Our Program

Camp Odyssey 1991

An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity.

Martin Luther King, Jr

Alumni Group Meeting 2010

707 NE Couch St., Portland, OR 97232

503.233.6090

info@NWCampOdyssey.org

Camp Odyssey has Two Components:

1) It begins with a weeklong residential summer camp that exposes youths’ values and passion for citizen involvement. 60 youths, aged 14-18, selected from as varied socioeconomic backgrounds as possible, participate in trust-building and experiential activities, and structured intercultural dialogue.

2) After the initial residential camp, with Regional Coordinators and adult volunteers, the year round support component assists Odyssey youth in bringing what they have learned back to their communities. Regional meetings, service activities and reunions provide youth opportunities to develop specific, actionable skills and strategies to then initiate projects such as clubs, forums and performance groups in their schools and home communities.

The Vision and Promise of Camp Odyssey is:

To Model Respect for All Persons
To Challenge Systems of Oppression
To Ensure Broad and Inclusive Representation
To Reduce Barriers By Providing a No-Cost Experience for ALL Youth
To Create a Safe Place for Honesty and Shared Experiences
To Open Courageous Conversations on Social Justice Issues
To Expose Youth to Avenues for Social Justice Work and Activism
To Mobilize Youths’ Passion to Advance Their Ideas of a Just World
To Develop Allies, Networks and Partnerships
To Be Accountable for Our Sustainability and Growth

Camp Odyssey Outcomes:

Using both quantitative and qualitative evaluation methods looking at the 20+ years of Camp history and results, we have identified the following outcomes:

Short Term

Increased Understanding and Awareness of Self, as well as People Unlike Oneself.
Increased Comfort Around and Empathy With People Unlike Oneself.

Mid Term

Increased Knowledge, Ability and Desire to Address Topics Around Privilege, Oppression and Differences.
Increased Conflict-Resolution, Leadership and Communication Skills.

Long Term

Increased Engagement in School, Community and Social Justice Activities.
Social Change Resulting from Involvement in One's Community, the Authentic Expression of One's Values and Elevated Ability to Acknowledge Varied Perspectives.

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