Tulsa, OK. – The Oklahoma Center for Community and Justice (OCCJ) will host Camp Anytown Leadership Institute, an award-winning human relations camp for teens in Oklahoma. Now in its 24th year, Camp Anytown has been recognized as one of the most effective leadership and diversity programs for high school youth, and delegates are recognized as leaders in their communities.
Sarah Rana, Director of School and Youth-Based Programs for OCCJ credits her experience as a Camp Anytown delegate for providing an inclusive environment where she could explore her culture and learn about others. Rana, a citizen of the Potawatomi Nation, is from Tulsa.
“Anytown gave me the opportunity to meet teens from across the state, learn about subjects surrounding social justice, and most importantly learn about myself,” Rana said. “The pinnacle of the week for me was Culture Night. I got to present on my Native American culture and my tribe. Through this experience, I found my strength, my voice, and my pride.”
She continues to follow her passions for learning and being a voice for minorities in the community. She is the recipient of a 2017 Social Justice Activator Award from the YWCA-Oklahoma City’s Stand Against Racism Committee.
“I wonder if I would have remained silent or if I would have lost my desire to learn more about my people,” Rana said. “I am forever grateful for the spark the ignited my pride that week at Anytown in 2004, and I am dedicated to being the match for the unheard Native youth.”
Camp Anytown Leadership Institute takes place July 30 through August 5, at St. Crispin’s Conference Center in Wewoka, Oklahoma. The Oklahoma Center for Community and Justice is accepting applications until June 23, 2017, and scholarships for camp are available. Application materials are available on OCCJ’s website at www.occjok.org.
The cost of the week-long camp is $350, which includes round-trip bus transportation from Tulsa or Oklahoma City to camp, meals and housing, an Anytown T-shirt, and all workshop materials. Insurance is provided for the camp.
The Oklahoma Center for Community and Justice strives to eliminate bias, bigotry, and racism in our state by promoting respect and understanding for all.