Camp I AM

View Larger Map

Camp I AM will begin on Saturday, July 11, 2009 and end on Thursday, July 16, 2009 . Our goal is to raise a total of $4,000 to sponsor at least 10 youth ages 9 to 16. Because of the many cultures that make up who we are we believe that Camp I Am will only pave the way for more love, unity, and tolerance amongst are youth and young adults. We have pledged to make this an enduring program that will exist as long as Project Abundant Life is a functioning organization. We dream only to manifest our visions, and this vision manifested can truly enable us as a people to become better human beings. We believe that no child should be denied this wonderful cultural necessity because of financial hardship. That is why Project Abundant Life has made it our work to raise the funds necessary to sponsor these youth. This phenomenal event can only take place with your support. To contribute, please visit our donation page.

July 2009

Changing Lives Through The Art Of Expression

Project Abundant Life is calling out for the support of our community. We know that true living is about changing lives through family and community service. We are asking all to join together in making a donation toward our youth who are our future and the future of the generations to come. PAL has sacrificed to make much needed programs available at no cost for youth under the age of 18 since 2000.

Camp I Am will cost $300.00 per camper and will take place at 2115 NW Private Rd 100 Corsicana, TX 75110. Maranatha Camp Resort offers 100 acres of fun and serenity to get you on track to optimum health. Regeneration or 'renewal' of the body is the focus at Maranatha Resort. This is achieved through our many activities, from softball to swimming; Campers are encouraged to be a part of nature through paddle boating, walks and horseback riding. We invite you to come be a part of a holistic experience.

Maranatha Camp Resort is located about 2 hours from Austin, Texas 2 1/2 hours north of Houston, Texas and 45 minutes south of Dallas, Texas. It is 5 minutes from downtown Corsicana, Texas.

The Resort encompasses over 100 acres of natural landscaping. Some other features offered are ponds, fishing, paddle boating, hiking trail, swimming, basketball, horseshoeing, volleyball, aerobics, arts and crafts, and more!

CAMP I AM will create an environment that supports, educates, and encourages a universal perspective of the beauty found in cultural and personal diversity through performances, hands on workshops, and educational documentaries followed by group discussions.

Capoeira Angola(pronounced Capo-air-a Ang-o-la, and hereafter called Capoeira) is a special art form. African and Brazilian in origin, it weaves together the movements of the art of dance, with disciplined movements of the martial arts. It is complex artistic discipline of movement in which both the beauty of a moving human body, and the disciplined control of the body, are intertwined.

Students will also learn the cultural history of an art form in which African slaves developed a physical and artistic discipline that allowed them individual expression, while “fooling” their slave masters into thinking it was merely a way of showing off or joking around. (Once the real intent became known, Capoeira was actually outlawed and became a crime that was punishable by life in prison or the penalty of death). Practiced in secret, and handed down from one generation to the next, Capoeira has a rich cultural history. Workshops will be given by Dorian Layssard, founder of Free Angola Capoeira Society and CEO of Non-profit organization Project Abundant Life.

Programs and Performances

Each of the following artists will perform for the youth and give an hands on workshop in his or her artistic backround.

Carla “Olonade" Nickerson

Theatrics and musical story time

One of four children born to Taylor educators Leon and Verdell Nickerson, Carla is a seventh-generation Texan who recently traced her parent’s ancestries to the West African countries of Ghana and Cameroon.

Keito Saint James

Director of Tropical Productions Dance Company

West African, Hawaiian, and Brazilian Samba drum and dance.

Workshops

Instrument Construction - The berimbau was originally brought to Brazil in the 1500's by Bantù from Africa and used to accompany the famous dance called Capoeira. The Berimbau was also a means of communication used by enslaved Africans and is considered a sacred instrument. It is made by a wooden arc (a special kind of wood called Biriba), a wire from end to end and a gourd.

Building Your Family Tree - Youth will work with their parents and relatives to help them build an ancestor tree as a constant reminder of there heritage and identity.

Youth Circle of Fire - each day, youth will have open discussion dialoging with each other on topics surrounding good character, leadership, tolerance, community service and environmental awareness.

Sister Circle - Beading, homemade skin care, facials, and natural beauty tips with Angela Alexander.

Youth Health and Nutrition with Dr. Semel Bey - Lecture on natural sugars and alternatives for junk food.

Youth Talent Show