Camp Stella Puella is a subsidiary program of Designing Routes For Education and Mentorship, a registered charitable organization.

Vision

Our vision is to empower all young people to make positive change in the world around them.

Mission

To educate young people about the local and global issues facing our world today through interactive workshops and fun camp activities.

We empower young people to take positive actions to better themselves and the world around them.

Core Values

Equity

• We promote justice, equity, and compassion in human relations between campers, staff families and the community
• We operate in an inclusive, anti-oppression and participatory framework

Inclusion

• We affirm the inherent worth and dignity of every person, irrespective of race, culture, ethnicity, ability, socio-economic status, religion, sexual orientation and gender identity
• * We accept all girls from ages 7 to 14 as participants. If a child lives life as a girl and the family chooses CSP for the child, CSP welcomes her; we honour the decisions of families

Access

• We provide financial support to make the CSP experience accessible to all
• We work with the community to minimize systemic barriers that may impede participation

Leadership

• We engage in anti-oppression training to foster anti-oppression values, attitudes, and practices.
• We strive for excellence through continuous improvement

Safety

• We ensure a safe environment for learning and personal growth
• We respect the privacy of all campers and families we work with

 

Directors

Camp Stella Puella is directed by Julia Falco, Mina Kazemi, and Yasmin Kazemi.

Julia Falco is graduating from the University of Guelph with a degree in International Development and is looking forward to beginning her Masters in Gender Studies and Feminist Research at McMaster University. Julia has completed her Standard First Aid (CPR C), National Lifesaving Certificate (NLS), and Water Safety Instructor Certification (WSI). Julia is an executive member of Indigo Girls Guelph, an organization that supports and empowers girls in Guelph, and volunteers on the crisis line for Guelph-Wellington Women in Crisis. She has gained valuable global perspectives on cultural exchange trips to Mexico and Ecuador, and most recently, she spent a semester studying and travelling in India.

Mina Kazemi is a Global Health graduate from the University of Toronto. Mina has received her Standard First Aid (CPR C), National Lifesaving Certificate (NLS), and Assistant Water Safety Instructor (AWSI) qualifications. Mina is an executive member of the student group WUSC, an organization dedicated to supporting refugees to attend the University of Toronto and raise awareness about refugee issues. With an African Studies minor, she is passionate about issues affecting the African continent, and has spent time working in Tanzania, Kenya, and at the Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation in South Africa.

Yasmin Kazemi is a student at McMaster University’s, Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine. She has a Master of Science degree in Global Health from McMaster University and a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Guelph. Yasmin holds her Standard First Aid (CPR C), National Lifesaving Certificate (NLS), and Assistant Water Safety Instruction (AWSI). Yasmin was the President of the University of Guelph Best Buddies Chapter, a program which aims to facilitate friendships between students and adults with intellectual disabilities. In addition to directing Camp Stella Puella, Yasmin enjoys spending time volunteering at Camp Oochigeas, a camp for kids with cancer, each summer.

Board of Advisors

Elizabeth Falco is an educational leader with over 20 years experience in teaching and leadership roles in Canadian public and independent schools, most recently as Head of School at The Study (Montreal, 2003-2010).  With an M.Ed. (Columbia University) and an MBA (University of Western Ontario), Liz brings a unique combination of educational and business expertise to her work as a Consultant in Education and advisory board member of Camp Stella Puella.

Liz is the proud aunt of CSP Directors, Julia, Mina, and Yasmin, and thoroughly enjoys being their advisor, cheerleader and smoothie-maker!