Member Stories
The Idea for CampCaribe
United States
Like many others, I have spent a great deal of my adult life trying to figure out how I fit in to the world, what my value is, what I am meant to do and how I need to go about finding what it is that “makes me tick.” I have had a number of jobs, none of which kept my interest for very long and even a few of my volunteer efforts evolved into full-fledged businesses. But alas, even those small business ventures never lasted very long because I simply did not have a genuine passion for what I was doing.
When I was in my thirties, I remember a social acquaintance suggesting that we “think up a great idea” and go in to business together. We are both born entrepreneurs and on the surface it was worthy of conversation. After very little thought on my end, I told her that unless I had a passion for that great idea, I was certain our business life together would be short-lived. She didn’t agree and we parted ways.
So here we are, more than 10 years later and I get it. And the answer was inside of me the entire time. I now understand how I fit in to the world. I understand what my value is, what I am meant to do and what makes me tick. And while it might sound absurd to some, it’s all because of camp.
My mother sent me to a number of camps, but the most memorable camp experience that has contributed to shaping me into who and what I am today was my camp experience as a camper at Catalina Island Girls Camp. I learned to water ski in the Pacific Ocean. I learned the beauty of a campfire. I learned how to chase away the wild boar at night. And, I learned the intricacies of friendship.
When camp was over and it was time to go home, I sobbed until I couldn’t breathe. Why couldn’t I just live every day of my life in the sun, on the beach participating in every possible water activity? It just didn’t seem fair that it had to end. And so it doesn’t seem odd that I experience the same EXACT feelings now when my husband and I return from a tropical or stateside beach vacation. It just isn’t fair that it has to end.
I thought up CampCaribe more than 10 years ago. CampCaribe would be the place where I re-created my past island camp experience. The difference this time would be that I would infuse the camp experience with my own personal flavor. My learning adventure program would have three key components: a tropical environment with water activities; cultural and environmental exploration; and a diverse camper base.
Although I didn’t notice it very much at the time, I was the only little “brown girl” at camp. Recruiting a diverse group of girls from every ethnic background and celebrating that diversity would be one of the primary focal points of what I hoped would ultimately become one of the premiere tropical water camp experiences in the world. My vision was in place and everything made sense. This is how I could give back. This is how I could give someone what I had. I applied for 501©(3) status and I was ready to rock and roll.
The terrible events of 9/11 and the war put CampCaribe on hold and then life seemed to get in the way of my dream. My 501©(3) status went down the drain with work, school, marriage and a life-threatening illness taking the front seat to my vision. But that was temporary.
I am pleased to say that I am currently working diligently to recruit eight campers for CampCaribe’s pilot program that will take place during spring break in April 2010 at Cinnamon Bay Campground on the island of St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands National Park. My vision has grown to an even greater level and I’m still trying to work out the kinks, but I am praying every day that CampCaribe will come to fruition in less than a year.
And it will all be because my mom sent me to camp.
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Comments from the community
This is a beautiful idea! Tracey your wanting to expose girls to the beauty of nature is wonderful. I did'nt get to travel myself until I was an adult and believe me it does make a difference in how you view the world. Good luck on your mission in life! I know you will do well especially with your positive way of thinking!
Karen Hunter-Fuller
This is a wonderful idea and I'm so proud of you. You've given me so much to think about when it comes to my own life from the moment I met you. You're one of my heroes! I'm here for you and if you need me as a volunteer all you have to do is tell me when and where and I'll come running. You're amazing!!
This is such a great idea for broadening the world for the these children. What a difference it will make for them. Thank you.
Tracey, I am so glad to see there are wonderful people in the world finding their way and bringing others along with them to discover the wonderful things in life that are not afforded them. this camp will be a wonderful experience, not only for the girls but for the staff and parents as well. Everyone will reap the benefits, even the communities around these girls.
Thank you Thank you, Thank you!!
Revonda
Tracey,
What a wonderful, exciting experience you will give to those young girls. You know, your Mom and I were childhood friends and we remain friends today. She inspired me to send my grandsons to Camp Atwater where she attended as a youngster. Camp Atwater is the oldest (87 years) African-American owned and operated summer residential youth camp in the nation. They are located in North Brookfield, Massachusetts. Over the past four years, my grandsons have thoroughly enjoyed their experiences there, and they can certainly thank your Mom for telling me about the camp. Keep up the good work and I wish you a lot of success!
Anita
Your grandmother sent me to summer camp for 3 years in the month of August, decades ago on the East Coast. As I reflect on those years, I don’t actually remember her discussing with me her reason for sending me but I do know it was a wise decision. I’d guess a few of her reasons were for me to have a purpose and not just sit around during the summer months doing nothing while she was working, to learn independence and be less clingy [which I was], to be self-sufficient [camp requires you to make your bed and clean up daily, care for your clothes, etc.], and to learn to cultivate new friendships and participate in group activities [which I did]. I don’t know what other character building traits she wanted me to develop, however, after 3 years of the summer camp experience, I think I learned what she hoped for and more. I learned to appreciate nature and meeting new friends from different parts of the U.S., to experience different sports and enjoy the comfort of a campfire (nothing like singing in front of a campfire under the moon), and to appreciate life experiences outside of my immediate family. So, when you reached the same age, I gave you that same experience on the West Coast, and it seems you loved it as much as I did mine.
Tracey’s “Mom”
First, let me say that I am absolutely tinkled pink (and brown LOL) that Oprah's Angel Network published my story about camp. When you're planning something that's important to you and you're anxious about its success, when an important organization comes along and gives you a boost, it is absolutely priceless. Thank you, angels. ;-)
Of course, I need to thank my mother too. (Why do I feel like I'm accepting an award? Giggling.) Sending me to camp isn't the only fantastic thing she's ever done for me, but it certainly shows you how invaluable a parent's love can be, doesn't it? Every day should be Mother's Day.
And thank you to everyone else that has left a comment so far and that will leave a comment in the future. Having your support fuels me, and I need all the gas I can get. ;-)
With all my heart....Tracey (1BG)
This is such a fantastic opportunity for young women. OneBrownGirl has had this dream for a very long time, even when we were in Grad School together, she talked about this. I am so proud of her finally making her dream come true. What a blessing for any and all that take part in this great adventure.
I love her and wish her the very best that God has to offer. If I can do anything to make this dream a reality Tracey, just let me know.
Juanita aka Dr. J
Comment removed by member
Camping in the woods? No thank You. Camping in the Caribbean? Yes! I am there! Tracey, BrownGirl, you have as usual come up with a winner! I love warm peaceful places and being close to water and the perpetual summer that the Caribbean is... If I could revisit my childhood, I sure would ask my parents to send me to Camp Caribe. My daughter would have loved it too. Tho it is too late for her (way past 13), I can't wait til my granddaughter turns 12...
Hi..
What a great idea for young girls. I can still remember special moments in camp and the singing around the campfire and the talent shows and getting up in the morning and running to the cold bathroom and shower. Having so much fun I nearly died from laughing and trying to keep up with everyone and everything. And where in the world would I be (or might I not even be in the world) without my camp experiences that truly supported me knowing that there was more out there than just where I stood. Yes to you, Tracey, for this brilliant idea and yes to all the girls over the years who will benefit from this wonderful CampCaribe.
Camp is meant to allow one as a young girl to feel like you are spreading your wings farther than ever before. Yes to CampCaribe. and thank you on behalf of all of our young ladies.
One of the greatest gifts on earth is a dream coming true. I never got a chance to go to camp when I was a little girl. I did send my little girl (she's grown now) and she still talks about her experience today. I am a single mom and to be able to send her to camp for two weeks was a blessing. It was a camp ran by the Camp Fire Girls. I traveled with her and the other campers to the mountains. The camp was so beautiful. I didn't want to leave. She made many friends from many different backgrounds and cultures. She says that she felt so special to have had an experience like that.
What a fantastic idea for young girls! I never went to camp as a child (spending the summers with my grandmother in the south instead), but I had always wished to go. My best friend went to camp every year and I envied her. You are giving these girls a great experience and creating memories!
I am glad to see your dream coming to fruition. I remember when you talked about it sooo long ago and you are making it happen. No surprise, you dream, you plan, you implement. Also Tracy, you inspire. What a great idea to expose young girls to the experience and open their world to new places. Having never gone to camp, I can only imagine how much fun the girls have and make life long friends in the process. Keep it up. You are "OneBrownGirl" who is making a difference.
Reading this actical brought back memories of my time at camp. It was such a great experience and I wouldn't trade it for anything. I remember falling in love(so I thought) at camp, making life long friends, and walking along the creek and hearing. I often share my experiences with my daughter. Camp was my first encounter of being mature and winning my parents trust.
Although it wasn't the caribbean, it was something special to me. Camp Caribe will be fantastic. I can't wait until my little brown girl can attend Camp Caribe (by then it will probably be a waiting list). I appauled you for making your dreams come true. Brown girls everywhere will be lining up for this experience. Bravo!
Tracey, we've talked face to face about this wonderful opportunity you are offering young women. I never got to go to camp. As a former foster, there were so many things I feel I was not exposed to. I have spent my adult life struggling with healing from the wounds from feeling "different, abandoned and left out from experiencing life as a child". Thank you for offering a venue for parents to send their young ladies to such a rich camp being excorted by such a rich woman - YOU! You are One Brown Girl that is blazing the trail on self love, acceptance and growth. You, go... Love, Ricka P.S. Am I too old to go :-) ?
Excuse my typo... I was excited :-)
Tracey, I have known you for about 12 years now and everything you touch turns to gold. Best wishes with this venture.
Denise
Alley here, part of the Tracey Friley team of experts who are beaming with excitement for the upcoming adventure @ CampCaribe in April 2010. As one of the assistant camp directors & Aquatic director, I am enthusiastic about standing up for One Brown Girl at a time, while pursuing the ultimate camp experience. I'm looking forward to watching these young ladies experience nature, perhaps for the very first time, & knowing they are going to have these memories for the rest of their lives.
As one of the CampCaribe counselors, I am honored and excited to be able to participate in such a unique camp that will be such a wonderful experience for all the young women who will be there. Only 7 more months until we go!
There are tons of angels out there! One month ago, a woman I was speaking to about CampCaribe told me very matter-of-factly that I needed a fiscal sponsor. 48 hours later, I had one and 48 hours after that, I began my first ever fundraising effort in my attempt to gift diverse tween girls with this fantastic 10 day learning adventure program to the US Virgin Islands! Having a fiscal sponsor changed EVERYTHING and even allows parents to write-off camp tuition and fundraise for their own little Adventurers themselves! So far, I have raised $1,000; and while that might not seem like alot, it is more than 0 and more than I've ever raised before. I have even more angels in my life and they are trying to collect money on behalf of CampCaribe as well. I am humbled and forever grateful for the kindess of strangers.
There is an imbalance in the camping industry and I aim to change it. Fundraising isn't easy (!), but nothing worth doing ever is, is it? As you can see, The Oprah's Angel Network Web site angels were oh-so-kind enough to publish The Idea Behind CampCaribe and any time I'm feeling frustrated, I come back here and read my own story (and your comments) to give myself a boost. Even if I have to dig deeper into my own pocket, CampCaribe will happen.
Thanks for listening!
P.S. I am personally sponsoring my Little Sister from the Big Brothers Big Sisters program. That, by itself, is golden.
Reading my own story today to get a boost. Working hard to make this adventure happen.
Less than 6 weeks before camp! This is exciting stuff...
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