Photo courtesy of Dolores Huerta Foundation
The Dolores Huerta Foundation’s Camp LYFE
The Dolores Huerta Foundation’s Camp LYFE, an arts-based summer program, brought together young people to explore the powerful intersection of creativity and social justice in the Tehachapi Mountains. Funded by a grant from the KDA Creative Corps (KDACC), the camp provided 50 teenagers, ages 13 to 18, with an immersive experience aimed at fostering artistic expression while equipping them with skills for civic engagement.
Held at the historic National Chavez Center from July 23 to Aug. 5, 2024, the camp offered participants a unique opportunity to engage in various art forms—including dance, theater, visual arts, music, spoken word, and media production—within a framework of advocacy and community building. The goal of Camp LYFE was to give young people a space to channel their creativity into campaigns that address critical social issues like racial justice, environmental sustainability, and educational equity.
The camp’s programming incorporated artist residencies across Kern, Fresno, and Tulare counties, allowing participants to connect with local artists who have experience in social justice movements. The residency model encouraged mentorship and provided campers with guidance on how to use their artistic talents to highlight pressing issues in their communities. By integrating art with activism, the program demonstrated how creative expression can serve as a powerful tool for raising awareness and driving societal change.
Participants also had the chance to hear from prominent activists who shared their personal journeys, illustrating the potential impact of combining activism with art. Through these sessions, campers learned how artistic mediums can influence public perception and spark movements. These opportunities further reinforced the camp’s focus on critical thinking, teamwork and cross-cultural communication.
Photos courtesy of Dolores Huerta Foundation
The camp, part of the broader Liberated Youth for Empowerment (LYFE) initiative, is designed to cultivate leadership in young people from communities disproportionately affected by systemic inequities. LYFE offers pathways in civic engagement, transformational art, and new media, providing participants with tools to analyze and address the societal issues that impact their lives. For many campers, the program was a first step in understanding how art can be used to advocate for themselves and their communities.
Camp LYFE’s participants reflected the rich diversity of California’s Central Valley, with many coming from Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) backgrounds. The camp emphasized inclusivity and the importance of representing marginalized voices in the broader conversation about equity and justice.
The camp also focused on helping students develop a deeper understanding of history, systems of oppression, and the role of art in challenging the status quo. Through workshops and projects, participants explored topics like immigration, climate change, and police reform, producing work that was deeply rooted in their lived experiences.
Although the camp concluded in early August, its impact on the participants continues. Graduates are now part of an alumni program that provides ongoing mentorship, scholarship opportunities, and support in entrepreneurial endeavors. The Dolores Huerta Foundation hopes this model will inspire future generations to continue blending art with advocacy, creating new pathways for leadership in the fight for social justice.
Camp LYFE has proven to be a powerful example of how youth-led initiatives can help shape future activists. By equipping young people with both artistic skills and a sense of purpose, the program aims to ensure that the next generation is prepared to take on leadership roles and advocate for positive change in their communities.
About the Organization: Dolores Huerta Foundation
Founded in 2002, Camp Taylor is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing medically supervised programs for children with congenital heart disease (CHD) and their families. Located in Central California, the camp offers a unique blend of recreational activities, heart health education and emotional support in a safe environment. Camp Taylor’s mission is to empower children with CHD to overcome the challenges associated with their condition, fostering self-esteem, resilience and community. Through its life-changing camps and year-round initiatives, Camp Taylor supports the health and well-being of CHD patients, ensuring that no child or family faces their heart health journey alone.
