Camp Naru

Our Mission

Camp Naru provides a fun, safe, and immersive learning experience for Korean American youth to:

• Strengthen understanding and appreciation of their cultural identity
• Build lifelong friendships in community
• Grow in confidence and self-esteem

Our mission is to equip our youth and future generations with an ability to navigate life as individuals and members of the Korean American community with a sense of belonging and rich cultural heritage. 

We envision a world where kids and youth feel safe and celebrated for who they are with their distinct cultural and personal identity as they integrate and engage with other cultures.

As children and youth from Korean-American, Korean adoptive, and multiethnic families grow up in the United States, they may not be fully aware or accepting of their Korean identity and cultural background. Camp Naru fosters a fun environment for such kids and young adults to embrace their Korean identity and heritage as they become friends and build community together.

Our Philosophy

Camp Naru is a place of learning, accomplished through hands-on activities & shared experiences. We are nurturing skills and sharing ideas and information with our campers. We do not exist just to provide entertainment or social opportunities, nor is our goal to have campers master a given cultural endeavor such as language or a Korean craft. Rather, our primary purpose, at its heart, is educational: to help campers learn about and better understand themselves and their shared Korean heritage and culture. We aim to spark curiosity, interest and appreciation in a wide variety of things relevant to being Korean American in meaningful and memorable ways. By sharing these personal experiences with other friends who share a common cultural heritage and identity, the more understanding and pride our campers gain about who they are – raising the ability to thrive as adults.