Our Philosophy

Philosophy

Camp Winnarainbow creates a joyful environment where children from all backgrounds develop community, confidence, and self-expression through circus and performing arts.

Vision

We inspire kids to become engaged, resilient citizens of the world, who act with compassion and a sense of humor, and create positive change by putting their good where it will do the most.

Values

What Guides Our Work

Creative Expression & Youth Voice 

“The Show-Show & The Life Show” — We believe that the performing arts and creative expression offer a safe testing ground for skills that serve young people throughout the rest of their lives. Our philosophy emphasizes taking risks in a physically and emotionally safe environment (“The Show-Show”), to prepare campers with the voice, confidence and agility to navigate the complexity of their daily lives (“The Life Show”).

Belonging & Community

Camp Winnarainbow strives to provide a safe space of belonging for children from all communities. Many of the strengths of our program are brought to us by brilliant Black, Indigenous, Latinx, Asian American, Pacific Islander, Queer, and Trans community members. We are committed to equity, anti-racism, and responsible stewardship of our natural environment as ongoing practices of our community, staff, and leadership.

Humor & Big Fun 

Camp Winnarainbow uses humor and joy to build community and tell our stories. Our well-trained staff teach timing, balance, and, as founder Wavy Gravy says, “Survival in the 21st century, or, how to duck with a sense of humor and a dollop of compassion.” We believe that laughter is a great connector, and that all children deserve to have big fun.

Love & Empathy 

We believe in “three tries in the circus.” Working through mistakes and challenges in an accepting, loving environment builds resilience and empathy. Using community tools like check-ins, tipi-time, and restorative justice circles, we encourage children and adults to weave webs of connection that can withstand and repair mistakes, harm, and conflict.

Philosophy Origin Story

Camp Winnarainbow’s original philosophy was first put down on paper at the end of a successful summer in the 1990s. After the last campers had all gone home, a group of staff huddled to collaborate with then Executive Director, Jahanara Romney, and begin drafting the language that defined Camp’s magic. Jahanara and Grace Vasquez – former camper, staff, parent, architect of our camper advocate system, and half the namesake of our scholarship program – were the brilliant wordsmiths who brought the first iteration of Camp’s philosophy to the finish line. That version explained what Camp Winnarainbow offered to children and the world: the “life show” and the “show show,” training grounds for peace, harmony and sustainable culture. 

Today, we stand on their shoulders, express our gratitude for the countless people who have carried that work forward through the decades, and articulated Camp’s philosophy, vision, and values.