Black Futures Children’s Retreat 2023
Abundant Beginnings is excited to curate a parallel Black Futures Children’s Retreat, which will include playing, creating, and learning together about Black liberation and Afrofuturism. Kids are grouped based on age and interest including an infant/toddler space with dedicated facilitators. This retreat, as with everything that Abundant Beginnings does, is inclusive of neurodivergence, disability, and all family creation stories. We have classes, workshops, adventures, and of course lots of free play! Get ready for stargazing, spending lots of time in the forest, campfire tales, art projects, flashlight hikes and creating family memories.
Abundant Beginnings is an Ohlone land based Queer Black-led organization. We believe it is a child’s right to explore their interests and create lasting relationships within an atmosphere of support and freedom. Our central commitments are to provide educational programming that centers social and environmental justice, radical inclusion, freedom and liberation, and cultivates connections to the earth and our ancestral ecological practices.
We have been creating safe and joyful spaces over the last decade for folks who have been systematically marginalized, particularly Black, Queer, and Neurodiverse families. Check out our website to learn more about our Forest Freedom School, camp programs, the Land Project, and our activism work: http://abundantbeginnings.org
- All families bringing children, please complete this questionnaire by October 15, 2023.
- For retreat participants, please let us know if you’d like to volunteer with Abundant Beginnings during the retreat. Click here to volunteer
Program
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
MONDAY
Thursday, Oct 26 (All Ages)
| Time | Ages | Location | Session Title |
| 3:30pm – 5:00pm | All Ages | Event Hall | Registration |
| 5:00pm – 5:30pm | All Ages | Fire Pit | Welcome circle & Tour of Childrens Retreat |
| 6:00pm – 8:00pm | All Ages | Tavern | Meet the Facilitators dinner |
Friday, Oct 27 (Ages 0-4)
| Time | Ages | Location | Session Title | Session Description |
| 8:30am-9:00am | 0-4 | Bridal Veil | Warming time & family sing along | Bring in your little one to meet their caregivers! We will say hi, sing some songs and get familar with the space. Come as early as 8:00am to allow kiddos some time to settle in. |
| 8:30-9:00 | All Ages | Youth Lounge | Nature Journals | Are you eager to explore the beauty of nature and unleash your creativity? Join us for a hands-on adventure of crafting your very own Nature Journals. We will use found materials to make nature journals to document your retreat experience. |
| 10:30am-11:30am | 0-4 | Pool | Little Fishes | Supervised water play for our youngest participants. |
| 12:00pm-1:00pm | 0-4 | Calm Room (103) | Sacred Rest | A time to nap and rest our bodies. |
| 1:45pm-2:30pm | 0-4, 5-11 | Sensory Deck | I Love My Body! | Body painting & prints! We will do a read aloud and support kiddos in exploring how powerful and beautiful all of our different bodies are. Geared toward 3-5 year olds. |
| 0-4, 5-11 | Sensory Deck | Slime Time | Who doesn’t love to make slime? Lets make slime that lets your inner self (and child) shine – this is open to everyone. | |
| All Ages | Bubble dance party! | Bubbles, music & joy! This session will begin with our younger kiddos as nappers wake up, but everyone is invited to join! | ||
| 2:30pm-3:30pm | 0-4 | Sensory Deck | Reclaimed Materials Instrument Making : Sustaining Our Beats | Reclaiming clean recycled materials from the lodge itself, we will be crafting our own instruments to play throughout the weekend’s talent shows and performances, while deepening our understanding of sustainability and the art of making everyday materials come alive. |
| All Ages | Art Deck | Inter-Generational Art – Mark Making Clinic | A creative and expressive learning environment where participants explore various techniques and methods of creating marks, lines, and textures on surfaces using a wide range of tools and materials. The primary focus of this class is to encourage individual artistic expression while also honing fundamental skills in drawing, painting, and other forms of visual art. | |
| 4:00pm-5:00pm | 0-4, 5 – 11 | Sensory Deck | Find Your Rhythm: Drumming for Kids | Learn to find the rhythm of your own drum in this hands-on drumming workshop for kids. We will be learning some basic Afro-Cuban beats and perform a flashmob drum performance. |
| 5:30pm-6:30pm | 0-4 | Bridal Veil | Altar making & exploration: Embracing Creativity and Spirituality | We will discover the art of altar creation, a powerful practice used by cultures worldwide to honor ancestors, and the sacred within. Our facilitators will support kiddos through the process of exploring altar materials and objects that hold special meaning, making alters and reading stories. |
| All Ages | Fire Pit | S’mores | S’MORES!! .. no other information needed | |
| 7:30pm-8:30pm | 0-4 | Calm Room (103) | PJ Party | Come have a pretend sleepover party with us! Come in your coziest jammies and listen to audiobooks, rest, and sleep- but not for the whole night! Kiddos will get picked up when their adult is done partying. |
| 8:30pm-10:00pm | 0-4, 5-11 | Calm Room (103) | PJ Party | Come have a pretend sleepover party with us! Come in your coziest jammies and listen to audiobooks, rest, and sleep- but not for the whole night! Kiddos will get picked up when their adult is done partying. |
| All Ages | Bridal Veil | Interactive movie night | We will watch a movie and look out for the creatures from the colonization castle (gender binary monster, white supremacy fairy, patriarchy pixie, etc)! | |
| All Ages | Lounge | Board Games |
Friday, Oct 27 (Ages 5-11)
| Time | Ages | Location | Session Title | Session Description |
| 8:30am-9:00am | 5-11 | Game Room | Lets get it started! | Come play games, meet the facilitators and your fellow retreat goers! There will also be time to look at the program to choose your adventures. |
| All Ages | Youth lounge | Nature journals | Are you eager to explore the beauty of nature and unleash your creativity? Join us on a hands-on adventure of crafting your very own Nature Journals. We will use found materials to make nature jounals to document your retreat experience. | |
| 10:30am-11:30am | 5-11 | Sensory Deck | Unraveling Mysteries and Discovering Treasures! | Calling all adventurous and curious young minds! Join us for an unforgettable scavenger hunt. Get ready to embark on a thrilling journey of exploration, problem-solving, and teamwork as we delve into the wonders of our surroundings. |
| 5-11, Teens (12 & up) | Art Deck | Youth Art Focus – Mark Making Clinic | A creative and expressive learning environment where participants explore various techniques and methods of creating marks, lines, and textures on surfaces using a wide range of tools and materials. The primary focus of this class is to encourage individual artistic expression while also honing fundamental skills in drawing, painting, and other forms of visual art. | |
| 12:00pm-1:00pm | 5-11 | Private Dining Room | Dance with Alicia – Rhythm Vibes Children’s Dance Class | Rhythm Vibes is a unique dance class inviting children to embark on a rhythmic journey through the rich tapestry of Black music from different eras and cultures. The goal is to inspire creativity, celebrate the diversity of the African diaspora, and foster a love for dance and personal expression while exploring the vibrant and soulful rhythms that have shaped our world. Your child will be introduced to a wide range of Black music and movement, including traditional African beats, the electrifying energy of Motown, the infectious rhythms of the Caribbean, the groovy tunes of funk, the contagious beats of hip-hop, and so much more. We’ll touch on the history and cultural significance of each genre, helping the kids gain a deeper appreciation for its roots and evolution. Lastly, in a collaborative and supportive environment, the children will have the opportunity to co-create a dance piece together. They will use their creativity to incorporate various movements, gestures, and emotions inspired by the music they have explored. This process will encourage teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills, as they collectively bring their vision to life. In Rhythm Vibes Children’s Dance Class, every step is a celebration of culture, creativity, and community. Together, we’ll groove to the beats of history and make memories that last a lifetime. |
| 1:45pm-2:30pm | 0-4, 5-11 | Sensory Deck | I Love my Body! | Body painting & prints! We will do a read aloud and support kiddos in exploring how powerful and beautiful all of our different bodies are. Geared toward 3-5 year olds. |
| 0-4, 5-11 | Sensory Deck | Slime Time | Who doesn’t love to make slime? Lets make slime that lets your inner self (and child) shine- this is open to everyone. | |
| 5-11 | Art Deck | Candle Making | Enjoy this meditative craft project to add to your self care kit. | |
| All Ages | Bubble dance party! | Bubbles, music & joy! This session will begin with our younger kiddos as nappers wake up, but everyone is invited to join! | ||
| 2:30pm-3:30pm | 5-11, Teens (12 & up) | Playground | Coyote guide games | Join us for playful midfulness. We will use our whole bodies to be aware of nature, our berath and each other. Get ready to run, crawl and laugh. |
| 5-11 | Pool | Pool Time | Play in the pool, learn to swim, or just lounge in the pool area. | |
| All Ages | Art Deck | Inter-Generational Art – Mark Making Clinic | A creative and expressive learning environment where participants explore various techniques and methods of creating marks, lines, and textures on surfaces using a wide range of tools and materials. The primary focus of this class is to encourage individual artistic expression while also honing fundamental skills in drawing, painting, and other forms of visual art. | |
| 4:00pm-5:00pm | 0-4, 5-11 | Sensory Deck | Find Your Rhythm: Drumming for Kids | Learn to find the rhythm of your own drum in this hands-on drumming workshop for kids. We will be learning some basic Afro-Cuban beats and perform a flashmob drum performance. |
| 5:30pm-6:30pm | 5-11, Teens (12 & up) | Fire Pit | Sparklers and Ancestors | Offering from Mx. T. |
| All Ages | Fire Pit | S’mores | S’MORES!! .. no other information needed. | |
| 7:30pm-8:30pm | 5-11, Teens (12 & up) | Sensory Deck | Flashlight tag | |
| 8:30pm-10:00pm | 0-4, 5-11 | Calm Room (103) | PJ Party | Come have a pretend sleepover party with us! Come in your coziest jammies and listen to audiobooks, rest, and sleep- but not for the whole night! Kiddos will get picked up when their adult is done partying. |
| All Ages | Bridal Veil | Interactive Movie Night | We will watch a movie and look out for the creatures from the colonization castle (gender binary monster, white supremacy fairy, patriarchy pixie, etc)! | |
| All Ages | Lounge | Board Games |
Friday, Oct 27 (Teens 12 & up)
| Time | Ages | Location | Session Title | Session Description |
| 8:30am – 9:00am | Teens (12 and up | Spa | Teen Spa | Relax into the retreat with teen only spa time, get to know folks, relax, and pick your sessions. |
| All Ages | Youth Lounge | Nature Journals | Are you eager to explore the beauty of nature and unleash your creativity? Join us on a hands-on adventure of crafting your very own Nature Journals. We will use found materials to make nature jounals to document your retreat experience. | |
| 10:30am – 11:30am | 5-11, Teens (12 & up) | Art Deck | Youth Art Focus – Mark Making Clinic | A creative and expressive learning environment where participants explore various techniques and methods of creating marks, lines, and textures on surfaces using a wide range of tools and materials. The primary focus of this class is to encourage individual artistic expression while also honing fundamental skills in drawing, painting, and other forms of visual art. |
| 12:00pm – 1:00pm | Teens (12 and up) | Lounge | Medicine Walk | As our ancestors and indigenous folk teach us: nature provides. Walk around the grounds to make offerings and collect plant medicine bundles. |
| Teens (12 and up) | Art Deck | Candle Making | Enjoy this meditative craft project to add to your self care kit. | |
| 1:45pm – 2:30pm | All Ages | Bubble Dance Party! | Bubbles, music & joy! This session will begin with our younger kiddos as nappers wake up, but everyone is invited to join! | |
| 2:30pm – 3:30pm | All Ages | Art Deck | Inter-Generational Art – Mark Making Clinic | A creative and expressive learning environment where participants explore various techniques and methods of creating marks, lines, and textures on surfaces using a wide range of tools and materials. The primary focus of this class is to encourage individual artistic expression while also honing fundamental skills in drawing, painting, and other forms of visual art. |
| 4:00pm – 5:00pm | 5-11, Teens (12 and up) | Playground | Coyote Guide Games | Join us for playful mindfulness. We will use our whole bodies to be aware of nature, our breath and each other. Get ready to run, crawl and laugh. |
| Teens (12 and up) | Lounge | Nature Journals | Are you eager to explore the beauty of nature and unleash your creativity? Join us on a hands-on adventure of crafting your very own Nature Journals. We will use found materials to make nature journals to document your retreat experience. | |
| 5:30pm – 6:30pm | 5-11, Teens (12 and up) | Fire Pit | Sparklers and Ancestors | Offering from Mx. T. |
| All Ages | Fire Pit | S’mores | S’MORES!! .. no other information needed. | |
| Teens (12 and up) | Pool | Teen Hot Tub | Hang out & enjoy exclusive use of a hot tub. | |
| 7:30pm – 8:30pm | 5-11, Teens (12 and up) | Sensory Deck | Flashlight Tag | |
| Teens (12 and up | Lounge | Sunset Painting | Are you eager to express yourself through vibrant colors? Join us for an enchanting Sunset Painting offering which will inspire creativity and ignite a love for painting as you capture the mesmerizing beauty of a sunset on canvas. | |
| 8:30pm – 10:00pm | Teens (12 and up | Event Hall | Movie Night & Discussion | |
| All Ages | Bridal Veil | Interactive Movie Night | We will watch a movie and look out for the creatures from the colonization castle (gender binary monster, white supremacy fairy, patriarchy pixie, etc)! | |
| All Ages | Lounge | Board Games |
Saturday, Oct 28 (0-4)
| Time | Ages | Location | Session Title | Session Description |
| 8:00am – 11:00am | All Ages | Spa | Family spa | Bring your kiddo to relax and rest with you during family spa time. |
| 10:30am – 11:30am | 0-4 | Pool | Little fishes | Supervised water play for our youngest participants. |
| 12:00pm – 1:00pm | 0-4 | Calm Room (103) | Sacred Rest | A time to nap and rest our bodies. |
| 1:45pm – 2:30pm | – | – | – | – |
| 2:30pm – 3:30pm | All Ages | Tavern deck | Intergenerational Art – Marriage of Found Objects | Embark on a captivating artistic journey that harmonizes human creativity with the natural world. Immerse yourself in the serene beauty of the outdoors as you weave together the elements of the Earth to craft stunning and meaningful works of art. Learn the art of marrying natural elements with man-made objects in ways that are visually striking and conceptually thought-provoking. Explore techniques for seamlessly integrating contrasting textures, colors, and forms to create harmonious compositions. |
| 0-4 | Sensory Deck | Lets get WILD! | Do you know what sounds the native animals to Yosemite make? What do their prints look like? Lets get wild and move like the animals we can find in the forest- we will also do a small hike to find evidence of animals. | |
| 4:00pm – 5:00pm | – | – | – | – |
| 5:30pm-6:30pm | All Ages | Fire Pit | S’mores | SMORE’S!! .. no other information needed. |
| All Ages | Fire Pit | Campfire Tales | Telling stories, make up, and cultural offering with Mx. T. | |
| 0-4 | Sensory Deck | Baby rave | Toddlers with glow sticks… you know its gonna be a good time! | |
| 7:30pm – 8:30pm | All Ages | Bridal Veil | Karaoke | Pick a favorite song and belt it out! |
| All Ages | Lounge | Board game tournament | Come prepared to compete! | |
| 0-4 | Calm Room (103) | PJ Party | Come have a pretend sleepover party with us! Come in your coziest jammies and listen to audiobooks, rest, and sleep- but not for the whole night! Kiddos will get picked up when their adult is done partying. | |
| 8:30pm – 10:00pm | 0-4, 5-11 | Calm Room (103) | PJ Party | Come have a pretend sleepover party with us! Come in your coziest jammies and listen to audiobooks, rest, and sleep- but not for the whole night! Kiddos will get picked up when their adult is done partying. |
| All Ages | Bridal Veil | Karaoke | Pick a favorite song and belt it out! Keep the party going! | |
| All Ages | Lounge | Board game tournament | Learn a new game. | |
| All Ages | Game Room | night hike – animal spotting | Lets grab some flashlights and see who is out at night |
Saturday, Oct 28 (5-11)
| Time | Ages | Location | Session Title | Session Description |
| 8:00am – 11:00am | All Ages | Spa | Family Spa | Bring your kiddo to relax and rest with you during family spa time. |
| 8:30am – 9:00am | 5-11, Teens (12 & up) | Youth Lounge | Kids Trip to Yosemite | We will leave at 9:30am for a kids trip to Yosemite Valley. |
| 5-11 | Game Room | Morning Meeting | Kiddos will check out their programs and see what they are getting into today with their small groups. | |
| 10:30am – 11:30am | 5-11, Teens (12 & up) | Yosemite | Cyanotype: Discover the Magic of Sun-Print Photography | Are you intrigued by the idea of creating stunning blue and white prints using the power of the sun? Join us for a Cyanotype Workshop where you’ll dive into the world of sun-print photography and learn to craft beautiful, one-of-a-kind cyanotype prints. |
| 12:00pm – 1:00pm | 5-11 | Private Dinning Room | Dance with Alicia – Rhythm Vibes Children’s Dance Class | Rhythm Vibes is a unique dance class inviting children to embark on a rhythmic journey through the rich tapestry of Black music from different eras and cultures. The goal is to inspire creativity, celebrate the diversity of the African diaspora, and foster a love for dance and personal expression while exploring the vibrant and soulful rhythms that have shaped our world. Your child will be introduced to a wide range of Black music and movement, including traditional African beats, the electrifying energy of Motown, the infectious rhythms of the Caribbean, the groovy tunes of funk, the contagious beats of hip-hop, and so much more. We’ll touch on the history and cultural significance of each genre, helping the kids gain a deeper appreciation for its roots and evolution. Lastly, in a collaborative and supportive environment, the children will have the opportunity to co-create a dance piece together. They will use their creativity to incorporate various movements, gestures, and emotions inspired by the music they have explored. This process will encourage teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills, as they collectively bring their vision to life. In Rhythm Vibes Children’s Dance Class, every step is a celebration of culture, creativity, and community. Together, we’ll groove to the beats of history and make memories that last a lifetime. |
| 1:45pm – 2:30pm | – | – | – | – |
| 2:30pm – 3:30pm | All Ages | Tavern Deck | Intergenerational Art – Marriage of Found Objects | Embark on a captivating artistic journey that harmonizes human creativity with the natural world. Immerse yourself in the serene beauty of the outdoors as you weave together the elements of the Earth to craft stunning and meaningful works of art. Learn the art of marrying natural elements with man-made objects in ways that are visually striking and conceptually thought-provoking. Explore techniques for seamlessly integrating contrasting textures, colors, and forms to create harmonious compositions. |
| 5-11 | Pool | Pool Time | Play in the pool, learn to swim, or just lounge in the pool area | |
| 4:00pm – 5:00pm | 5-11 | Art Deck | Black to the Future: A Kids’ AfroFuturism Theater Workshop | In age specific workshops, kids will develop skits and performances of their own creation, centering on themes of Afrofuturism, Black Joy, Abolition, and magic. |
| 5:30pm-6:30pm | All Ages | Fire Pit | S’mores | SMORE’S!! .. no other information needed. |
| All Ages | Fire Pit | Campfire Tales | Telling stories, make up, and cultural offering with Mx. T | |
| 7:30pm – 8:30pm | All Ages | Bridal Veil | Karaoke | Pick a favorite song and belt it out! |
| All Ages | Lounge | Board Game Rournament | Come prepared to compete! | |
| 8:30pm – 10:00pm | 0-4, 5-11 | Calm Room (103) | PJ Party | Come have a pretend sleepover party with us! Come in your coziest jammies and listen to audiobooks, rest, and sleep- but not for the whole night! Kiddos will get picked up when their adult is done partying. |
| 8:30pm – 10:00pm | All Ages | Bridal Veil | Karaoke | Pick a favorite song and belt it out! Keep the party going! |
| All Ages | Lounge | Board Game Tournament | Learn a new game. | |
| All Ages | Game Room | Night Hike – Animal Spotting | Lets grab some flashlights and see who is out at night. |
Saturday, Oct 28 (Teens 12 & up)
| Time | Ages | Location | Session Title | Session Description |
| 8:00am – 11:00am | All Ages | Spa | Family spa | Bring your kiddo to relax and rest with you during family spa time |
| 8:30am – 9:00am | 5-11, Teens (12 & up) | Meet in Youth Lounge | Kids Trip to Yosemite | We will leave at 9:30am for a kids trip to Yosemite Valley |
| Teens (12 & up) | Lounge | Morning Meeting | Kiddos will check out their programs and see what they are getting into today with their small groups | |
| 10:30am – 11:30am | 5-11, Teens (12 & up) | Yosemite | Cyanotype: Discover the Magic of Sun-Print Photography | Are you intrigued by the idea of creating stunning blue and white prints using the power of the sun? Join us for a Cyanotype Workshop where you’ll dive into the world of sun-print photography and learn to craft beautiful, one-of-a-kind cyanotype prints. |
| Teens (12 & up) | Art Deck | Youth Art Focus -Marriage of Found Objects | Embark on a captivating artistic journey that harmonizes human creativity with the natural world. Immerse yourself in the serene beauty of the outdoors as you weave together the elements of the Earth to craft stunning and meaningful works of art. Learn the art of marrying natural elements with man-made objects in ways that are visually striking and conceptually thought-provoking. Explore techniques for seamlessly integrating contrasting textures, colors, and forms to create harmonious compositions. | |
| 12:00pm – 1:00pm | Teens (12 & up) | Art Deck | Needle Felting Black Faires | Learn a new art form or practice with friends. We will make a simple project using needle felting techniques |
| 1:45pm – 2:30pm | Teens (12 & up) | Lounge | Stop Motion Animation | Tell your story using stop motion animation- if you made a felt fairy or creature, please bring it |
| 2:30pm – 3:30pm | All ages | Tavern Deck | Intergenerational Art – Marriage of Found Objects | Embark on a captivating artistic journey that harmonizes human creativity with the natural world. Immerse yourself in the serene beauty of the outdoors as you weave together the elements of the Earth to craft stunning and meaningful works of art. Learn the art of marrying natural elements with man-made objects in ways that are visually striking and conceptually thought-provoking. Explore techniques for seamlessly integrating contrasting textures, colors, and forms to create harmonious compositions. |
| 4:00pm – 5:00pm | Teens (12 & up) | Chill Room | Black to the Future: A Kids’ AfroFuturism Theater Workshop | In age specific workshops, kids will develop skits and performances of their own creation, centering on themes of Afrofuturism, Black Joy, Abolition, and magic. |
| 5:30pm-6:30pm | All ages | Fire Pit | S’mores | SMORE’S!! .. no other information needed. |
| All ages | Fire Pit | Campfire Tales | Telling stories, make up, and cultral offering with Mx. T. | |
| Teens (12 & up) | Pool | Teen Hot Tub | Hang out & enjoy exclusive use of a hot tub. | |
| 7:30pm – 8:30pm | All ages | Bridal Veil | Karaoke | Pick a favorite song and belt it out! |
| All ages | Lounge | Board game tournament | Come prepared to compete! | |
| Teens (12 & up) | Lounge | Bundle Making / Self Care Kit | Let’s work on our self care kits, we will make medicine bundles and sew self care kits. | |
| 8:30pm – 10:00pm | All ages | Bridal Veil | Karaoke | Pick a favorite song and belt it out! Keep the party going! |
| All ages | Lounge | Board Game Tournament | Learn a new game. | |
| All ages | Game Room | Night Hike – Animal Spotting | Lets grab some flashlights and see who is out at night. |
Sunday, Oct 29 (Ages 0-4)
| Time | Ages | Location | Session Title | Description |
| 8:30am – 9:00am | All Ages | Lounge | Nourishing Ourselves | Lets leave hydrated with this salve making workshop and talk about how to take care of the biggest organ – your skin! |
| 0-4 | Sensory Deck | Self portraits & self love | Move, make art, and sing all about how much we love ourselves. | |
| 10:30am – 11:30am | 0-4 | Pool | Little fishes | Supervised water play for our youngest participants. |
| 12:00pm – 1:00pm | 0-4 | Calm Room (103) | Sacred Rest | A time to nap and rest our bodies. |
| 1:00pm – 6:30pm | All Ages | Lounge | Yosemite Trip | Get ready to go & get on the bus for Yosemite trip with the whole family – AB staff will be attending so this is a truly all ages experience & parents can fully participate in the tour. |
| 2:30pm – 3:30pm | All Ages | Tavern Deck | Intergenerational Art – Paper Sculptor | Step into a world where sheets of paper are transformed into three-dimensional wonders in our “Paper Sculptor” art class. Dive into the realm of tactile creativity as you learn the art of shaping, folding, and crafting paper into intricate sculptures that captivate the senses and challenge the boundaries of traditional two-dimensional art forms. |
| 2:30pm – 3:30pm | 0-4, 5-11 | Sensory Deck | Glitter Magic | There will be glitter and magic! We will embrace the enchantment of creativity, celebrate diversity, and get messy! |
| 4:00pm – 5:00pm | – | – | – | – |
| 5:30pm – 6:30pm | All Ages | Fire Pit | S’mores | S’MORES!! .. no other information needed |
| 0-4, 5-11 | Game Room | Glam it Up: Gender Euphoria Dance Party | Get fabulous and fancy for this dance party with costumes and dress-up clothes, kid friendly make-up and face-paint. | |
| 7:00pm – 8:00pm | All Ages | Event Hall | Gallery Walk & Talent Show | |
| 8:00pm – 11:00pm | All Ages | Event Hall | Black Futures Retreat Celebration | Come learn a few steps & get ready to dance! |
| 0-4, 5-11 | Calm Room (103) | PJ Party | Come have a pretend sleepover party with us! Come in your coziest jammies and listen to audiobooks, rest, and sleep- but not for the whole night! Kiddos will get picked up when their adult is done partying. |
Sunday, Oct 29 (Ages 5-11)
| Time | Ages | Location | Session Title | Session Description |
| 8:30am – 9:00am | All Ages | Lounge | Nourishing Ourselves | Lets leave hydrated with this salve making workshop and talk about how to take care of the biggest organ – your skin! |
| 5-11 | Lounge | Susanible Art: Unleash Your Imagination and Create Whimsical Wonders | Calling all young artists and dreamers! Join us on an imaginative journey as we explore whimsical art, vibrant colors, and let our creativity soar like never before! | |
| 10:30am – 11:30am | – | – | – | |
| 12:00pm – 1:00pm | 5-11 | Private dinning room | Dance with Alicia – Rhythm Vibes Children’s Dance Class | Rhythm Vibes is a unique dance class inviting children to embark on a rhythmic journey through the rich tapestry of Black music from different eras and cultures. The goal is to inspire creativity, celebrate the diversity of the African diaspora, and foster a love for dance and personal expression while exploring the vibrant and soulful rhythms that have shaped our world. Your child will be introduced to a wide range of Black music and movement, including traditional African beats, the electrifying energy of Motown, the infectious rhythms of the Caribbean, the groovy tunes of funk, the contagious beats of hip-hop, and so much more. We’ll touch on the history and cultural significance of each genre, helping the kids gain a deeper appreciation for its roots and evolution. Lastly, in a collaborative and supportive environment, the children will have the opportunity to co-create a dance piece together. They will use their creativity to incorporate various movements, gestures, and emotions inspired by the music they have explored. This process will encourage teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills, as they collectively bring their vision to life. In Rhythm Vibes Children’s Dance Class, every step is a celebration of culture, creativity, and community. Together, we’ll groove to the beats of history and make memories that last a lifetime. |
| 5-11, Teens (12 & up) | Art Deck | Natural Dying | We have everything we need! We will look at how we want to live in right relation with the earth & move away from extractive systems and do some sustainable fabric dying. | |
| 1:00pm – 6:30pm | All Ages | Lounge | Yosemite Trip | Get ready to go & get on the bus for Yosemite trip with the whole family – AB staff will be attending so this is a truly all ages experience & parents can fully participate in the tour |
| 1:45pm – 2:30pm | 5-11 | Sensory Deck | Deconstruct/Reconstruct : Smashing the Old, Building The New | Part smash room, part tinker lab, part political-ed workshop, this will be a workshop for kids to both literally and figuratively deconstruct oppressive systems, channel righteous rage, and exercise their creativity to build a world where all Black people are free. Old electronics will be smashed and new creations will be made. |
| 5-11, Teens (12 & up) | Game Room | Foosball Tournament | Have you been practicing? Play foosball with your friends and see who will be the champion! | |
| 2:30pm – 3:30pm | All Ages | Tavern Deck | Intergenerational Art – Paper Sculptor | Step into a world where sheets of paper are transformed into three-dimensional wonders in our “Paper Sculptor” art class. Dive into the realm of tactile creativity as you learn the art of shaping, folding, and crafting paper into intricate sculptures that captivate the senses and challenge the boundaries of traditional two-dimensional art forms. |
| 0-4, 5-11 | Sensory Deck | Glitter Magic | There will be glitter and magic! We will embrace the enchantment of creativity, celebrate diversity, and get messy! | |
| 5-11 | Pool | Pool Time | Play in the pool, learn to swim, or just lounge in the pool area. | |
| 4:00pm – 5:00pm | – | – | – | – |
| 5:30pm – 6:30pm | All Ages | Fire Pit | S’mores | S’MORES!! .. no other information needed. |
| 0-4, 5-11 | Game Room | Glam it Up: Gender Euphoria Dance Party | Get fabulous and fancy for this dance party with costumes and dress-up clothes, kid friendly make-up and face-paint. | |
| 7:00pm – 8:00pm | All Ages | Event Hall | Gallery Walk & Talent Show | |
| 8:00pm – 11:00pm | 0-4, 5-11 | Calm Room (103) | PJ Party | Come have a pretend sleepover party with us! Come in your coziest jammies and listen to audiobooks, rest, and sleep- but not for the whole night! Kiddos will get picked up when their adult is done partying. |
| 5-11 | Game Room | Flashlight Tag | finish out the conference with all your new friends – lets end in flashlight tag- and possible night swim. | |
| All Ages | Event Hall | Black Futures Retreat Celebration | Come learn a few steps & get ready to dance! |
Sunday, Oct 29 (Teens & up)
| Time | Ages | Location | Session Title | Session Description |
| 8:30am – 9:00am | All Ages | Lounge | Nourishing Ourselves | Lets leave hydrated with this salve making workshop and talk about how to take care of the biggest organ – your skin! |
| Teens (12 & up) | Art deck | Painting with Intuition | Marbling workshop to tap into flow and mindfulness with colors. | |
| 10:30am – 11:30am | Teens (12 & up) | Art Deck | Youth Art Focus – Paper Sculptor | Step into a world where sheets of paper are transformed into three-dimensional wonders in our “Paper Sculptor” art class. Dive into the realm of tactile creativity as you learn the art of shaping, folding, and crafting paper into intricate sculptures that captivate the senses and challenge the boundaries of traditional two-dimensional art forms. |
| Teens (12 & up) | Event Hall | Berkeley High School African American Studies | As Malcolm X taught us, “Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.” In 1968, parents, students, teachers, and community members demanded Afrocentric classes, including History, Literature, Physical Education, World Languages as part of the establishment of an African American Studies Department. This determined push came from the understanding that culture was foundational to Black students’ emotional stability and academic success in school. Join the Berkeley High School African American Studies Department, the first and only of its kind in a public high school, to learn about our history and experience sample lessons from various disciplines. | |
| 12:00pm – 1:00pm | 5-11, Teens (12 & up) | Art Deck | Natrual Dying | We have everything we need! We will look at how we want to live in right relation with the earth & move away from extractive systems and do some sustainable fabric dying. |
| 1:00pm – 6:30pm | All Ages | Lounge | Yosemite Trip | Get ready to go & get on the bus for Yosemite trip with the whole family – AB staff will be attending so this is a truly all ages experience & parents can fully participate in the tour. |
| 1:45pm – 2:30pm | 5-11, Teens (12 & up) | Game Room | Foosball Tournamint | Have you been practicing? Play foosball with your friends and see who will be the champion! |
| 2:30pm – 3:30pm | All Ages | Tavern Deck | Intergenerational Art – Paper Sculptor | Step into a world where sheets of paper are transformed into three-dimensional wonders in our “Paper Sculptor” art class. Dive into the realm of tactile creativity as you learn the art of shaping, folding, and crafting paper into intricate sculptures that captivate the senses and challenge the boundaries of traditional two-dimensional art forms. |
| 4:00pm – 5:00pm | Teens (12 & up) | Event Hall | Peoples Program Film Showing | People’s Programs recently released a multimedia project titled Tales of The Town, which featured a podcast, an album, book, and short film, which encapsulates nearly 100 years of Oakland History. Workshop participants will have the chance to see the unreleased film while also get to engage in a Q and A session with the projects co-creators. Not only that, participants will get a look at the organizing work of People’s Programs, which is the grassroots community organization that is tied to the film. |
| 5:30pm – 6:30pm | All Ages | Fire Pit | S’mores | S’MORES!! .. no other information needed. |
| Teens (12 & up) | Pool | Teen Hot Tub | Hang out & enjoy exclusive use of a hot tub. | |
| 7:00pm – 8:00pm | All Ages | Event Hall | Gallery Walk & Talent Show | |
| 8:00pm – 11:00pm | Teens (12 & up) | Pool | Night Swim | Bring out your inner mermaid in this illuminated swimming. |
| All Ages | Event Hall | Black Futures Retreat Celebration | Come learn a few steps & get ready to dance! |
Monday, Oct 30 (Ages 0-4, 5-11)
| Time | Ages | Location | Session Title | Session Description |
| 7:00am-10:00am | 0-4 | Bridle Veil | Pack it up! | Feel free to drop off the young ones early so you can pack up your room! |
| 9:00am-10:00am | 5-11 | Game Room | Load it up | Last hurrah at the playgound & game room, we will hang out so you can get ready to go. |
