Last summer, the celebration of Juneteenth echoed through the dining halls, the flag poles, and cabins of camps across the country.
Campers designed clothing that represented the intentional colors of Juneteenth. Camps raised the Juneteenth flag, creating an opportunity for learning and reflection. Some of them, including Camp Kiwanis, created an opportunity for campers to learn the legacy and impact of Opal Lee and all she did to increase awareness of Juneteenth. One Chicago camper even deemed Juneteenth the “best day ever.”
At Camp Kiwanis, Juneteenth was more than a one-day event. It was a journey of learning that began at the ACA National Conference with the hope of enhancing their previous Juneteenth celebration. Camp Kiwanis returned with more facts and a determination to ensure their camp gave Juneteenth the attention and respect it deserves.
What Is Juneteenth, and Why Celebrate at Camp?
Juneteenth — also known as Freedom Day, Emancipation Day, Jubilee Day, and Liberation Day — commemorates June 19, 1865, the day when enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, learned they were free, more than 2.5 years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. They were the last group of enslaved African Americans to learn of their freedom. Over time, Juneteenth has become a day of widespread celebration. To some, it is America’s second Independence Day.
Celebrating Juneteenth at camp is a meaningful way to honor resilience, community, and freedom — experiences that camp already embraces. Juneteenth also creates an intentional opportunity to learn history in age-appropriate ways that can continue to build empathy and critical thinking about social justice, citizenship, and the value of kindness.
In short, camp strives to create spaces where everyone feels that they belong. Celebrating Juneteenth reinforces that value by acknowledging a part of history that is crucial to understanding the importance of supporting those who have differing needs and the significance of including those who come from different places.
Opal’s Walk for Freedom
Juneteenth has not always been a well-known day of observance. In 2016, at the age of 89, Opal Lee, often called the “Grandmother of Juneteenth,” made it her mission to make Juneteenth a national holiday. In her quest to spread awareness and give Juneteenth the recognition it deserved, she walked from her home in Fort Worth, TX, to Washington, DC, making stops in various cities and gathering supporters along the way.
Five years later, in June 2021, Congress passed legislation to make Juneteenth National Independence Day a federal holiday. On June 17, 2021, President Joe Biden signed the bill into law, with Lee as a key presence during the ceremony. And on May 11, 2024, during their commencement ceremony, Southern Methodist University presented her with an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree — her eighth honorary doctorate.
Now, at the age of 98, Lee continues to host her annual Opal’s Walk for Freedom walks across the country. Many of them are at least 2.5-mile walks, acknowledging the 2.5 years it took for the news of emancipation to reach the last population of enslaved people in Galveston, TX.
In Lee’s words, “Juneteenth isn’t a Texas thing. It’s not a Black thing. It’s an American thing.”
Stories from Camp: How We Celebrated
Camps across the country celebrated Juneteenth in several empowering ways.
- Camp Thrive — Juneteenth fashion design: Middle school campers took color to paper to design a shoe and shirt that explored the history and meaning of Juneteenth.
- Camp Kiwanis — learning history, meeting heroes, celebrating freedom: Campers learned the history of Juneteenth, watched a film about Opal Lee, and ended the day with a Juneteenth fireworks celebration.
- Camp Lutherwood — a walk for freedom: Staff held a discussion on the journey we each have to take to get to camp and how different that may look for everyone. They also went for a 2.5-mile hike around camp, representing the 2.5 years it took for the news of emancipation to make it to Galveston, TX.
Across all these stories, a common theme emerges: Juneteenth is not about focusing on slavery but celebrating progress, creating opportunities to learn, and building community. Each camp honored the day in its own way, yet all found that campers and staff alike were not only capable of engaging with the topic but that they also enthusiastically embraced it through camp-friendly and age-appropriate activities.
Lessons Learned: Addressing Challenges and Questions
Sometimes, the unanswered questions become roadblocks to bringing a new experience to camp. Let’s address some of the most common challenges and questions that are associated with celebrating Juneteenth at camp.
I am not Black, and we do not have any Black team members. How can we successfully organize a Juneteenth celebration?
The first step is to take the time to learn. The National Museum of African American History & Culture has a wealth of educational resources online. If you know of camps nearby who have celebrated Juneteenth, ask them where they gained their knowledge of the holiday, and learn within those same sources. You can also partner with Black-led organizations, such as the NAACP, your local African American History Museum, and the history departments of local schools or universities. If you are in a remote location, reach out to the nearest entity that engages in Black history.
As much as Juneteenth is about celebrating freedom, it is equally about expanding awareness and education. You have the desire; put your courageous hat on and ask for help.
Discussing slavery and social justice with children can be intimidating. What if we upset parents or say the wrong thing?
Yes, discussing slavery and social justice can be an intimidating experience. Being sensitive to current events, both domestic and global, can sometimes add an additional layer of hesitation. What we do know to be true is that avoiding these topics is not always the best course of action. Avoidance can hinder a young person’s ability to develop empathy and to reflect on historical events in their appropriate context.
In 2017, Ann Gillard, PhD, conducted an interview with a group of camp professionals who shared their insight on discussing social justice at camp. You can find this resource titled “Programming for Social Justice with Campers” on ACA’s website. This interview shares insights on ways camps can incorporate social justice into their programming. Likewise, PBS Kids also offers a host of educational guidance and resources.
Is Juneteenth appropriate for all ages?
Absolutely! Everyone, no matter their age, can benefit from celebrating Juneteenth. For younger campers, the focus can be on universal concepts such as freedom, fairness, and celebration. Older campers can understand more about the historical significance and hold enlightening discussions about injustice.
How is Juneteenth different from July 4?
July 4 represents the nation’s original declaration of freedom, while Juneteenth represents the realization of it for all Americans. Celebrating both enables camps to acknowledge that freedom and safety only exist when everyone can experience it. Celebrating Juneteenth is not about guilt or blame but about celebrating resilience and acknowledging long-overlooked history.
Ways to Celebrate Juneteenth at Camp: A Guide for Planning
Educate and Prepare Yourself and Your Staff: Juneteenth is a significant moment in a much larger historical journey to freedom. The origins of Juneteenth are rooted in the Emancipation Proclamation, with historical connections continuing to be made in the present day. Take the time to understand the why of Juneteenth and why your camp has made the decision to celebrate it. Likewise, during your staff training, discuss Juneteenth with your team. Provide a space for your staff to ask questions, discuss with their peers, and learn from one another.
Connect with Community Organizations: You do not have to walk this journey alone. Many organizations and individuals would love to help you spread the message of Juneteenth. Consider identifying and partnering with local or regional organizations such as African American museums, NAACP chapters, African American heritage societies, Historically Black Colleges or Universities (HBCUs), Black-owned businesses, or faith-based organizations. You will be amazed by the amount of knowledge and creative activities they would be happy to share with your camp. Note: While many of these entities gladly will volunteer their services, it is considerate to provide some form of donation in gratitude for their sharing of cultural experiences that benefit camp.
Plan Age- and Ability-Diverse Activities: Consider the range of campers and staff who find themselves at your camp. For younger campers, consider making paper freedom chains or creating a freedom quilt. For older campers, invite them to create a theatrical performance acknowledging the news arriving in Galveston or hearing the stories of local community members who were directly impacted by the news of freedom. For all campers and staff, host a flag raising ceremony with the Juneteenth flag or a 2.5-mile parade representing the 2.5 years it took the enslaved in Galveston, TX, to learn of their emancipation.
Be Mindful and Respectful: While Juneteenth is an opportunity for everyone to celebrate, it is important to honor the culture while avoiding appropriation and the elevation of stereotypes. Use the resources that you have acquired and the voices you have heard in a way that accurately represents Juneteenth. It is important to share why specific colors are used to honor the day. Avoid stereotypical actions such as serving only watermelon, misrepresenting the history, tokenizing Black staff, or treating Juneteenth as a party without a purpose. It is OK to ask for help to ensure your observances are respectful.
Tell Your Story: Let your camp community know that you not only celebrated Juneteenth but the impact it had on your campers and staff. The camp community has always been open to sharing and learning from one another. By telling your story, you’ll empower other camps to consider doing the same.
Let Freedom Ring
Juneteenth at Camp Kiwanis ended with a fireworks celebration, acknowledging the energy it took for Juneteenth to become what it is today. Take a moment and imagine the joy, the smiles, the memories each of those campers experienced after a day of celebrating freedom for all. By recognizing our collective resilience that followed a challenging past, we can enable the next generation to build a brighter future.
As you plan for upcoming summers, consider how Juneteenth might become a part of your camp’s story. Start small if needed; a single discussion or activity plants the seed for future growth. Revisit this article and the following resources whenever you need ideas or encouragement. At the right time, your Juneteenth observance will grow and become the memorable camp tradition that educates and empowers countless campers. Remember, Juneteenth was indeed the “best day ever” for so many — you, too, can make it one of the best days for your campers.
Additional ResourcesACA’s Articles and Webpages: Books
Documentary
Historical Sources
|
Photo courtesy of Woodcraft Rangers in Los Angeles, CA.
Vincent Irving is a youth development leader, advocate, and strategist committed to creating spaces where young people and those who support them can thrive. He serves as the Eastern Region director for the American Camp Association, where he supports camps across 13 states and territories. With a background in nonprofit leadership, government relations, and community-based initiatives, Vincent brings a systems-level perspective to issues of equity, access, and belonging.a
