Our Mothers’ Kitchens Summer Workshop
for Black Girls

Summer 2022 | August 6 - 8, 2022

- Canceled -

For young black girls, ages 11 - 17, interested in cooking and creative storytelling.

• Learn about the importance of food in black history and culture

• Share food stories through creative writing activities

• Learn basic cooking skills, recipes and kitchen hacks

• Read the works of Zora Neale Hurston, Alice Walker and more

Sankofa Community Farm
at Bartram Gardens

Saturday, Aug 6 - Monday, Aug 8
9:00 am - 4:30 pm

Breakfast and lunch provided

Dress in light, comfortable clothing and
close-toed shoes and bring a water bottle

We will be working outside

COVID-19 Update (as of 3/7/22)

We have been closely monitoring updates from the CDC, state and city officials regarding Covid-19. Since Philadelphia has dropped indoor mask mandates, we plan to allow for youth and volunteers to mask, or not, as they see fit. Whatever makes you safe will be welcome. We will continue to monitor the situation and make adjustment as necessary.

For more information visit our FAQs below.

Who is eligible to apply for the camp? 

Our Mothers' Kitchens Summer Workshop (aka camp) was designed for Black girls, ages 11-17 years old. 

I do not identify as a Black girl. Can I still apply?

Unfortunately, no. As Black women, we chose to create an experience for girls with similar backgrounds and experiences to ours. We are committed to creating a space for Black girls where they are safe and free to express themselves and believe it important for Black folks to be able to define those spaces for themselves. There are other programs that we offer for folks who do not identify as a Black girl (see last FAQ).

What time should I arrive?

Please arrive 5-10 minutes before the start of camp.

Note: Sankofa Community Farm is located in the center of the Bartram's Gardens. It takes several minutes to travel by vehicle or foot from the grounds entrance at 54th and Lindbergh Ave. Please consider this when arranging travel. 

What if my child has a specific food allergy?

We will document all food allergies and and concerns and plan our menu accordingly. It is the responsibility of youth's guardian to make OMK aware of any specific dietary needs before the start of camp.

How do I stay in contact with my child while they are in camp?

While we do not explicitly have a “no cell phone policy", we do ask that participants limit phone use during camp hours. We will provide all caregivers with staff contact information, in the event that guardians need to contact participants.

Who will be teaching my child?

Khaliah D. Pitts is the principal storytelling instructor while Nia D. Minard will led culinary instruction. We invite volunteers and guest chefs to support and teach our girls. Our volunteers are experienced teachers and/or youth educators, friends, family, OMK camp alumni and members of our advisory board, the Council of Aunties.

What does my child need to bring to camp?

Your child should be prepared everyday with sneakers (or other comfortable closed toe shoes) and a water bottle (this is a must). Your child should dress comfortably in light, breathable clothing that they don't mind getting dirty as we will be working with both indoor and outdoor kitchen set-ups. We will be providing all other necessary supplies as well as breakfast and lunch. 

Does OMK provide programming other than the summer camp? Is there programming for adults, young men, etc.?

Yes! OMK is very eager to expand our community by providing programming for all y’all: your mamas, daddies, brothers, uncles, aunties, tanties, the cool elder around the corner, all y’all. Check out In Search, our (semi-)monthly book and supper club, our workshops and trainings such as Grand Mother’s Lessons, Telling Stories + Building Altars with Mama Earth, (available by request) and our community events like Saving Seeds, Saving Stories, a pop-up storytelling event we host in collaboration with local growers and seed savers. AND The Grown Women’s Retreat is coming this year! You can also follow @our_mothers_kitchens on Instagram for programming updates and to stay in community!