Turning campers into community leaders: Growing Peace Camp celebrates 13 years

"I am excited to work with the older kids and feel confident that the rest of camp is in good hands," Natalie Zapata said in a conversation about Growing Peace Camp. Oftentimes as parents, we see ourselves as stewards in our children's lives, guiding them on the path as best we can, offering our wisdom – and that wisdom, we hope, being listened to – in the hope that when we're not there, they will be OK, prepared for the world as best they can be. It's ultimately what drives Growing Peace Camp in Auburn, now in its 13th year, which has been for kids and parents a place where that cultivation happens in the brightest of ways; and has also been a place that fosters growth from within its ranks – bringing kids up from attendees to working for the camp itself. It's something Zapata, who has been facilitating Peace Camp for more than a decade with Auburn Hip Hop Congress (AHHC) as its director, feels good about. For the last 13 years, Growing Peace Camp has been more than just a summer camp – it has been a nurturing, inclusive micro-community for Auburn; a place where youth grow up, return and lead. As campers get older, they move through different programs – the first being K-fifth grade, where they learn about peace through various art forms and activities; then the Media Arts Program, where they write and record songs, conduct video interviews for GPC-TV and put together an original music video from scratch. High school students are eligible for the Teen Volunteer Program with many Peace Camp alumni becoming paid camp counselors. Watching Peace Camp youth become kind, capable leaders who help carry the camp forward is something that brings a certain level of esteem and pride to AHHC. This year, Zapata's daughter, Vanessa Pohley, and longtime friend and Discovery Club director Tricia Ruff will run camp activities for the younger kids, giving Zapata the chance to work with the junior high media camp. "I'm honored to be able to run Peace Camp and support my mom and continue Millee's legacy," Pohley said. "Peace camp is such a special place because it truly is a family. Once kids experience it, they always come back and are (always) excited to grow into the next stages." Seeing Pohley's ascension is a full-circle moment for Ruff. "It's been amazing watching Vanessa grow from a wonderful little human into the absolutely amazing woman she has become," Ruff said. "I feel so blessed not just watching her grow up but being able to work with her on so many different levels. She brings so much love and passion to everything she does, and I am so proud of her." Growing Peace Camp is designed around a new theme each year, Zapata explained. Auburn Hip Hop Congress takes time to consider what youth and families may need most in that season, then create a camp experience that is creative and relevant. Fun and self-expression will be the focus this year, and the theme is "Peace Camp's Got Talent!" which invites campers to explore their natural gifts, practice new skills and celebrate what makes them unique, she concluded. Growing Peace Camp serves up to 150 youth in grades K-12 and is led by a dedicated crew of artists, cultural teachers, teen volunteers and community helpers. Campers receive snacks and lunches, so every child is nourished and able to fully participate. Camp will close with "Peace Fest," beginning with a youth talent show where campers can celebrate and share what they have worked on during the week. "As we all navigate the ups and downs of change, we believe spaces like Peace Camp give youth a comfortable place to make friends, be creative and connect with the community," said Zapata. "We know Millee Livingston, founder of Growing Peace Camp, and our dear friend Leslye Janusz would be happy to see the continued growth of this legacy." Auburn Hip Hop Congress is committed to making Growing Peace Camp accessible to all families, regardless of financial resources. Peace Camp is community-supported, and donations help ensure that no child is turned away from this high-quality camp experience. Contributions of any size help provide scholarships, meals, supplies, artist-led activities and a joyful week of peace-building for local youth. Growing Peace Camp will take place Monday through Friday, July 27-31, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 1279 High Street, in Auburn.