'Bridge the gaps:' Virtual camp connects kids for conversation about community diversity

MILWAUKEE -- A Milwaukee summer camp that talks to kids about diversity in the community, and despite being held virtually this year, its executive director said the camp could not have come at a better time.

For the third summer in a row, kids are attending Camp Kindred. This year, due to COVID-19, they are meeting virtually.

"This year we're providing camp in a box kit for all of our campers, so there's activities they can do off-line and outside which is really important to our families," said Tom Cramer with Unity in Motion -- the organization that holds the camp.

Camp Kindred

Camp Kindred

The Milwaukee camp connects kids ages 7-14 with different racial and economic backgrounds, surrounding campers with a mentor. Those peer mentors are delivering camp in a box to 170 Milwaukee campers this year. The box includes things like a book, a tye-dye kit and activities for campers to do with family.

The camp's mission, Cramer said: "Is to disrupt the cycle of segregation in Milwaukee by building a coalition of diverse young leaders who have the skills, values and relationships necessary to build more progressive, just and equitable communities."

Camp Kindred

The camp grew over 100% this year. Cramer hopes it will help kids and parents better process what is happening in the nation today.

Tom Cramer

"We know for our young people, they're suffering a lot through this isolation and also suffering with dealing with a lot of brand new emotions that they're having to process for the very first time," said Cramer. "Work to bridge the gaps that divide us in our extremely segregated city."

Registration for this year's camp is closed, but other yearly events are still open for sign-up. CLICK HERE for more information about Unity in Motion.