Summer Camp 2025: Two Weeks of Joy, Voice, and Big Brave Art
- Ms. Crystal
- Oct 1
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 2
What happens when 70+ young artists, a village of teaching artists, and a university stage come together? Spark. Laughter. New friendships. And a final performance that had families grinning from ear to ear.
For two vibrant weeks at San Diego State University, Bocón welcomed K–6 students into our We Got The Power! camps: Super Stories & Puppetry and Dance, Art & Rhythm. Guided by a culturally reflective team of 27 artists and support staff, students explored storytelling, movement, design, and ensemble—centered on creativity, belonging, and the brilliance they already carry.
What We Made (and Who We Became)
Every day began with community-building and ended with small wins stacking into big courage. Dance carried the heart of the camp—students practiced choreography, explored rhythm, and found their voices through movement. We were thrilled to welcome guest artists who expanded those experiences: Dyno Rock brought the fire of breaking, Ryat shared the raw storytelling power of Krump, Valentina from Twisted Orbit amazed with hula hoop artistry, Latanya Lockett lifted voices through singing and dance, and Ilana Queiroz infused the room with Brazilian rhythms and song.
Alongside dance, students devised original stories, painted radiant suns, and created a giant sun puppet that anchored our culminating performance. Together, they told a story of hope—communities joining forces to bring light into a difficult world. The finale soared with a camp-wide power ballad, led by Ms. Latanya, echoing like an anthem of resilience and unity.
A special thanks to our lead artists who shaped the heart of camp: Cybele Nieman Peña (Camp Director), Ms. Crystal, Jason Johnson, and Kayla Adorno (Puppetry), Roxanne Rojas de Blanco (Dance), and Araceli Carrera (Dance and Art).
Camp photos by Kirsten Faucher
Along the way, we watched friendships form in real time. A third grader announced, “I have a new best friend!” and a parent shared, “My son had a rough year at school… but during this camp, he came home excited every day. We’re even planning a playdate with another family.”
Inclusion, On Purpose
Bocón is designed for students who are too often left out of arts spaces, BIPOC youth, English learners, low-income families, and students with disabilities. This summer, nearly a quarter of participants were students with special needs. Together with district paraprofessionals and our trauma-informed artists, we adapted activities, offered sensory breaks, and celebrated multiple ways to learn and lead.
We also invited multilingual moments whenever possible, affirmations rang out in Spanish, Turkish, Arabic, and French—reminding us that language is an art form, and every voice matters.
Why SDSU?
Hosting camp at SDSU connected young people, many first-gen or from immigrant families, to a collegiate space where they could see themselves thriving. We also deepened partnerships with SDSU faculty, alumni, and emerging artists who served as powerful near-peer role models.
A Line From Our Collective Script
“The messengers had hands full of knowledge that nobody was using or listening to… They carried wisdom from their ancestors about how to better the world.”
This summer, our students became those messengers—offering light, humor, and hope. They reminded us that when young people are seen and supported, they don’t just participate; they lead.
Thank you to Level Up SD, The San Diego Foundation, San Diego Unified School District, SDSU Theatre, our phenomenal teaching artists and paraprofessionals, and the families who entrusted us with their children. Together, we’re building a San Diego where every child’s creativity belongs.
Thank you for believing in the power of theatre to transform lives. Stay tuned as we share more stories and explore new ways to inspire and uplift our communities in the 2025-26 school year and beyond.
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