5 Years of Camp ANV has taught us MANY lessons! The most important one? That kids RULE!
Farming, Cooking, Drumming, Dance, Visual arts and Mixed Media… (Including our first Podcasts!) PLUS, swimming, and all KINDS of field trips! WHEW! 8 weeks of ADVENTURE, a LIFETIME of memories!
As our campers say: “Camp ANV, the BEST place to be!!”
Please do not use these photos without the express permission of Acta Non Verba: Youth Urban Farm Project.
We are so grateful to the Planet Bee Foundation for partnering with ANV the past 5 years! If you are lucky enough to receive ANV’s RAW Honey maybe in your CSA Subscription or as a Friend of the Farm gift, you can thank this wonderful organization!
They work tirelessly to educate youth and adults about the importance of bees in our lives and our campers LOVE these hands on lessons!
Please do not use these photos without the express permission of Acta Non Verba: Youth Urban Farm Project.
Chef Chris from Zella B. BooSer Catering is at Summer Camp ANV for the second year in a row!!
Chef Christopher’s family has a long lineage of cooking soulful meals and he attributes his deep passion and inspiration of recipes to the many family holidays, cook outs and Sunday dinners;spending many summers and holidays with his Grandmother and Great Grandmother in the “Heart of Dixie”, Anniston, Alabama.
This year, Chef Chris is dedicated to ensuring your children learn not only how to cook simple but delicious recipes from our farm to their table, but also how nutrition plays a large part in how we feel throughout the day.
Your child will come home weekly and with a recipe the whole family will love and some of these tasty creations will be included in our Camp Yearbook!
Teaching Photography, Videography, DJ-ing and Podcasting, 2017 marks Gary’s 2nd Year at Camp ANV!
Gary Bizer is an Oakland resident who is excited about working with Oakland youth and developing their media skills in DJing, photography, videography, and audio production. He is also an On-Air Personality with iHeart Radio here in the Bay Area. You can hear him on 106 KMEL’s “Sana G Morning Show” & also the historic community justice show “Street Soldiers”. Gary attended San Jose State University where he obtained a media degree in Radio, Television, Film and Theatre & a minor in Journalism. He began working with youth and non-profit organizations in the fall of 2009.
Gary started his career teaching audio production and video production in San Francisco’s Visitacion Valley district. Since, he has taught media technology on every level of K-12 academics. Gary created G Tone Media Productions in 2013 as a way to film & direct his own comedy scripts. Since then G Tone Media has branched out to media instruction for youth. They have trained youth within the San Francisco Unified School District in numerous facets of media. He is excited about beginning his work with our youth and looks forward to building fruitful and lasting relationships with our families here at ANV.
Is there an income requirement/maximum? Nope! Camp ANV accepts kids from any and all income levels! If cost is an issue, please email campanv@anvfarm.org about a Campership.
How do I register my child for camp? You can sign up for Camp ANV online, using our registration links. Payment by credit card is required. Visa, Mastercard, Discover are accepted. Again, we never turn a child away for lack of funds, so if cost is an issue please reach out to campanv@anvfarm.org for a Campership.
I have questions about registration. Who do I contact? Please call us at (510) 838-CAMP(2267) or email our Camp Director, Sydney Dvorak at campanv@anvfarm.org.
What ages are eligible to attend? All of our camps are available for kindergarten through eighth-grade campers. Our youngest participants must be currently enrolled in a kindergarten class or transitional kindergarten program. If you register a camper who is ineligible to participate, your registration will be canceled.
Are the campers separated by age? Yes! However, because the age of our campers changes dramatically each season, we divide the youth into even groups to be able to move them easily through the camp clubs.
How will my child be assigned a group? Camp ANV divides our campers into groups depending on their age.
Can a child attend for just one week? Yes! But, your child must attend 18 days (in total) of camp in order to qualify for our partnership with US Bank and open a 529 Educational Savings Account.
My child requires assistance. May I accompany my child to camp? Classes are designed for children to participate independently; however, parents are allowed to stay with their children. If your child has diagnosed special needs and is unable to participate without an aide, please contact us to discuss accommodations. You can reach our Camp Director, Sydney Dvorak via email at campanv@anvfarm.org or call (925) 785-5131.
My child wants to attend camp with a friend. Will they be in the same group? Each camper may request friends to attend camp with them during the registration process. Friends must register for the same session dates and the same program, and both children must request each other. We will do our best to place friends in the same group, but please know we will encourage participants to make new friends and to ensure campers who come without a special friend feel included.
May I transfer my child from one camp session to another? If you contact us more than 8 business days before your child’s camp session begins—and space is available in the desired session—there is no fee or penalty for transferring from one session to another. We are unable to make transfers within eight days of a camp session. Call (510) 838-CAMP(2267) or email our Camp Director, Sydney Dvorak at campanv@anvfarm.org to request a transfer.
Note: If you register for a new session online before you cancel your original registration, the standard cancellation fees apply.
How do I register my child for extended care? You can sign up and pay for before and/or after care when you register for Camp ANV. Each service is $25/week/child. If you wish to enroll in both, it will cost $50/week/child.
How many children can you accommodate? Our Fall, Winter HoliDay, and Spring Break Camps can accommodate a maximum of 50 campers before, during and after camp. Regrettably, if all spaces are booked, we cannot accommodate additions, however we can add your child to a waitlist in case of cancellations. During our Summer Camps, we can accommodate a maximum of 200 campers.
What is the process for drop-off and pick-up? We typically use a drive-through drop off procedure in the mornings. You can drop your child off anytime between 7:30 am – 9:00 am. Upon arrival, your child will be checked in through our online system; they will be given a name tag, and the parent/guardian will receive a security badge. A Camp Counselor will escort them to their group! At pick up, please bring your security badge with you. A camp staff member will be stationed at the front of the campus, ready to scan your security badge and check your child out.
Are any portion of camp fees refundable? Cancel 10 business days or more before the first day of your child’s camp session, and receive a refund equal to 90% of the total balance. Cancel 7 to 10 business days before the first day of your child’s camp session, and receive a refund equal to 50% of the total balance. A cancellation made less than 7 business days before the first day of your child’s camp session, is not eligible for a refund. If you take advantage of our two-payment plan, the percentages above apply to your total camp fees, not the deposit paid.
Are refunds available for absences? No refunds are issued due to camper absences, including absences due to illness.
May I transfer my child’s registration to another party? Registrations are non transferable.
What is your camper:staff ratio? We have at least 1 staff person for every 8 campers.
Is the camp staff trained in First Aid and CPR? Yes! Everyone from our Counselors and Specialists to our Junior Counselors (JC’s) and any consistent volunteers!
How do you select your instructors? We’ve carefully selected the most qualified and well-respected instructors and counselors! Every staff member is personable, patient and fun! For added peace of mind, all of our staff are required to pass a thorough background check.
When does the overnight camping trip happen? Typically we go camping the last weekend of the summer camp season!
Are parents allowed to visit camp? ABSOLUTELY!! We welcome family visits, helpers and chaperones at any time, on any day!
Is camp canceled when weather is bad? No, camps are conducted rain or shine unless notified otherwise.
How can I learn more about camp details, including what my child should bring? Please download our Family Handbook.
What is the Showcase program and how can I be included? Camp ANV’s Showcases are a fun, casual way to meet and play with other campers and families. All Showcases are free for our campers and families.
Does Camp ANV have an immunization policy? Yes! Read our policy here.
Download our Camp ANV Family Handbook
Find out more about our camps and other programs at WWW.ANVFARM.ORG
Spring Break Mini-Camp:
April 3-7, 2017 from 8am-5pm*
Summer Camp ANV:
Session 1- June 19- July 14, 2017 Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm* (closed on the 4th of July)
Session 2- July 24- August 18, 2017 Mon-Fri 8am-5pm*
Located at Tassafaronga Recreation Center: 975 85th Ave. Oakland, CA 94621
Kick Off the fun of summer starting with our Spring Break Mini-Camp! Gardening, Swimming, Cooking, Fantastic Field Trips!! PLUS, Earn $$$**!!. All field trip costs, transportation and meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Snacks) included!
Register for Spring and Summer HERE then, Share The Love! Tell your Friends and Family about this AMAZING Camp!!
**Acta Non Verba: Youth Urban Farm Project is planned, planted and harvested and sold by youth grades K-8 and 100% of proceeds are placed into individual savings accounts for those who participate.
*Before and After Care available for an additional $25/week (7:30am-6:00pm)
QUESTIONS? 510.878.7235
Camp ANV has tickets for families to meet the Oakland A’s this Friday, July 1st at 4PM. Meet a A’s player, have a personal escort to the field for warm up and receive a hat and t-shirt!
Tickets are limited, RSVP to campanv@anvfarm.org for yours today!
Here is the schedule:
4:00 PM – Camp ANV youth and families arrive at STH entrance (wristband, cap, ticket distribution)
4:30 PM – Our group is escorted onto field for Batting Practice viewing
5:15 PM (time tentative) – Meet and greet with player/alum/front office member
5:45 PM – Group escorted off field and into stands for game
7:05 PM – Play Ball!
Special thanks to U.S. Bank and Project Access for this AMAZING opportunity!
NEWS RELEASE: June 14, 2016
CONTACTS:
Kelly Carlisle, Executive Director, Acta Non Verba: Youth Urban Farm Project, (510) 277-7489, kelly@anvfarm.org
Michelle Brega, U.S. Bank, Michelle.Brega@usbank.com
Annabelle Sibthorpe, Resident Services Manager, Project Access, (510) 286-0130, asibthorpe@project-access.org
Oakland, CA – Acta Non Verba: Youth Urban Farm Project (ANV), working with Project Access and U.S. Bank, have launched a new initiative to provide savings accounts and financial education workshops for Oakland youth participating in ANV’s Camp ANV (seasonal camps during Oakland Unified School District breaks) and ANV After-School Program (in partnership with local partner Project Access).
Because children with savings accounts are six times more likely to go to college, according to a Washington University in St. Louis study, ANV, U.S. Bank, and Project Access are helping youth begin to save now to build assets and chart a better educational future. The initiative will focus on youth living in low-income neighborhoods in Oakland served by Acorn-Woodland and Encompass local schools, where 99 percent of students qualify for free and reduced school lunches. Only 60 percent of residents in the corresponding zip code are high school graduates or higher and only 7 percent have a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Camp ANV and ANV After-School Programs serve low-income African-American, Latino, and other children ages five to13, offering vital services in education, child care, economic empowerment, financial literacy, and access to healthy food to a community sorely lacking in these areas. Produce from ANV’s quarter-acre farm, located in the City of Oakland’s Tassafaronga Park, is planned, planted, harvested and sold by youth in grades K-8. One hundred percent of the proceeds from ANV’s farm sales will be placed into savings accounts for the benefit of youth who participate. In addition, youth in the program will be part of financial education workshops (in both English and Spanish) presented by U.S. Bank during Camp ANV. The bank will also host introductory workshops on June 10 and July 15 for parents and guardians on the benefits of saving and how to establish an account for their child who participates in the program.
For more information about Camp ANV, how to enroll or additional program details, go to www.anvfarm.org/camp.
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Acta Non Verba: Youth Urban Farm Project (anvfarm.org) elevates life in the inner-city by challenging oppressive dynamics and environments through urban farming in Oakland, CA. Their unique approach to social, environmental, and economic justice and equity was honored by President Barack Obama in 2014.
Project Access (project-access.org) is the leading provider of vital on-site health, education and employment services to low-income families, children and seniors. Their goal is to help keep family members employed, children in school, and seniors active.
U.S. Bancorp (“USB”), with $429 billion in assets as of March 31, 2016, is the parent company of U.S. Bank National Association, the fifth largest commercial bank in the United States. The Company operates 3,129 banking offices in 25 states and 4,954 ATMs and provides a comprehensive line of banking, investment, mortgage, trust and payment services products to consumers, businesses and institutions. Visit U.S. Bancorp on the web at www.usbank.com.
Dear ANV Supporter,
2015 was an AMAZING year! For a summary of our accomplishments to date, stop by our offices to pick up a copy of our newly published report, 2011-2015 in Review. You can also download the report here. This piece details the highlights of our growing organization, including:
In 2016, ANV aims to further prove our commitment to our communities by providing all ages with opportunities to learn, grow, and be present as well as advocating for a more just and equitable food system, education system, and by instilling hope and excitement in the lives of our youth. We want to expand our camps to ensure more than 300 youth have access to enriching, healthy, safe, educational, and FUN activities during school breaks. But we can’t do all of this without YOUR SUPPORT!
So download our 2011-2015 In Review Report today, sign up for our newsletter, volunteer on the farm or at the camps, and donate and help us reach our campaign goal of $25,000! Together, we can grow a brighter future for youth and their families in East Oakland one tomato, book, and jumping jack at a time!
In the shade-dappled meeting circle of Acta Non Verba’s community garden, a group of thirty children sit, focused intently on a story being told by world-renowned percussionist Afia Walking Tree. The tall, stately woman tells the tale of spirit of the Kakilambe, a beloved protector and messenger to the Baga people of West Africa.
It’s all part of a very special African drumming class held at Camp ANV this Summer, combining music and story-telling, respect for the self, the earth, and spirituality. Afia Walking Tree commands the children’s attention with her expressive voice, movements, and drums. Weaving together stories and songs from ancient Africa as well as her native Jamaica, she connects the children to our Ancestors and a time long ago when Spirit and daily life intertwined.
“The goal,” Walking Tree reveals, “is to integrate African culture into this urban environment and reconnect the children — not just to planting — but to our ancestors, and that when they planted, they did it in a way that was ritualistic. So we’re always doing spiritual things together, as part of the bigger picture.”
Walking Tree holds her class outside in ANV’s vibrant garden, rather than in a typical classroom setting, so that campers may integrate musical, cultural, gardening, and even spiritual experiences. “We specifically had the drumming out here,” she explains, “because then they’re hearing it all day, for three hours nonstop. Whether they’re in the class or not, they’re getting it. It’s an infusion that you can’t see, but it’s felt. We’re building reconnective tissue here—that’s how I feel. The ritual of coming every day and doing the same thing, three days a week, has had its impact.”
Drumming, planting, gardening, and harvesting all combined to support ancestral connections. “Some of the kids would be planting with (ANV gardening teacher) Ms. Kana,” Walker Tree continues, “and I would be drumming and singing to some of the children, and there were moments where we would intersect. So there’s a holistic picture of how I might be able to integrate my love of the earth, my love of myself, my love of music, in one setting. It’s not disconnected. As African people, we weren’t disconnected from the plants, from the food, from the music, from the healing.”
Camper Jonathan, aged 10, loves everything about his drumming class. “I’m very good at it. I like the drumming and the funny part when she put on the mask and acted like the spirit (Kakilambe).”
If drumming isn’t a camper’s cup of tea, Walker Tree finds ways to engage them in the learning as well, including costumes and interesting props. “Sometimes I bring books, I bring feathers. I brought a turtle shell even once and that became the satellite that day. I had the wing today, and we were talking about it and I was cleansing them all. I’m bringing it in but in a magical way, not in a scary way. So our spirituality gets normalized. When are we going to normalize our spirituality?”
“What I’
m doing here,” Walker Tree reveals, “I call recalibrating. There’s an activating of these ancient stories for the children—just pieces for them to understand that African people were free at one point and we had a strong culture.”
By Summer’s end, it’s evident that the children have incorporated much of Walker Tree’s teachings. At Camp ANV’s graduation ceremony, camper Tariyah, aged 8, shares with parents the history of Africans known as the Maroon people, who long ago escaped British enslavement in Jamaica. “They got to the top of this mountain” Tariyah recounts, “and the British people couldn’t find their way through. (They) said that the African people can have the mountain because the British people didn’t know their way up there.”
After sharing the story of the Maroon people with the audience, Tariyah and the rest of the drumming students perform “Maroon Gone,” a beautiful piece which tells the tale of a cooking pot left untended. The campers were fascinated by the story of the Maroon people, who survived and thrive in Jamaica to this day. The song “Maroon Gone,” with its memorable percussion and lyrics, quickly became one of the children’s favorites.
Afia Walking Tree, M.Ed, is an internationally acclaimed percussionist and visionary facilitator. Born and raised in Kingston, Jamaica, she is currently based in the California Bay Area. Walking Tree’s drumsongs are prayers of gratitude for the generosity of spirit. Her lyrics are evolutionary teachings, addressing present day issues of social justice, freedom, healing and self-love.
Walking Tree began her drumming studies in her tiny Harlem apartment share in 1990 listening to the music of Edwina Lee Tyler and Babatunde Olatunji. She immersed herself in the study of African Diasporic drum, dance, culture, and shamanism in West Africa (Guinea/Ghana), Canada, Alaska, Hawaii, Philippines, Bali, Thailand, London, and the US. She has shared the stage with activists and artists such as: Alice Walker, Jennifer Berezan, Patti Cathart (of Tuck & Patti), Olympia Dukakis, Gloria Steinem, Chief Wilma Mankiller, and countless others.
Walking Tree’s wildness inspires authentic edutainment performances, lectures, garden and landscape design and life coaching. She currently serves as adjunct professor at Holy Names University, California Institute for Integral Studies, Sophia University, and Edna Manley College for the Performing Arts in Jamaica.
Her first solo CD, Soul Affirmationz, has sold over 2,000 copies and is available for sale at afiawalkingtree.com. Join her upcoming DRUM MOBILE Movement—Eco-Resiliency Empowahment through the Drumming Arts, Earth Stewardship, Nutrition for People of Color, Women, Children, Communities! #drummobile
Camp ANV is run jointly by Acta Non Verba and Oakland Parks and Recreation. The program provides quality, educational enrichment in an urban farm setting to low-income East Oakland youth during summer and school breaks, year-round. Camp ANV takes place at Acta Non Verba, located at 1001 83rd Avenue, Oakland, CA, United States. For more information call (510)972-FARM (3276) or email info@anvfarm.org
