STAND Camp 2012
What's the WHAT?
WHO is invited to this party?
HOW do I make this happen?
WHEN do we show up and WHERE (+FAQs)?
What is STAND Camp?
In late July 2011, 60 members of STAND's Student Leadership Team - made up of Core Chapter Leaders from across the country - gathered at a summer camp on the East Coast for our second annual STAND Camp! Directly following their training, a group of STAND Campers participated in the Lobby Day in D.C. and took their voices to Capitol Hill, putting goals into action.
STAND Camp is an all expenses paid (minus travel), four-day leadership and advocacy training retreat at its finest, with experts, rockstars, and alumni there to conduct trainings and increase organizing skill sets. Plus, we throw in everything you loved about summer camp - from campfire sing-alongs to ropes courses. Check out the 2011 STAND Camp agenda, testimony from each training day, and pictures from last year for a sample of what's in store!
YOU are invited to join the summer fun!
Chances are, if you've found yourself on this page, you're interested in being a leader in the movement on some level - and we've got what you need to meet in the middle, no matter your experience, skill level, or specific interests. On August 3, STAND Camp 2012 will commence - and this year it's open to members of the Student Leadership Team (leaders who sign their chapters up to participate in the annual Core Program) AND individual leaders who think they could benefit from this training.
Sign me up!
Official STAND Chapters are invited each year to send a representative from their group to STAND Camp FOR FREE to learn the essentials of movement building to take back to their chapter for the next school year. The deadline is coming up soon, so be sure to apply to be a core chapter IMMEDIATELY.
UPDATE: We're opening STAND Camp to individual leaders not affiliated with Core Chapters! Fill out this application to be considered for a spot. It's only $50 for four days of awesome training, networking, and fun.
After you have filled out one of the above signs up, you must fill out the final and official STAND Camp registration form. You must fill out both in order to secure your spot.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Who can come to STAND Camp?
Although STAND Camp is intended primarily for chapters, we have opened it to everybody this year in an effort to better cultivate strong leaders both within and outside of the chapter model. While the representatives of Core Chapters come for free on the commitment to fulfill the requirements of the Core Chapter program for the school year, there will be a small fee of $50 for all individuals not signed up as a Core Chapter Leader, in order to cover the additional costs. Chapters must sign up to be a Core Chapter to be considered; individuals not affiliated with a Core Chapter must fill out a separate application.
Where and When is STAND Camp?
STAND Camp will take place at the Pearlstone Conference and Retreat Center in Reisterstown, MD. Pearlstone offers lodging, training and activity space to provide everyone with a memorable and educational experience. Check out their website for more info on typical meals and accommodations...you can indicate preferences/restrictions for both on the STAND Camp Registration Form.
We begin promptly at 3 PM EST on Friday, August 3rd and end at 3 PM EST on Monday, August 6th. The Lobby Day will take place on Tuesday, August 7th on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. STAND Camp is designed to be a complete package in terms of user experience, so we will not be able to accommodate part-time attendance in terms of transportation or making up for missed sessions.
How much will it cost?
There are no fees for STAND Camp for the primary Core Chapter representatives, a $50 registration fee for non-Core individuals, and second or third members from Core Chapters. All participants are responsible for travel arrangements and costs. All other expenses, including space/trainers/materials, food and snacks, activities, and transportation to and from the airport, are covered by STAND.
ALL Core Chapter representatives are required to mail in a $50 security deposit via check that will be returned upon arrival at Pearlstone. You should make checks out to United to End Genocide (our parent org) with STAND Camp in the memo line. Checks can be sent to STAND, 1025 Connecticut Ave Ste 310, Washington, DC, 20036.
Individuals and additional Core Chapter members (beyond the first representative) who are attending should also submit a $50 check, but should note that this is a registration fee, not a security deposit; consequently, the check will be deposited as soon as it is received and is non-refundable.
STAND loses up to $500 per person who signs up but does not attend; please be considerate of this fact and do not sign up unless you are committed to attending.
How should I plan on getting to the camp?
We will provide a school bus to shuttle participants from BWI - Baltimore/Washington Intl Airport, the closest stop for flights and Amtrak trains - to the Pearlstone Retreat Center. The shuttle will leave BWI promptly at 2 PM EST on Friday, August 3, in order to ensure you arrive before we start at 3 PM. Please schedule your travel accordingly. Those who are not participating in the lobby day will be shuttled back to BWI at 3 PM on Monday, August 6. We recommending booking return travel from BWI departing after 6 PM on August 6. Those who are participating in the August 7 lobby day are advised to book return flights for the 7 PM or later; BWI is easily accessible by public transportation from downtown DC.
If you wish to plan your own travel directly to the camp, please see above for the link to the Pearlstone Retreat Center for the address and additional details about the space.
What should I pack?
What to Wear: We encourage comfortable and hot weather friendly clothing for STAND Camp. There will be an optional ropes course activity, so bring active clothing, including tennis shoes, if you plan to participate. Please do not wear anything inappropriate or potentially disrespectful to your peers.
For those participating in Tuesday's lobby day, please plan to wear business casual for your meeting on the Hill. No jeans, sneakers, t-shirts, sweatshirts, or sandals, please!
Other things to pack: Towels, a laptop if possible (not required, but would be helpful when researching potential advocacy targets), pen/paper, your local chapter/group t-shirt if applicable.
Do NOT bring illegal or potentially harmful products - those found with such items will be sent home immediately at their own expense. Please also see the Pearlstone Retreat Center Policies for additional restrictions to ensure we are as respectful as possible to the facility managers.
What's the what with the Lobby Day?
Please read the opening information on the STAND Camp Registration Form for more information about Lobby Day logistics. As noted above, lobby day participants are advised to book return flights after for after 7 PM on August 7.
What's the STAND Camp experience like?
Check out last year's agenda, fun pics, resources and more here.
