Social justice summer camp started by anarchists to be held in Oregon

PORTLAND (TND) — Parents in Portland, Oregon can now send their kids to a free social justice summer camp founded by anarchists.

A group called Budding Roses, which was founded as a project of the Black Rose/Rosa Negra Anarchist Foundation, will hold a free two-week summer camp this month open to students in 4th through 8th grades.

A registration portal indicates students at the camp will explore “social justice issues, youth leadership, arts activism, games and more!”

“We believe that empowering youth to become critically engaged with social justice issues lays the groundwork for transformational social change tomorrow and today,” Budding Roses says on its website.

The camp’s website adds that the camp was inspired by “global examples of mutual aid and popular education projects,” such as “the Black Panthers free breakfast program,” and “Paolo Friere’s Pedagogy of the Oppressed.”

Among the resources listed on Budding Roses camp website is a “Protest and Chant Book,” a “Tear Gas for Portlanders” guide, a guided “walking tour of radical Portland” and other activist related materials.

A “Police Abolition Activity” and “White Supremacy Reflection Activity” are listed within the Budding Roses’ curriculum as well.

The group appears to hold this camp annually, with Budding Roses utilizing churches, city parks and taxpayer money to help it develop the next generation of social justice activists, according to PJ Media.

The city of Portland reportedly authorized the group to conduct its camp at a city park and has granted the camp the “Spirit of Portland Award” for being the best nonprofit initiative of the year.

Portland, a city known for having an anarchist presence, has been rocked by protests and violence in recent years.

READ MORE |Why this journalist was attacked by Antifa in Portland, Oregon

According to Andy Ngo, a local Portland reporter covering the anarchist movement in the city, “there are many Antifa organizations with membership.”

However, his critics frequently argue no formal groups like that actually exist in Portland.