Camp Diva Leadership Academy Brochure 2023

Girls For A Change’s summer camp provides each participant with opportunities to grow, discover themselves, and explore the world around them while connecting, collaborating, and celebrating in a genderresponsive and culturally-affirming community.

Yes, girls, this is the best way to spend your summer break! Camp Diva is a full-day, immersive camp that celebrates Black identity and emphasizes culture and values. We aim to build girls’ confidence and self-esteem to find their voices, uncover their sparks, discover their passion, and define their values. Through informative workshops, hands-on activities, peer-to-peer mentoring, and weekly field trips, girls begin to unlock their potential, chart their path forward, and develop their leadership and communication skills. These practices not only facilitate great experiences for our girls, but they also support and foster social-emotional development, enhance their physical ability, promote creativity, and encourage each girl to believe in herself.

Looking for a culturefilled summer program packed with fun, friends, field trips, learning, and a positive social impact?

Camp Diva Leadership Academy is where Black girls thrive because they are the focus.

Full STEAM Ahead is a conference by CodeVA dedicated to empowering youth through Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics. They inspire students by connecting them with professional role models in engaging hands-on workshops. Speakers will share their experience as leaders in their respective industries, highlighting the importance of STEAM and the power of interdisciplinary collaboration.

This event is for rising 6th through rising 9th graders. Sessions will be available on a first come, first served basis and are subject to change. Full STEAM Ahead will be on Saturday, June 24th, at the J Sargeant Reynolds Parham Road Campus.

Have questions? Interested in a need-based scholarship? Check out FULL STEAM Ahead for more information.

We apologize if you were waitlisted and cannot join us this summer. We encourage you to enroll in FULL STEAM Ahead to start the summer with learning engagement and fun. Register Today!

Girls For A Change (GFAC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit youth development organization aimed at empowering self identifying Black girls throughout Central Virginia to visualize their bright futures and potential through discovery, development, innovation, and social change in their communities. Our mission is to prepare Black girls for the world and the world for Black girls.

GFAC programs are designed to provide consistent support to girls, from their youth into their young adulthood, and beyond. Through experiential learning and consistent exposure, we focus on ensuring girls are ahead of the learning curve, breaking cycles and closing the opportunity gaps faced by too many disadvantaged, marginalized or underrepresented girls— specifically Black girls. We want to give every girl* who aspires to get ahead a chance to be seen, heard and celebrated.

WHO WE ARE WHO WE ARE

GFAC programs focus on leadership skills, goal-planning, financial literacy, network building, exposure, community engagement, skill-building, sisterhood building, and socioemotional learning. We also offer a safe space to address issues like institutional racism, sexism, the digital divide, and the glass ceiling, which for many Black girls can be a concrete ceiling.

Your Actions Save Lives

COVID is not over yet. Neither is a common cold or flu. If your daughter is too sick to attend camp, please stay home.

The spread of common illnesses such as flu and colds, gastrointestinal illnesses (diarrhea), pink eye (conjunctivitis), and strep can be limited when children and adults stay home and away from other people when they’re sick. Keep your children at home when they have: diarrhea (three or more loose stools in a 24-hour period), vomiting, fever (100.4°F or over with symptoms OR 101°F or over if no other symptoms).

Tips for staying and keeping a healthy camp

If we all do our part, we can help prevent and avoid catching colds, flu, and other infectious diseases by practicing and teaching the following:

Proper handwashing techniques: The easiest thing to remember: add soap and wash under warm water for the length of time it takes to sing the entire “Happy Birthday” song (don’t forget the thumbs, palms, back of the hand, fingernails, and between the fingers). Rinse hands for the same length of time. Hand sanitizer is effective in preventing the spread of illness, as well. When you can wash your hands, it’s best to do so.

Sneezing and Coughing: Teach your children to sneeze and cough into their elbows. Encourage them to teach their friends at camp to do the same.

Don’t share personal items: Items such as drinking cups, utensils, towels, clothes, lipgloss, and hair care items such as brushes may contain germs that can make you sick.

Mask when appropriate: Follow public health recommendations, including when Camp Diva staff requires masks for activities and travels.

Equip children with sunscreen and teach them how to use it: Teach them how to apply it on the face, nose, and neck on their own.

Use a refillable water bottle: Send your child to camp with a refillable water bottle and ask that they don’t share it (at least ask that their friends don’t touch their mouths to the bottle spout).

Hydrate: Encourage them to drink water frequently during the day. It will help them to stay hydrated in the sun and the heat.

Send children to camp with protective equipment if needed: Regardless of the type of camp they attend, pack protective eyewear and a mouth guard. Your daughter will be participating in physical activity, make sure to send along protective equipment that protects their noses, mouths, faces, and heads.

Ask the camp staff about their policies regarding protective equipment if you have any further questions. We support and encourage your daughter to embrace personal safety by wearing appropriate gear in order to participate in activities.

Let us know when your daughter has been cleared by her doctor: If you aren’t sure whether your daughter should camp, please contact your daughter’s doctor or let us know if you need support.

CAMP DIVA LEADERSHIP ACADEMY

Benefits

Camp Diva Leadership Academy offers an affirming space for young Black girls to be nurtured and supported in developing the following:

Showing their Glow Journey to Individuality

Compassionate Communication Resilience in Self Discovery

Stimulating STEAM Activities

Flourish in Freedom Nourish the World

For almost 20 years, Camp Diva Leadership Academy has been providing Black girls with a positive, stimulating, playful and joyful summer day camp experience where they create wonderful memories and lasting friendships.

What our Parents Say

“Camp Diva provided a variety of experiences that supported my daughter’s social and physical growth in a positive environment in which she had the opportunity to explore, play, learn from adult role models, develop selfconfidence, use her imagination, and create new friendships. The program stimulates exploration and adventure through individual and group activities while developing insight into cooperation and decision making. The amazing culturally relevant activities, arts & crafts, swimming, games, and sports promote an exhilarating summer for each camper. My daughters’ personal, emotional, and physical needs are nurtured by a staff that has a great love of children. This camp will give you the peace of mind that your child is in a caring environment this summer.”

Meet our Camp Diva Leadership 2023 Team

This summer, we are excited and honored to provide a creative and transformative summer experience for self-identifying Black girls. Our staff is equipped to face and eliminate the profound systemic barriers Black girls face while also fostering a safe space where girls feel seen, heard, and celebrated. Our trained summer coaches are focused on helping your daughter build resilience, self confidence, and experience Black girl joy in a way that is culturally responsive to the needs of Black girls.

Our Ratio 1:15

“My daughter Nadia has attended Camp Diva Leadership camp since the age of 9, she is now 14. The thing I love most about this program is that each year it is different and even better than the year before. This camp specializes in providing tools that will continue to enhance their leadership and communication skills. It is also a place where they learn about sisterhood, self-confidence, and exposure to various professions and industries. The trips are amazing, and the collaboration with local businesses allows the girls to have broader experiences than most camps. Camp Diva is always my choice for the summer.” – April Fraser

Our Leadership Team

“The past three years have been rough and isolating for young people trying to thrive during a pandemic. This year, we are really leaning into community exploration so that girls can break out and have stimulating experiences. It’s time to get out and about after being cooped up for too long.”

– Sistah Angela, CEO

“Society has a history of looking over Black Girls. At Camp Diva, every girl is seen, heard, and celebrated. Every girl walks out the door knowing she has a voice and that voice matters.”

– Sistah Genisus, Leadership team member

Visit girlsforachange.org to learn more about our summer camp staff . We look forward to our full Camp Diva staff joining us in June.

“We are excited to play an important role in developing the social and emotional skills of Black girls. As part of Road Trippin’, participants will have the opportunity to form new friendships and share new experiences with the new friends they make. Camp Diva will be their home away from home.”

– Sistah Karimah, Program Director

“Camp Diva is an amazing experience that all Black girls should have access to. The sisterhood, fun, and engagement is one of a kind.”

– Sistah Na’Kera, Leadership team member

Road Trippin’ is designed to embrace the individuality of rising 4th–rising 9th grade girls. Giving them a chance to explore, learn, and experience unique things. So often Black girls are minimized, told to think smaller, to be smaller. We give participants the chance to grow freely with no limits in finding their passion.

Travel is an important part of development. It teaches us about other people and other cultures. Travel gives opportunities and allows girls to gain independence through knowledge and exploration.

The theme for 2023 is “Road Trippin.”

Over the last three years Black girls have had to overcome hurdle after hurdle and continue to adapt to the new normal of being inside. The time has come to be free again. We intend to remind girls of the beauty of being on the road and seeing what life has to offer!

Black girls constantly traverse the expectations of others. Being stuck in the steel bubble of what others think Black girls should be. The intention of the theme is to break through that bubble. To have fun, to hear, see, and taste commodities never offered before.

They will have a summer filled with roads, laughter, and discovery. They will be thinking outside the box so no one can force them into one.

Our mission is to Prepare Black girls for the world and the world for Black girls.

Our vision is to empower Black girls to visualize their bright futures and potential through discovery, development, innovation, and social change in their communities.

We want every girl to be seen, heard and celebrated.

“A lot of people get placed in a box and are not encouraged to dream—be a nurse, accountant, teacher—but we really want to support our girls to dream beyond all things, whether it be in the arts or something that isn’t a traditional job for women, especially Black women.” – Sistah Genisus

GFAC strongly believes that no girl should be denied an opportunity to attend a program due to lack of funds; however, we ask every effort be made by each applicant and their family to “earn their own way.” Partial scholarships on a sliding-scale or full scholarships are available. If you are approved for a partial scholarship, you will receive a payment plan upon approval with weekly payments. If you are approved for a full scholarship, you are only responsible for additional fees that may apply.

All applicants, regardless of scholarship status, are required to pay the non-refundable registration fee. In order to reserve a spot, you must pay a $25 non-refundable processing fee to register for camp.

ADDITIONAL FEES:

Scholarship Application Fee

Field Trip Fee

Activity Fee

Photoshoot Fee

White Dress & Bone color shoes for photoshoot

Snack Shack Shop (opens daily)

Closing Ceremony

We recommend $25–$75 for additional fees that may incur depending on the activity on and off-site.

Every Black Girl Fund provides an opportunity for every girl to attend Girls For A Change programs without barriers. Support, Donate or Apply Today

Financial Aid & Scholarship Application Opens on Wednesday, December 15th and closes Wednesday, May 31st.

All documents must be turned in during this time as well. We recommend parents/guardians have documents ready to mail or deliver in-person during the application process.

Parents/guardians will be notified of scholarship approval on Friday, June 3rd, and will need to agree and accept the award by June 8th. If you receive financial aid in lieu of a full scholarship due to the sliding scale, you are responsible for payments for your discounted rate no later than Friday, June 18th at 5pm.

A TRIP OF THEIR OWN

At Camp Diva, we encourage meaningful connections and quality friendship. Good friends cultivate wonderful memories and a positive life. On a day by day basis, the girls will have a chance to communicate with their peers in many different ways.

Often the camp will be parted into 3 groups: rising 4th–5th, rising 6th–7th, and rising 8th–9th. This is to ensure that each girl is able to get focused and invested instructions. Our “Trip of Their Own” days are done differently:

On Mondays, the rising 7th–9th graders will set out to adventure and see what life has to offer; bonding as the eldest of the camp.

On Wednesdays, rising 4th–6th get the chance to discover and create in elementary enjoyment, having a similar chance to explore with a more youthful touch.

On Fridays, every camp member will participate in Field Trips, giving them a chance to all share in an experience.

The journey may be different, but at this camp we strive for the same destination. To break the concrete ceiling and give every girl the chance for a new inviting world.

Weekly WeeklyThemesThemesWeekly Themes

Each week we will lean into what Road Trippin’ means through the lens of different themes/experiences. Here’s a look at our weekly themes for 2023.

Day Trippin’

June 26th–June 30th

LET’S CHASE THE DAY AND ENJOY THE SUN

GFAC always wants our girls to have a relationship with nature. It is the basis of everything we do, from the foundation of our buildings to the food we eat. Participants will learn how to combine structure and beauty. They will be given the chance to aid and appreciate the world. We want your daughter to understand her connection to the earth, and we can all be stewards of it, growing, nourishing, and flourishing from its bounty. We want them to disconnect from the inside and get back outside.

Trek to Success

July 3rd–July 7th

THE TREK TO ENTREPRENEURSHIP HAS NEVER BEEN CLEARER

Every day, Black entrepreneurs find a new innovative way to do business. To create. The typical professions found in past generations are constantly evolving. It isn’t out of the ordinary to combine work with fun because there is more encouragement in pursuing what we love. However, how we invest and what we invest our time in hasn’t changed. This will be a time of discovery.

Entrepreneurship is an important subject in Camp Diva as every year, girls prepare to participate in our annual Market Day. They will learn the art of public speaking, product design, and finance best practices. We want participants to have first hand experience learning about entrepreneurship from real business owners. A chance to show a self-sufficient way of thinking, and how to pair creative with lucrative.

Imaginations Set Sail

July 10th–July 14th

IMAGINATIONS ARE THE KEY TO INSPIRATIONS

Black girls are so often forced to limit themselves and think in smaller more “achievable goals.” Imagination has no limit. They have no limit. You want to sew a dress? You can. Want to create jewelry? You can! You don’t like the arts? There truly is something for everyone. Learn from other Black women to find your inner artisan. Explore the aspects of self expression. Paint, photograph, sing, be inspired and inspire others. Do it all in Camp Diva!

Homeward Bound

July 17th – July 21st

OUR TRUEST HOME IS OURSELVES.

If these last couple years have taught us anything it’s that mindfulness is important in this ever changing world and that community is the backbone of the individual.

Homeward Bound is a week focused on mindfulness and community outreach, to show that to care for others you must also care for yourself. The two most essential homes are ourselves and our community. If one is neglected everything suffers. Camp Diva wants each participant to know she is important through rest and restorative work. Black people are 15% less likely than white people to seek help when needed. GFAC aims to change that by managing the struggles in our youth, showing them proper coping skills, and creating an honest safe space.

During this week, the Richmond chapter of NAWIC (National Association of Women in Construction) will be hosting a week long day camp for girls going into middle school to introduce them to a potential career in the construction industry. The week is jam packed with hands-on lessons and activities hosted by industry professionals from the area. Girls will be tackling carpentry, electrical, heavy equipment, HVAC/ plumbing and commercial painting as well as facilitating engaging conversations with women in various roles within the industry.

This camp will take place from July 17th-July 20th and will be located at the new Henrico County Public School Adult Education Center at Regency Mall. All supplies, lunch, and a snack will be provided.

Laurianda Elements – Sewing Series

July 21st Photoshoot Day

Roving 2 Rhythm, July 24th–July 28th MOVING THROUGH LIFE WITH A FLOW

Rhythm is a big part of the Black community. There was a time when our words and bodies were oppressed and all we had was the rhythm of our hearts. We used that rhythm to guide us and continue to do so in many different forms including exercise and dance. Movement is important in general as it helps with all facets of health, improving the brain and the body. Dancing holds a special place in the Black community, the connection runs deep. Some of the most prolific dancers of all time were Black. One of the biggest issues on social media was the intellectual property of Black dancers. Even if you aren’t the next Misty Copeland, you are sure to find some joy in connecting to your roots through the beat of your feet.

Annual Market Day

Friday, July 28th, 12:30pm–4:30pm

Recipes on the Road

July 31st–August 4th FOOD CONNECTS US

Jamaican curry, Ethiopian sambusa, Southern chicken, food has always been an important but complex relationship within the Black Community. Filled with amazing powerful flavors but terrible realities like food deserts found in predominantly Black neighborhoods. Eating is how we get our energy for the day, it can affect mood, memory, and health. It is also a time to connect and travel the world through flavors. Tasting things from different cultures and appreciating food from your own is a way to travel distances and centuries. During this week, participants will prepare, bake, make, and eat with professionals in the community. Much like our Recipes for Success this week gives Camp Diva participants the chance to cook and create new and exciting treats.

Weekly Themes

Thursday, August 3rd

DREAM IN BLACK TOUR DREAM IN BLACK TOUR

Field trip to Washington D.C.

We’re headed to D.C. for a cultural exploration! Camp Diva will visit The University of Maryland, College Park. We will connect through cooking, a panel, and lunch with a Woman of Color Chef, in partnership with Fancy & Spicy. We’ll also visit Black + Forth, the first Black-owned strip mall founded by Angel Gregorio. Finally, we’ll stop by Sankofa, a Black filmmaker, familyowned and operated bookstore and cafe.

Friday, August 4th

19th 19th

ANNUAL CLOSING CEREMONY ANNUAL CLOSING CEREMONY

ORCHARD HOUSE SCHOOL

12:00PM–4:00 PM

$25 for two tickets (entry for 2 people) Sales support 2024 scholarships.

Register for Closing Ceremony

Participants and Camp Staff have learned the joy of PLAY, expanded their minds, moved their bodies, and celebrated each other. We will gather together one last time as we come to the end of the 2023 summer experience.

We are excited to announce that this year our special guest will be Dystany Spurlock.

A rising star in a male-dominated world, Dystany’s fearless determination has her poised to become one of drag racing all-time greats. She’s an entrepreneur, luminary, and role model for young people across the globe.

TYPICAL DAY

Our Camp Diva Leadership curriculum was created to help girls discover their girl power. The Camp Diva Leadership schedule is divided into rotating activities each day, including free time, team time, and whole group activities. Each group of participants has a weekly schedule and follows a structured rotation of activities.

Character development & shaping sisterhoods Cultural enrichment & women’s history

Hands on artful activities

Learning healthy & wealthy life practices

Experiencing the amazing world of agriculture

Becoming one with the community & themselves

STEAM and non-traditional career exploration

Cooking up creativity in the kitchen

THESE ACTIVITIES INCLUDE:

Every day participants will celebrate their Black Girlhood, get to know their sisters, elevate their voices, learn to respect the strengths and differences of themselves and their peers, and, together with our staff, develop new skills and further their own self discovery journey.

Each day celebrates Black girls’ stories and voices and is full of unique approaches toward transformational change packed with fun and exciting activities related to our theme focus for the week—a typical day may look like this:

7:30 am Doors Open Free Time/Breakfast On your own

8:30 am Sister Circle

9:00 am–10:15 am Activity 1

10:15 am–11:30 am Activity 2

11:30 am–12:30 pm Lunch

12:30 pm–1:30 pm Rising w/ Ujima and Umoja

Daily Focused Activities –Consistency, Choices and Carefree

One of Camp Diva’s strengths is our volunteers and workshop presenters. They bring new innovative ideas and enhancing opportunities. We have many trendy traditions here that will bring a collision of the known and the unknown. On Mondays, the participants will divulge in the culinary arts with Vegan Action. Capitol One Coders endeavor to guide the girls into the tech enterprise every Tuesday. Thursdays, Fancy & Spicy will take the camp on a voyage into food science. One activity at a time, Camp Diva will eliminate summer program and give the participants days they’ll never forget!

We Out – Friday Field Trips

Girls For A Change field trips are an important part of the Camp Diva experience. These shared social experiences provide opportunities for Black girls to encounter and explore novel things in an authentic setting.

When our participants leave GFAC’s center, they see the connections between what is happening at the center and in the ‘real-world’. They begin to see that what they learn within our four walls can help them solve the problems they see in the world around them, and can have a direct impact on enriching and broadening their experience.

Here are a few places we will venture out over the summer

• Science Museum of Virginia

• Challenge Discovery

• Launch Trampoline Park

• Maymont Park

• The Well Collective

• Adiva Naturals

• And so much more

How much money should your daughter take on field trip? $25–$75 recommended for each field trip.

Sometimes it’s not about the price; it’s about the value of the opportunity. Field Trips are rites of passage. They provide personal growth opportunities, from basic travel skills, like going through airport security, to career exploration. Trips support the social-emotional development of teens and tweens, including the chance to develop resiliency, independence, confidence, and empathy. To ensure every girl participates, we have established a fundraising initiative to support families who need extra support. To learn more, please email info@girlsforachange.org

More Field Trip confirmations will be discussed at our mandatory Camp Diva Leadership Orientation on Wednesday, June 14th.

MORE THAN A SUMMER CAMP

By joining Camp Diva Leadership Academy, Black girls get access to various resources, programs, opportunities, and community leaders they may not find elsewhere. Not only do they walk away with skills and experiences from the program, but the opportunities to continue to grow with us once they leave our building.

When you join us for Camp Diva, you open the doors to a community who will pour themselves into you for life. All we ask is that you extend trust and stay in it with us. Camp Diva is not a one and done experience, it’s the chance to explore and grow into womanhood with us. Girls For A Change takes a continuum approach to development, which means as she moves through different stages of life, our programs move with her.

That’s why last year we launched a special program for rising 9th graders as they enter their last year of Camp Diva Leadership Academy and prepare for High School.

MISSION IN BLOOM

Mission In Bloom is a final experience as part of the Camp Diva Leadership Academy.

Starting high school is an exciting time, but it can also be stressful for students and parents. Camp Diva will be a summer resource to help your daughter start her high school journey!

Unfortunately, for many Black girls, 8th grade means much more than the end of middle school. Completing middle school marks the end of their perceived innocence. Along with their other peers who are maturing, Black girls are forced to confront adultification, racism, and a myriad of other additional microaggressive attacks on their body, mind, and spirit.

During this part of life, change is constant, but girls aren’t changing at the same time in the same ways. Adolescent bodies, brains and even social skills develop at vastly different rates. Girls may distance themselves from close friends as they change and discover who they are. Young people will change their minds often about what and who—is a good fit for them, before settling into their choices. No worries, eventually, with support and guidance they stop changing so much and settle into comfortable relationships, but that takes time.

MISSION IN BLOOM ALLOWS RISING 9TH GRADE GIRLS TO:

Gather and carve out safe emotional and psychological spaces away from negative experiences of discrimination.

Purposefully affirm individual characteristics in other Black girls.

Learn positive ways that encourage them to try out new things and explore their identity beliefs.

Create opportunities to make new friends and expose participants to new things.

Offer a supportive environment for girls to figure out who they are, what experiences they value, and the types of people they want to be surrounded by.

Our rising 9th grade summer experience was created to combat barriers Black girls face in high school. Girls that participate in our Mission in Bloom program will be equipped and ready to stretch out their wings, gain valuable skills and knowledge, and explore new areas of interest with confidence.

Did you know that more students fail 9th grade than any other grade and many of these students ultimately drop out?

Camp Diva Leadership Academy rising 9th grade program was created to increase graduation rates, advance opportunities for Black girls as they become closer to making college and career choices, increase pass rates, boost enthusiasm for learning, improve academic skills, enhance self-esteem, develop positive relationships with school, and reduce discipline problems.

Through Mission in Bloom, rising 9th graders will get an opportunity to engage in robust programming, experiences, workshops, and curriculum that connects back to high school preparation and the challenges they may encounter.

SESSIONS FOR RISING 9TH GRADERS ONLY

While keeping up with our theme and participating in our traditional camp activities, girls going through our Mission in Bloom will have opportunities and activities specifically for them.

MISSION IN BLOOM

Earning transferable community service hours

High School students are often required to complete community service for special programs or to help them shine on college applications. But volunteering can be much more than that, it can help girls discover hidden talents that may improve their outlook. Once High School starts, trying to find volunteer hours to boost your college resume while juggling classes, after school activities, or a part time job can be challenging. Camp Diva takes the lead in ensuring we find time to give back, earn volunteer hours, and enhance our professional, educational, and personal lives. Throughout the summer, we will offer rising 9th graders volunteer opportunities that are transferable to community service hours.

We love partnering with community members, organizations, and businesses to offer enriching experiences to participants. Whether its helping out for our events, hosting a workshop, or offering an experience, we value our volunteers and partners and stay connected to them year after year. Mission In Bloom partcipants will choose their volunteer Give Back project from our partnering organization Hand On Greater Richmond.

Did you know that volunteering in the community can make you happier?