An arts-driven adventure camp on the border of Detroit and Hamtramck stands to grow in scope and size—and accessibility —with its inclusion in a statewide placemaking program.
The neighborhood arts organization Popps Packing is seeking to grow its interactive playscape Camp Carpenter, with the help of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and the Public Spaces Community Places initiative.
"Camp Carpenter pairs Detroit-area artists with local youth to explore and play while developing building skills that result in the design of a unique environment," says Faina Lerman, executive director of Popps Packing.
"Together, children and artists have been transforming vacant lots into a family-friendly and exciting green space for all."
As a result of its enrollment in the statewide program, Camp Carpenter and its organizers have until Saturday, June 15, to raise $10,000 through a crowdfunding campaign. Should they prove successful, the MEDC will contribute an additional $10,000 matching grant.
The crowdfunding campaign is hosted on the Michigan-based Patronicity platform.
Students enrolled in the camp attend a weeklong program, of which there are two cohorts, contributing to the design and construction of an adventure park. Already present is a performance stage, tire swing, and tree fort, and several palette forts.
Organizers say that money raised from the campaign will enable the group to provide free enrollment to area youth in Detroit’s District Three, Hamtramck, and Highland Park, as well as purchase additional lots for expansion, among other improvements.
"The PSCP matching grant program will allow us to make Camp Carpenter free and accessible to local youth, pay local artists, purchase tools, building supplies and materials and help us continue to inspire and empower the next generation of artists and makers," Lerman says.
Click here to view the crowdfunding campaign and its status.
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