Commons Program Associate Prince George's County Memorial Library System
The Prince George's County Memorial Library System's Social Justice Camp teaches teens how to engage their advocacy, make connections in their community, and develop their passions into a product to ignite change. These camps took place over the summer in five locations hosting 75 teens from across the county to learn about social justice, project management, research skills, and public speaking skills. Through multimodal learning opportunities, campers learned about the history of social justice, how to develop personal and professional values and ethics, and how to see a project from beginning to end. The teens met community organizers, teen advocates, and potential partners as they developed a special project for their community. These projects ranged from LGBTQ+ issues to representation to bodily autonomy. Our Social Justice Camps offered teens a safe space during the summer and provided lunch, snacks, networking, and hands-on learning. Our data shows the want and need of these camps as well as the enjoyment and growth while attending.