Freeland

Overview

Our youth camp, named after long time supporter Dennis Freeland, brings together high school students from diverse backgrounds to provide opportunities for leadership, learning and social engagement. We believe that children are our future and by broadening their horizons we can change our world. Social networks are established, prejudices examined, and the opportunity to create a land free from bias, bigotry and racism becomes a reality.

Sunday Update

The counselors, advisors, and directors have been abuzz in anticipation of the newest class of Freeland Youth Camp delegates. Markers, tape, stickers and even folding chairs were flying, as we wrapped up final preparations to welcome our 25 delegates who will, for one week, make Camp Freeland their home.

But delegates (and parents!) can rest assured—this year’s staff has a combined total of 100 years of camp experience! And these real life musicians, librarians, actors, college students, journalists, and educators have once again set aside their other jobs to share with Memphis’ youth a community of people committed to tolerance of cultural, religious, and racial difference. As with so many delegates before, we hope this week will be an eye-opening, change-inspiring, laugh-til-you-cry experience of a lifetime—the Freeland Youth Camp experience.

Welcome, delegates.

(And to parents, friends, supporters, and the Diversity Memphis community--check the links below for more camp pictures, and be sure to come back for camp updates throughout the week!)

Tuesday Update

Our delegates have arrived—with a splash! On Sunday night delegates joined us just in time for dinner and games, and an evening of thunder and lightning. The dramatic weather gave us an opportunity to see our new delegate’s true colors: who screams at the sound of thunder, who planned ahead and brought rain gear, and whose creative flair can turn a Diversity Memphis poncho into a fashion statement. All of which was perfect for our first day’s theme: Getting Acquainted.

Monday was all about “Knowing Yourself.” Staff performed skits to help get delegates in the mood, and the rest of the day was spent in discussion groups, watching films, and reflecting on identity and lived experience.

Want to get Freeland Camp updates via Facebook or Twitter? Join us—check out the links below! And don’t forget to view the photo album for the latest in Freeland Camp rain poncho fashions!

Visitors Day is always much anticipated

Delegates and staff have a chance to show off their Diversity Memphis FreeLand Shirts and show off with a special program for the visitors. The visitors get a tour of the facility, lunch with the delegates and a chance to hear what the delegates think during a Town Hall Meeting run by them.

Photos, fun, conversation, it is always a fund day and traditionally marks the half way point for everyone involved. You should make plans to attend in the future!