Wanna support Cascade AIDS Project this holiday season? Here are some great ways you can!
Willamette Week's Holiday Give Guide
As usual, Willamette Week has released its Give Guide, a great way for you to support local organizations. You can give in the name of another person or in your own name. Donors who give more than $50 get some pretty swanky prizes, along with the knowledge that they are helping our community do good work for those that need it most! Read more about the non-profits in the Give Guide here and go here to donate.
Wrap Up at Red Star
Through December 26th, bring your presents to Red Star Tavern any Saturday or Sunday from 12-3 pm, and CAP's lovely staff and volunteers will wrap them for you! For a $5 donation, you can get your gifts wrapped and support the work we do. Enjoy some food or a drink in the warmth of Red Star, while we take care of the hassle of wrapping. The flier is here.
Styx Guitar Auction
Know someone who loves guitars? We are auctioning off a Squier Fender electric guitar autographed by all six members of the band Styx! The guitar comes with a certificate of authenticity and a promotional poster for the Styx+REO Speedwagon performance at the Memorial Coliseum on March 30th, 2002. The eBay auction is here--there are only 32 hours left, so hurry!
Legendary Ladies of Country
The Fox & Hounds' 3rd Anniversary Show & Country Dinner is sure to be a hit, with cocktails & dinner at 6 pm. There will be Country Dinner specials, drink specials, and raffle prize giveaways. The show starts at 7 pm. Attendees are asked to bring a can or two of non-perishable food to donate to Esther's Pantry, and proceeds from the night benefit Cascade AIDS Project, House of Dreams and Family Dogs New Life Shelter. The flier is here.
Scandals Giving Tree and LAVISH
December 9th at 9 pm and December 16th at 7 pm, come on down to Scandals for The Giving Tree, hosted by the gorgeous Miss Mylar! Buy a ticket for $2 to pull an ornament from the tree or buy 6 tickets for $5 for to pull 6 ornaments from the tree. Each ornament will have the words 'grab bag' or the name of a sponsor on it, and you win the corresponding prize!
Join us on New Year's Eve (December 31st) for LAVISH! Doors open at 7 pm, and the party will go until 2 in the morning. It's $10 for general admission or $50 for the VIP treatment, with a hosted bar and hors d'oeuvres. There will also be an auction, and ticket sales support CAP!
Both of these fantabulous events are benefits for Camp Starlight and CAP's Youth and Family Services—thanks, Scandals!
Oct. 2, 2011 Unite with people of all backgrounds in a demonstration of compassion and action! HIV/AIDS affects us all- you can do something about it!
Showing posts with label youth. Show all posts
Showing posts with label youth. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Spirit Day 2010
(Trigger warning for discussions of suicide, homophobia and assault)
Tyler Clementi
Raymond Chase
Justin Aaberg
Zach Harrington
Seth Walsh
Billy Lucas
Asher Brown
In recent weeks, the media worldwide has shocked with news of seven suicides by young victims of homophobic bullying. In Canada, a lesbian couple committed suicide together. In New York, 11 young gang members allegedly cornered and tortured 3 gay men. Gubernatorial hopeful Carl Paladino read a homophobic speech. Elder Boyd Packer stated that G-d would never create gay people.
How do we support youth when vocal church leaders and politicians undermine our efforts at every step? It is even harder to know that this is not a new trend or "rise" in the number of suicides. This happens all over every day, and we don't hear about most of them, these youth who've been pushed beyond the edge of what they could endure.
POZ magazine recently had a feature on the ex-gay movement and how it unintentionally leads to increased risk of HIV infection. How do we combat that? Groups like that often fight comprehensive sexuality education and promote shame and self-loathing among questioning teens. When you are questioning your sexual orientation or gender identity and your counselor tells you that you can pray it away--or that if you just try hard enough, you can stop being something "unnatural"--how horrible will you feel if you fail?
The sad reality is that government is not always willing to stand with us on this issue. Some places are better than others, but there has been a distinct lack of repercussions in several of the communities where this bullying took place. Schools refusing to change policies to protect their students or standing behind homophobic statements made in student newspapers.
This is not just a "gay" issue--straight, cisgendered youth and adults suffer from the constant pressure of the heteronormative society we live in, the need to conform to societal gender standards or suffer the consequences. In 2001, Willie Houston was murdered while out celebrating his recent engagement. His fiance went to use the restroom and asked him to hold her purse. A man who saw Willie with the purse started harassing them, shouting insults and threatening them; he followed them to their car and shot Willie, who died several hours later.
In the light of all this horrific negativity and tragedy, it can be hard to respond. Education is key, and so is supportive community. That is why Spirit Day is important, but so is carrying this visibility into our daily lives. There are so many things that adults can do support youth. If you feel comfortable, come out. You can also create internships in your businesses, become a Big Brother or Sister, emphasize to your family and friends that you are queer-positive, interrupt hateful language when you hear it and hold intentional safe space wherever you are.
LGBTQQ youth are at higher risk for drug and alcohol abuse, homelessness, survival sex, victimization/harassment, contracting STIS's, dropping out, self-harm and suicide attempts. They new your help. Don't let this sense of community end with today. Stand up and speak out in defense of youth. Let them know you're an ally, that it gets better and that there are people who would miss them.
Resources for LGBTQQ youth who feel lost or need help:
The Trevor Project, a 24/7 national helpline in the United States
SMYRC, The Sexual and Gender Minority Youth Resource Center in Portland, OR
Lambert House in Seattle, WA
LYRIC in San Francisco, CA
Outside In has a Trans Clinic and ID Project, and provides services to homeless youth in Portland, OR
Resources for adults wanting to support LGBTQQ youth:
My Princess Boy, a book written by a loving mother to support her gender non-conforming child
PFLAG, Parents, Family and Friends of Lesbians and Gays has chapters all over
Factsheets and posters for allies at SMYRC's website
It Gets Better Messages:
Tyler Clementi
Raymond Chase
Justin Aaberg
Zach Harrington
Seth Walsh
Billy Lucas
Asher Brown
In recent weeks, the media worldwide has shocked with news of seven suicides by young victims of homophobic bullying. In Canada, a lesbian couple committed suicide together. In New York, 11 young gang members allegedly cornered and tortured 3 gay men. Gubernatorial hopeful Carl Paladino read a homophobic speech. Elder Boyd Packer stated that G-d would never create gay people.
How do we support youth when vocal church leaders and politicians undermine our efforts at every step? It is even harder to know that this is not a new trend or "rise" in the number of suicides. This happens all over every day, and we don't hear about most of them, these youth who've been pushed beyond the edge of what they could endure.
POZ magazine recently had a feature on the ex-gay movement and how it unintentionally leads to increased risk of HIV infection. How do we combat that? Groups like that often fight comprehensive sexuality education and promote shame and self-loathing among questioning teens. When you are questioning your sexual orientation or gender identity and your counselor tells you that you can pray it away--or that if you just try hard enough, you can stop being something "unnatural"--how horrible will you feel if you fail?
The sad reality is that government is not always willing to stand with us on this issue. Some places are better than others, but there has been a distinct lack of repercussions in several of the communities where this bullying took place. Schools refusing to change policies to protect their students or standing behind homophobic statements made in student newspapers.
This is not just a "gay" issue--straight, cisgendered youth and adults suffer from the constant pressure of the heteronormative society we live in, the need to conform to societal gender standards or suffer the consequences. In 2001, Willie Houston was murdered while out celebrating his recent engagement. His fiance went to use the restroom and asked him to hold her purse. A man who saw Willie with the purse started harassing them, shouting insults and threatening them; he followed them to their car and shot Willie, who died several hours later.
In the light of all this horrific negativity and tragedy, it can be hard to respond. Education is key, and so is supportive community. That is why Spirit Day is important, but so is carrying this visibility into our daily lives. There are so many things that adults can do support youth. If you feel comfortable, come out. You can also create internships in your businesses, become a Big Brother or Sister, emphasize to your family and friends that you are queer-positive, interrupt hateful language when you hear it and hold intentional safe space wherever you are.
LGBTQQ youth are at higher risk for drug and alcohol abuse, homelessness, survival sex, victimization/harassment, contracting STIS's, dropping out, self-harm and suicide attempts. They new your help. Don't let this sense of community end with today. Stand up and speak out in defense of youth. Let them know you're an ally, that it gets better and that there are people who would miss them.
Resources for LGBTQQ youth who feel lost or need help:
The Trevor Project, a 24/7 national helpline in the United States
SMYRC, The Sexual and Gender Minority Youth Resource Center in Portland, OR
Lambert House in Seattle, WA
LYRIC in San Francisco, CA
Outside In has a Trans Clinic and ID Project, and provides services to homeless youth in Portland, OR
Resources for adults wanting to support LGBTQQ youth:
My Princess Boy, a book written by a loving mother to support her gender non-conforming child
PFLAG, Parents, Family and Friends of Lesbians and Gays has chapters all over
Factsheets and posters for allies at SMYRC's website
It Gets Better Messages:
Friday, October 1, 2010
Some FAQs for the Walk!
Registration will be available at the Walk starting at 9.00AM--just go to the registration tent and volunteers will help you! Registration is free, and t-shirts are free to Walkers who fundraise $100 or more. Donations will be accepted at the registration tent. Please register even if you are not raising funds--we'd like to know who was there!
There will be a Kid's Corner with activities for children and youth, so bring the whole family! Face painting, story telling and other fun hands-on activities will provide children with fun memories of the day. Pets are welcome, too, and there will be water bowls along the route. There will be Hydration Stations along the route for Walkers, and a complimentary breakfast in the Square starting at 9.00AM. Teams can have a photo taken together!
The 2.5 mi Walk route will begin at Pioneer Courthouse Square, proceed down SW Salmon Street to 4th Avenue, down SW 4th Avenue to NW Couch Street, Down NW 3rd to Flanders, Up NW Flanders to NW 9th Avenue, Down NW 9th Avenue to NW Johnson Street, up NW Johnson Street to NW 12th Avenue, down NW 12th Street to SW Stark Street, down SW Stark Street to SW Broadway, and down SW Broadway to Pioneer Courthouse Square. A map is available here. The route is flat and completely accessible to strollers and wheelchairs. Entertainment will continue in the Square for those who are not Walking the route.
We hope to see you there. Get your friends to come along, because it is not too late to get involved. Registration is free! The route is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and leashed dogs are welcome.
Talk the Walk and help us end stigma in our community! Call us at 503.223.9255 or email aidswalkportland@cascadeaids.org if you have any further questions. Thank you so much for supporting us, and we’ll see you at the Walk!
There will be a Kid's Corner with activities for children and youth, so bring the whole family! Face painting, story telling and other fun hands-on activities will provide children with fun memories of the day. Pets are welcome, too, and there will be water bowls along the route. There will be Hydration Stations along the route for Walkers, and a complimentary breakfast in the Square starting at 9.00AM. Teams can have a photo taken together!
The 2.5 mi Walk route will begin at Pioneer Courthouse Square, proceed down SW Salmon Street to 4th Avenue, down SW 4th Avenue to NW Couch Street, Down NW 3rd to Flanders, Up NW Flanders to NW 9th Avenue, Down NW 9th Avenue to NW Johnson Street, up NW Johnson Street to NW 12th Avenue, down NW 12th Street to SW Stark Street, down SW Stark Street to SW Broadway, and down SW Broadway to Pioneer Courthouse Square. A map is available here. The route is flat and completely accessible to strollers and wheelchairs. Entertainment will continue in the Square for those who are not Walking the route.
We hope to see you there. Get your friends to come along, because it is not too late to get involved. Registration is free! The route is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and leashed dogs are welcome.
Talk the Walk and help us end stigma in our community! Call us at 503.223.9255 or email aidswalkportland@cascadeaids.org if you have any further questions. Thank you so much for supporting us, and we’ll see you at the Walk!
Monday, September 13, 2010
High School Challenge!
AIDS Walk is a signature fund raiser for Cascade AIDS Project, raising 10% of the budget- we are inviting high school students to participate and raise money for their school!
Because of recent legislation, many Oregon schools need to perform an overhaul to bring them up to the wonderful new comprehensive sexuality education standards. Unfortunately, there has not been any money apportioned for this. This is an opportunity for the community to step in and help schools realize the vision set forth in the law. The Challenge engages students, getting them involved in educating and raising awareness about HIV/AIDS, while helping to raise money for CAP and for schools' sex ed programs.
How it works:
To participate in the High School Challenge, a Team Captain must register and set up a team for their school. Once the team is set up, any student may join, and raise funds to count towards their goal. Walkers register online at the AIDS Walk website or by calling 503.223.WALK. After registering, they join their school's team and start raising funds! High Schools that raise $500 or more get to keep half of that money to re-vamp their school’s sex ed programs.
School Teams formed:
Because of recent legislation, many Oregon schools need to perform an overhaul to bring them up to the wonderful new comprehensive sexuality education standards. Unfortunately, there has not been any money apportioned for this. This is an opportunity for the community to step in and help schools realize the vision set forth in the law. The Challenge engages students, getting them involved in educating and raising awareness about HIV/AIDS, while helping to raise money for CAP and for schools' sex ed programs.
How it works:
To participate in the High School Challenge, a Team Captain must register and set up a team for their school. Once the team is set up, any student may join, and raise funds to count towards their goal. Walkers register online at the AIDS Walk website or by calling 503.223.WALK. After registering, they join their school's team and start raising funds! High Schools that raise $500 or more get to keep half of that money to re-vamp their school’s sex ed programs.
School Teams formed:
- Benson Polytechnic
- David Douglas
- Franklin
- Grant
- Gresham
- Lincoln
- Parkrose
- Wilson
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Brown Like Me
Warnings: discussions of race, sex, slurs, homophobia and violence
Brown Like Me is a short documentary brought to you by the Alliance for South Asian AIDS Prevention(ASAAP)'s Queer South Asian Youth (Q-SAY) project. This short film captures the experiences of 6 queer-identified South Asian youth living in the Greater Toronto Area who speak candidly about identity labels, homophobia, coming out, pride, resiliency, and family. Funding for this film was generously provided by Community One Foundation, an organization that actively supports individuals and groups working towards building and enhancing LGBTTIQQ2S* communities..
For audience members who are questioning their sexual orientation or gender identities, we hope this film makes you feel less alone in your journey of coming out and/or coming to terms with your multi-layered identity.
ASAAPs HIV-prevention team delivers ongoing workshops on HIV 101, Healthy Relationships, and Anti-homophobia to students in the public school system, community members and other service providers. This film will be used as a teaching tool when delivering agency workshops with the aim to bring visibility to queer identities within the South Asian community and challenge the tendency to disassociate from issues we assume don't affect us or don't exist in our families and communities. Recognizing the isolation and other social determinants of health of queer people is what inextricably ties queer services to broader HIV prevention and education.
Questions? Comments?
desimen@asaap.ca
Brown Like Me is a short documentary brought to you by the Alliance for South Asian AIDS Prevention(ASAAP)'s Queer South Asian Youth (Q-SAY) project. This short film captures the experiences of 6 queer-identified South Asian youth living in the Greater Toronto Area who speak candidly about identity labels, homophobia, coming out, pride, resiliency, and family. Funding for this film was generously provided by Community One Foundation, an organization that actively supports individuals and groups working towards building and enhancing LGBTTIQQ2S* communities..
For audience members who are questioning their sexual orientation or gender identities, we hope this film makes you feel less alone in your journey of coming out and/or coming to terms with your multi-layered identity.
ASAAPs HIV-prevention team delivers ongoing workshops on HIV 101, Healthy Relationships, and Anti-homophobia to students in the public school system, community members and other service providers. This film will be used as a teaching tool when delivering agency workshops with the aim to bring visibility to queer identities within the South Asian community and challenge the tendency to disassociate from issues we assume don't affect us or don't exist in our families and communities. Recognizing the isolation and other social determinants of health of queer people is what inextricably ties queer services to broader HIV prevention and education.
Questions? Comments?
desimen@asaap.ca
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Resources for Youth
Here are some great resources for youth on sexual health, safer sex and HIV/AIDS:
It's Your (Sex) Life
RealTalk DC for youth in the DC area
Scarleteen
YouthResource for GLBTQ youth
Sex, Etc.
Ambiente Joven for Spanish speaking youth
My Sistahs for young women of color
CHATmosphere, a blog by and for youth
Teen Talk
Text your zip code to GYTNOW (498669) or KNOWIT (566948) to receive info on HIV/STD testing sites in your area.
It's Your (Sex) Life
RealTalk DC for youth in the DC area
Scarleteen
YouthResource for GLBTQ youth
Sex, Etc.
Ambiente Joven for Spanish speaking youth
My Sistahs for young women of color
CHATmosphere, a blog by and for youth
Teen Talk
Text your zip code to GYTNOW (498669) or KNOWIT (566948) to receive info on HIV/STD testing sites in your area.
Camp Starlight
Camp Starlight is a week-long residential camp that provides children whose lives have been affected by HIV/AIDS the opportunity to enjoy a caring, safe, recreational, spiritual, and fun camping experience. Every August since 1999, 65 children ages 5-14 travel to the Oregon Coast to enjoy a week of fun.
This amazing program is happening this week. It is one of the many programs that monies raised at AIDS Walk Portland supports. Please share this video far and wide.
This amazing program is happening this week. It is one of the many programs that monies raised at AIDS Walk Portland supports. Please share this video far and wide.
CAP Program Highlight: Pivot
Pivot
a space for men into men
Open Wednesday through Saturday 3:00 - 9:00 pm
209 SW 4th Ave
Portland, OR 97204
a space for men into men
Open Wednesday through Saturday 3:00 - 9:00 pm
209 SW 4th Ave
Portland, OR 97204
Pivot is a community space for men into men and was formerly known as the Men’s Wellness Center. The new name and brand reflect the space as central to creating change, building community and a shift in thinking about sexual health. Pivot’s mission is to create a space where community members come together and build a stronger, healthier community free of stigma and shame.
To that end, Pivot holds social and educational events, provides HIV and STD testing, and offers a safe place for men into men to gather.
Pivot is open as a community space Wednesday through Saturday from 3-9pm. Visitors enjoy coffee and tea, computers and free WiFi, board games, a library of great gay/bi/queer/trans books and magazines, and a great spot to meet other men into men. Use the meeting space, attend an event or group (or start your own), pick up condoms (including hard to fit sizes) or lube, get safer sex info or just talk to someone about making sexual health choices that keep you happy and safe.
Additionally, Pivot offers free testing for men who have sex with men 3 times a week. All testing is walk in and first come first served. HIV testing can be done anonymously or confidentially. HIV testing for all youth (not just men) 24 and under occurs at Pivot on the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month through CHATpdx’s CHAT(room). CHAT(room) has Wii, access to computers, snacks, and fun times with other youth.
Every Friday at 7pm Pivot holds a film night, with both gay-centric and non gay-centric films.
For more information, check out Pivot's website, call 503.445.7699 or e-mail pivot@pivotpdx.org. You can also check out Pivot on Facebook and Twitter.
Monday, August 23, 2010
Fun event: CHAT(room) Drop In!
Tonight is the CHAT(room) Drop In night for youth 24 and under!
Come on out to Pivot (209 SW 4th Ave) between 3pm and 7pm for an evening of fun. There will be games, peer education, Wii, snacks, free HIV testing and more.
RSVP here or just drop by with some friends- we'd love to see you there!
Come on out to Pivot (209 SW 4th Ave) between 3pm and 7pm for an evening of fun. There will be games, peer education, Wii, snacks, free HIV testing and more.
RSVP here or just drop by with some friends- we'd love to see you there!
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
CAP Program Highlight: Teen2Teen
Teen2Teen is a group of passionate, activated youth ages 15-19 who are trained as peer educators in HIV/AIDS and Sexuality education. They make a one year commitment to dedicate their time to learning and educating about HIV/AIDS, sexuality, gender, sexual orientation, healthy relationships, and much more. Throughout their year of volunteering they attend meetings every week and take part in extra training sessions and workshops.
Teen2Teen youth become a resource for their friends, families, and communities on topics ranging from how to get tested for an STD to how to become activated around sexual health. They present in schools and at Agent Trainings, attend and present at conferences like the Oregon Queer Youth Conference and the Adolescent Sexuality Conference, and create amazing outreach projects in our communities. They also have huge amounts of fun, and make incredible friendships.
Teen2Teen's Mission was written by and for the youth in Teen2Teen. It is a statement meant to describe and inspire the work that Teen2Teen does through their outreach, their discussions, their Agent Trainings, and the societal change they make with their program:
"As Teen2Teen we strive to educate our peers and ourselves about HIV and Sexuality. Our goal is to create an empowered, active, and informed community. We aim to provide comprehensive information and end stigma surrounding HIV and Sexuality."
For more information or to find out how to volunteer or get involved, please email Annika Shore, the Youth HIV Education Coordinator, or fill out a Teen2Teen application.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
CAP Program Highlight: CHATpdx
Curbing HIV/AIDS Transmission among at-risk and racial/ethnic minority youth (CHATpdx). Funded through the Department of Health and Human Service – Office of Minority Health (OMH), CHATpdx is a new program designed to reduce HIV/AIDS transmission among at-risk and racial/ethnic minority youth in Portland, Oregon. The program is carried out via a coalition of organizations and individuals including Cascade AIDS Project, Outside In, and the African American AIDS Action Awareness Alliance (A6).
CHATpdx uses four main strategies to accomplish this work.
• peer-to-peer education to reach at-risk youth,
• expand HIV testing opportunities for at-risk youth,
• use social media to enhance peer education and extend its reach,
• expand and enhance partnerships among youth serving agencies.
CHATpdx hosts an HIV testing night for youth at Pivot (209 SW 4th Ave; formerly the Men’s Wellness Center) which occurs every 2nd and 4th Mondays from 3 – 7pm. The space and testing are open for all youth 24 and under, and include games, peer education, wii, snacks, and more.
CHATpdx is on Facebook and Twitter! “Like” the Facebook page to get the latest CHATpdx news and events. Additionally, a blog for youth is coming soon. They post information for events relevant to youth 24 and under and also provide free testing for some events. If you’d like to add rapid oral HIV testing for your event please contact us and we will make every attempt to set up free and confidential testing.
While CHATpdx will not turn away any youth 24 and under, there is a special emphasis on reaching and serving racial and ethnic minority youth.
For more information, see the Facebook and Twitter, or contact Ernesto Dominguez or Annika Shore.
CHATpdx uses four main strategies to accomplish this work.
• peer-to-peer education to reach at-risk youth,
• expand HIV testing opportunities for at-risk youth,
• use social media to enhance peer education and extend its reach,
• expand and enhance partnerships among youth serving agencies.
CHATpdx hosts an HIV testing night for youth at Pivot (209 SW 4th Ave; formerly the Men’s Wellness Center) which occurs every 2nd and 4th Mondays from 3 – 7pm. The space and testing are open for all youth 24 and under, and include games, peer education, wii, snacks, and more.
CHATpdx is on Facebook and Twitter! “Like” the Facebook page to get the latest CHATpdx news and events. Additionally, a blog for youth is coming soon. They post information for events relevant to youth 24 and under and also provide free testing for some events. If you’d like to add rapid oral HIV testing for your event please contact us and we will make every attempt to set up free and confidential testing.
While CHATpdx will not turn away any youth 24 and under, there is a special emphasis on reaching and serving racial and ethnic minority youth.
For more information, see the Facebook and Twitter, or contact Ernesto Dominguez or Annika Shore.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
CAP Program Highlight: Camp Starlight
Camp Starlight, a program of Cascade AIDS Project, is a residential camp that serves children and youth ages 5 to 14 from across Oregon and Southwestern Washington. The program gives HIV-affected and -infected children the opportunity to enjoy a week at B’nai B’rith Camp. At Camp Starlight, children dealing with HIV themselves or in their family can feel “normal” knowing every other child at camp understands their situation. Camp Starlight partners with another program at Cascade AIDS Project called “Kids Connection” to offer campers and their families activities throughout the year to help maintain friendships and build lasting support networks.
During a typical day at Camp Starlight, campers eat breakfast together at about 8:30 am, then separate into groups based on age for a morning fun, doing such things as archery, canoeing and dance, playing music, and enjoying nature, pool time, and arts and crafts. After lunch, campers have a rest period when the younger children usually take naps. Then another cycle of activities begins, including a “free period” where campers can choose the activity they prefer. Each night, there is a different activity. One evening is movie night- campers bring their sleeping bags to the baseball field to watch a movie and sleep under the stars. On another evening, campers hold a talent show called “Night of a Thousand Stars”. On yet another night, Camp Starlight holds a carnival with games and costumes.
Camp Starlight works to ensure safe space for all attendees. The camper-to-staff ratio is about two to one rather than the eight-to-one ratio in an average camp. This high number of staff promises that each camper is showered with attention and acceptance. Additionally, other than a fun, first-night skit directly addressing HIV, campers are free to talk about HIV—or not—as they choose during the duration of the camp. Attendance is free of charge to the campers, which is the only way most of the campers are able to attend.
Camp Starlight gives children a chance to recover from the stress of living with HIV and to spend time with other children who understand their challenges. This builds resiliency and sense of community, which, in turn, decreases feelings of isolation and improves social satisfaction and well-being. In taking away the fear of talking about HIV, some of the stigma of HIV lifts. It is only by talking about HIV, asking questions about it, learning about it, and understanding that people living with HIV/AIDS are among us as friends, neighbors, and coworkers that we can confront the pandemic head on.
More information is available on the camp brochure. For information about becoming a camper, please contact Angie Raffaele-Burns, Camp Starlight Coordinator, at 503.223.5907 ext 3823.
During a typical day at Camp Starlight, campers eat breakfast together at about 8:30 am, then separate into groups based on age for a morning fun, doing such things as archery, canoeing and dance, playing music, and enjoying nature, pool time, and arts and crafts. After lunch, campers have a rest period when the younger children usually take naps. Then another cycle of activities begins, including a “free period” where campers can choose the activity they prefer. Each night, there is a different activity. One evening is movie night- campers bring their sleeping bags to the baseball field to watch a movie and sleep under the stars. On another evening, campers hold a talent show called “Night of a Thousand Stars”. On yet another night, Camp Starlight holds a carnival with games and costumes.
Camp Starlight works to ensure safe space for all attendees. The camper-to-staff ratio is about two to one rather than the eight-to-one ratio in an average camp. This high number of staff promises that each camper is showered with attention and acceptance. Additionally, other than a fun, first-night skit directly addressing HIV, campers are free to talk about HIV—or not—as they choose during the duration of the camp. Attendance is free of charge to the campers, which is the only way most of the campers are able to attend.
Camp Starlight gives children a chance to recover from the stress of living with HIV and to spend time with other children who understand their challenges. This builds resiliency and sense of community, which, in turn, decreases feelings of isolation and improves social satisfaction and well-being. In taking away the fear of talking about HIV, some of the stigma of HIV lifts. It is only by talking about HIV, asking questions about it, learning about it, and understanding that people living with HIV/AIDS are among us as friends, neighbors, and coworkers that we can confront the pandemic head on.
More information is available on the camp brochure. For information about becoming a camper, please contact Angie Raffaele-Burns, Camp Starlight Coordinator, at 503.223.5907 ext 3823.
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