The first half of the camp is based around the concept of role models, taking a forward-thinking approach to existing values and stereotypes. Depending on the characteristics and needs of the participating group, this may include other relevant topics, such as bias, gender dynamics, bullying, peer pressure, and discrimination. 

Our workshops will further be amplified by the real-life stories of people who have overcome adversity and overturned social norms on their way to changing the world for the better.

The participants choose their own personal role model and discuss what might set their choice apart from others. Their role models might be contemporary figures, historical personalities, or people that the children personally know, such as relatives, friends or acquaintances from their everyday lives. They might choose people they hadn’t previously considered, while they may also stick with role models they already admired  – what’s key is that they use the skills acquired during workshops to think critically about the qualities that make their choice such a powerful role model. 

The second half of the camp is devoted to research, art and writing. Once the role models have been chosen, the children get to work on their own creations, using the “Stories for Kids Who Dare to Be Different” format as a template. Each participant researches and writes a brief biography of their role model, looking to tease out the qualities and actions that set them apart from others. They simultaneously create artistic portraits of their choices, finding imaginative ways to capture the personalities and achievements of the people they have chosen to illustrate.