Yaupon Place
Summer Eco-Camp
2022 Yaupon Place Eco-Camp
Yaupon Place was excited and honored to partner with the Northside Family YMCA, YMCA of Greater Richmond, Virginia Interfaith Power and Light (VAIPL), and Shalom Farms to host Yaupon Place’s Summer 2022 Eco-Camp.
Throughout 9 weeks, campers from the Northside Family YMCA, YMCA of Greater Richmond (grades K-5) visited Yaupon Place park on Tuesday and Thursday mornings to explore a deeper, more dynamic relationship with the Earth, their community, one’s self, and Spirit - learning real ways all are interconnected. Activities throughout the park and farm included recreation, storytelling, art, spirituality, environmental justice, gardening, peacebuilding and personal wellness. At the end of every day, intergenerational “reading buddy” groups, led by community volunteers, enjoyed reading and eating lunch together. A diverse array of local environmental leaders shared their stories and worked with the kids weekly.
Yaupon Place is a public ministry initiative of Union Presbyterian Seminary.
Eco-justice march!
Second Baptist Church taught us that we can grow our gardens anywhere!
Campers learned all about sunflowers!
Campers' eco-justice march!
Campers planted their very own raised bed.
We kicked off each day with our camp song!
Snack time is a crowd favorite!
Campers helped their community by cleaning up the Yaupon Place Labyrinth.
Fun games at Shalom Farms!
Intergenerational reading buddies joined us each afternoon under the trees!
Our campers loved their time learning about healthy food at Shalom Farms!
Campers even harvested blueberries!
We love our reading buddies!
We love our reading buddies!
Capital Trees taught our campers how to measure trees and the shelter they provide!
Campers tasted veggies from Shalom Farms during their time at the farm!
Campers learned how healthy foods help heal our bodies!
Campers measured trees at Yaupon Place with Capital Trees!
Campers checked on their raised bed throughout the summer.
Campers harvested their raised bed's radishes and turnips!
Our campers reflected on why they are thankful for the earth!
Campers made prayer flags for Yaupon Place!
Thank you Second Presbyterian Church for giving each camper a copy of "Hello, Earth! Poems to Our Planet"!
Thank you to Virginia Interfaith Power and Light (VAIPL) for joining us and teaching us about our carbon footprints!
Campers served their community by cleaning up the labyrinth!
Campers served their community by cleaning up the labyrinth!
2022 Eco-Camp Team
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Sally Johnston
ADVISORY TEAM MEMBER
Sally served as a mentor for Emily Nyce during a summer internship to explore Emily’s vision for what has become Yaupon Place. Sunce then she has continues to work alongside Emily, as an advisory and lead volunteer for Yaupon Place.
Read More about Sally. -
Annabelle Schafer
ECO-CAMP DIRECTOR
Annabelle Schafer served as the Yaupon Place Eco-Camp Director. Annabelle is a passionate collaborator with a profound belief in one’s ability to affect positive change in their community. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Art in Painting and a Bachelor of Art in Art History.
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Sandra Scott
M.DIV STUDENT INTERN
Sandra, a second year M.Div student at Union Presbyterian Seminary, loves to garden and tend to outdoor landscape and indoor house plants. She especially enjoys observing the garden and “listening” for wisdom messages that provide instruction for living. She enjoyed the opportunities for learning, growing, and activating with all the eco-camp participants.
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Shelby Powers
M.DIV STUDENT INTERN
Shelby Powers, a third year M.Div student at Union Presbyterian Seminary, worked as a full-time intern in Summer 2022 with Yaupon place. Shelby came with multiple years of camp experience as well as some teaching experience. One of their passions is working with and educating kids especially in areas such as mindfulness, peace-building, and conflict resolution.
