One part of the magic at Roots to Rise is the staff. Lead by founder and director, Freedom Thompson, the team includes experienced educators, counselors, young staff who love kids, and budding new leaders finding their gifts and role in the group.
These photos were taken during our training before camp. At training we discussed the 5Rs (relationships, responsibility, respect, reciprocity, and relevance) and how we enact them at Roots to Rise.
The staff composition is intentional. Experienced staff set the stage and provide the training. Staff who have attended multiple years model the way. High school-aged mentors learn through experience with guidance and feedback. Intentionally, we recruit a diverse staff to match the demographics and experiences of youth who attend. This formula has led to youth stating their desire to become mentors at the camp when in high school. Some mentors found their passion and confidence in it (e.g., education, coaching, advocacy). These are the Roots to Rise.
Pictured from left to right: Front row – Camarion Mews, Tatum Moore, Whitney Burt. Second row – Nadja Madden, Alainah Ramirez, Keely Moore, Freedom Thompson, Georgiann Walker, Fawn Byron. Third row – Susan Alleman, Spencer X, Kyron Thompson, Lowen Thompson, Lee Thompson, Lena Kuku, Stephanie Bondi. Not pictured – Kaitlyn Freudenberg, Cheri Stollar, Mikalynn Morrow, Terry Langan.