently shuttered Rock Creek Elementary School can attend the camp free of charge. "There were just so many young people speaking, and they were just so passionate and articulate and inspiring," Zapata said of the students who worked to try and save their school. "We wanted to provide this experience of Peace Camp to that community." Offering the camp for free is not a new concept for the Growing Peace Camp. It offers the camp to anyone regardless of whether they can pay or not. Due to fundraising efforts, Zapata said they never turn away families that can't pay. At the camp, the Elementary program includes nature appreciations, friendship building, Improv, tie dye, egg drop, drumming, story telling, music, dance, Parkour, art and more. The new junior high program will teach participants how to increase focus, self-awareness and self-acceptance. Campers will learn healthy coping skills for managing challenges such as anger, anxiety and depression, reduce impulsive and self-destructive behaviors, and improve potential for healthy and successful relationships. Zapata said one of the sweetest things about the camp is kids who grew up attending the camp, which began in 1986, now serve as student volunteers to help run the program for the other young kids. "I used to go to Peace Camp when I was little and I loved it. I thought it had a great community, and I grew a good bond with the workers at the time," one teen volunteer said. "I want to make that bond with the new members of peace camp so they can enjoy it the same way I did." Longtime Auburn volunteer Millie Livingston started the first Peace Camp in 1987 through the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom. Though the host organization has shifted throughout the years, the program and its message has stayed the same. Livingston passed away in September, and Zapata said she strives to carry on her legacy and continues to pour in her efforts through Hip Hop Congress and the Growing Peace Camp. "We just create this community through the Growing Peace Camp," Zapata said. "It's very intergenerational and everybody just has a great time. We are very excited for this year." Camp is scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 31 though Aug. 4 at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church. For more information, email Zapata at nataliepohley@gmail.com.