High school students from Tarrant county will assemble in Anna, Texas on June 13 for a diversity leadership institute known as Camp CommUNITY. The annual event run by the Multicultural Alliance promotes bonding within the community and awareness of social issues.
“I believe Camp CommUNITY does make a genuine impact,” junior Angel Barron said. “It is a good experience for teenagers to have because it teaches them things not seen in everyday life.”
Camp CommUNITY allows people of various beliefs, experiences and backgrounds to congregate and strengthen their love, acceptance and understanding of others.
“[Camp CommUNITY] showed me how minorities are treated in the U.S. and how others live life and how they are viewed,” Barron said.
Barron attended the five day camp over the summer and continues to communicate with those he met at the camp.
“There were some people who I got really close with and now have strong relationships with that have lasted,” Barron said.
According to Barron, students at the camp discussed race and minorities during his stay. They explored the unique problems experienced by every individual camper in hopes that it would promote understanding and unity.
“We got together and talked about different problems in the community like racism as well as family life and individual problems,” Barron said. “The counselors would divide us into different groups and we would talk about our home lives and our every day struggles. It helped us understand each other and showed us how we should treat others.”
To apply for Camp CommUNITY all applicants must have either a high school official, agency sponsor or youth advisor to endorse their attendance. Camp-goers must submit applications by May 2 with a $25 registration fee, and those chosen will be notified by May 10. The camp in total will cost about $300 but partial scholarships are offered to those with financial needs.
“If I could go back to Camp CommUNITY, I definitely would,” Barron said. “It affected my life in such a big way. I would recommend it for anyone.”
