International Mentoring Walk Spring 2020

Black Out by Cierra Hammond

sitting in a dark room with a white light that’s blinding bright as the northstar  but don’t let the star fool you my own light stutters light and dark as mannequins stand around me not moving but when I blink they move and when I try to look they laugh close closer now you’re too close too close to me but oh well maybe they’re friendly Or  maybe I’m too afraid the light that’s shining  but slowly giving  up still staring  at the light  in darkness mannequins are still here standing and laughing everytime I blink my eyes something’s not right   i feel it getting darker every time I shut my eyes then I open them the light  it’s moving away but, then I see the mannequin standing through my light smiling and laughing with tears in It’s eyes then all goes dark. everyone is wearing a mask  except for you

VenturaVie's 2019 Summer Camp!

I’m proud to report that Ventura Vie’s 2019 Summer Camp was a great success! Not only did it feel lively, fun and engaging for the kids, but it was a very intergenerational event, bringing children together with parents and our graduating high school intern, Damaica.

We organized camp activities with Ventura Vie’s core mission in mind: empowering women and youth and elevating communities through artistry, fashion and nature. I taught a yoga class and we did a collective art project. We also spent a day at V Boutique and Fisherman’s Wharf so everyone could see the shop and explore the beautiful waterfront area. And to tie in the nature piece, we had everyone plant seeds and decorate compost.

Damaica’s activity was one of the highlights for me. She taught everyone some sign language, and we all practiced together. I loved this part because it‘s exactly the kind of thing we want to promote: fostering leadership opportunities while sharing knowledge in an intimate, communal way. It was beautiful and enriching for everyone involved.

Thank you to everyone who helped fund and staff this event. We're looking forward to next year and already thinking about ways to expand Summer Camp activities and include more people. Stay tuned.