Fraters Libertas

What I Did At Summer Camp

Todd e-mails with a summer camp story:

While most summer camps get kids out of the house and give parents a break, a group called Art in Action is nurturing the next Michael Moore -- the controversial filmmaker who created "Fahrenheit 9/11."

Something tells me it wasn't "nurturing" that spawned Michael Moore.

Art in Action's "art and empowerment" camp is being held at the Quaker Center nestled in the redwoods of Ben Lomond. Campers at the 10-day retreat attend workshops on cultural activism, nonviolent action and alternative media.

Sounds a lot like "Camp Wellstone", doesn't it?

"The reality is that the media is not actually showing what's really going on in Iraq," said Jouse Bustos, 19, of central Los Angeles. "By doing this mural, I'm showing what's going on."

Someone alert Hannah Allam.

Bustos is one of 25 young people attending the camp. For 10 days, they learn to say "no" to military recruiting, racism and war, and "yes" to eco-justice, community and love.

I have a hunch that "eco-justice" doesn't involve a hemp rope and a good hangin' tree.

Campers spend their time making banners, writing poetry and choreographing dances that represent a vision of "positive alternatives to the madness of war and oppression."

The hours spent building giant puppets and talking about how to influence the rest of the world culminate with a performance for the community Thursday night at The Attic on Pacific Avenue.

Again with the giant puppets. That's time you're not getting back kids.

Chalabi-Starr, 37, gave up a career as a modern dancer to start Art in Action five years ago.

Not exactly on a par with Pat Tillman, is it?

Each year she invites people ages 17-25 -- mostly from low-income families -- from cities across the country to attend the camp, which has been held in Nevada City and Half Moon Bay.

"Queer, working class and youth of color are strongly encouraged to apply," an Art in Action postcard states.

Priority seating available for the offspring of Hispanic lesbian welders.

In the middle of an uncomfortably warm afternoon, campers -- trying to dodge the sun and grab a spot under a towering tree canopy -- are absorbed in various activities.

Some glue together pieces of newspaper that will become the giant puppet unveiled Thursday night -- the divided face of a Muslim woman and woman of color from the United States.

Stamped across the face will be an American flag, said camp co-founder Maryam Roberts of San Francisco.

The face "represents silence forced upon both women by their governments," Roberts said. "There is a feeling of silence."

There is a feeling alright.

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