There’s no fishing or swimming at this camp but it provides young girls with statistics scarier than any campfire story.
A group of young women in Virginia (who are part of the SISTA SPEAK Empowerment Camp) will be learning about HIV, the risks and statistics revolving around the disease.
About 21 girls, ages 13 to 21, considered at risk for unhealthy relationships, were recommended by social workers for the free camp, which closed this weekend. The girls were told that in 2009 the HIV infection was almost eight times the rate of whites.
An alarming rise in new HIV infections in young, black gay and bisexual men circles back to women. "Many women feel 'I'm in a situation where I need to put out to get a man.' The (lack of) availability of black men gives black men an advantage. So the power in the relationship has shifted and black women will compromise and the price of that compromise too many times is HIV," said Andrew Skerritt.
"The stronger your self-identification and self worth, the easier it is to say no and remove yourself from situations that can cause you a lifetime of pain," said Charlene Brown, Fan Free Clinic's case manager.
The week-long camp near Richmond features activities designed to boost self esteem and teach HIV prevention strategies.
Would you send your teen to a HIV camp?
By: Reuters