In Our Own Backyard

Too often we hear the phrase, "not in MY backyard." Our interfaith, service-based summer camp experience is designed to open the eyes of campers to the harsh reality of poverty “in our own backyard” of Charlotte-Mecklenburg.

Teen participants (rising 10th, 11th and 12th graders) learn a lot about their "backyard" of Charlotte as they take the city bus everywhere they go. They discover who rides public transportation and what it means to be dependent on it -- especially if it rains!

Campers experience a poverty simulation, serve at various agencies throughout the city, interview homeless neighbors, explore Christian, Jewish, Unitarian Universalist, Muslim and Baha’i faith traditions. There is also a surprise mission immersion experience.

Past camps have brought together youth from the Christian, Jewish, Baha'i, Muslim and Unitarian Universalist faiths and Latino, Caucasian, African American, Persian and Arab enthnicities.

Highlights from 2011 In Our Own Backyard now on YouTube!

Inspiring Words from Charlotte's Interfaith Youth Leaders

Read a former camper’s testimonial.

How In Our Own Backyard Changed Me