Allow me to introduce you to…
CAMP BUTTERFLY
…the charity we will be donating Pas de Couture proceeds to.
Camp focuses on breaking negative self image, social outcomes of girls
Growing up can be challenging, especially when faced with pressure from peers, family and society to conform to an accepted image. The adolescent years – a time when most teenagers start to develop and find their own voice – can be anything but as the ‘voice’ they often find is shaped by external factors and is not completely their own. Camp Butterfly, created in 2004 by Niambi Jaha Echols, seeks to counter this trend by providing adolescent girls with a safe space where their voices are heard, respected and supported while encouraging them to embrace and be comfortable in their journey to selfhood.
So what exactly is Camp Butterfly? Camp Butterfly is a one-week, sleep-away camp experience for girls ages 11-17 of African descent. Inspired by the book Project Butterfly, CB creates a ‘village’ atmosphere where girls are exposed to experiences outside of their traditional home, community and school environments. Camp gives girls an opportunity to explore and enjoy nature in a safe and nurturing setting, while creating lasting friendships in a safe haven where girls can ‘simply be girls.’
3543 S. Indiana Ave. • Chicago, Il 60653
(312) 328-0800 • (312) 328-0857 fax
According to a study conducted by the National Council on Crime and Delinquency, African American girls between the ages of 12-18 are twice as likely to be victims of violence compared to any other group of young people. African American girls are also over-represented in the criminal and juvenile justice systems at alarming rates. With this in mind, CB’s goal is to help break the cycle of negative self-image and social outcomes by opening up avenues of positive cultural identification.
Camp activities are designed to support teen girls during their journeys into selfhood through exercises that promote positive self identity, team and community building in a compassionate and culturally rich atmosphere. The camp schedule features days packed with fun and exciting activities that include:
- Yoga and Nature Walks
- Arts & Crafts
- Self-esteem and teambuilding games
- African dance
- Journaling and poetry
- Rap Sessions and Role Play
- Campfire
- Talent and Fashion Showcases
At the end of the camp experience, girls are more aware, alert and confident. They are prepared to do the work needed in building stronger communities and use what they have learned to be an example to themselves and for others.
Camp Butterfly is more than a camp experience; it is a commitment to the development and nurturing of future generations. With a community of women as counselors from diverse educational backgrounds (psychology, counseling, education and the arts) and African cultures, who are invested in uplifting and supporting the emotional healing and positive cultural identification of girls, Camp Butterfly is creating a legacy for generations to come while “transforming the world, one girl at a time.”
For more information, contact D.L. Carpenter at deanna@campbutterfly.org or 312-328-0800 .
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