Now in its 12th year, the New World Architect’s Camp is a summer youth camp founded by Jeremiah Tolbert, AIA (CED B.A. Arch. 2004) and Cameron Toler (CED B.A. Arch. 2009) in partnership with the American Institute of Architects East Bay and the Fam1st Family Foundation. This program has been breaking down barriers and providing access to resources for middle school students from underrepresented communities, empowering them to explore the world of architecture and design.
Operated out of UC Berkeley’s College of Environmental Design, the New World Architect’s Camp is staffed by volunteer instructors who are architects, educators, and designers. These experienced professionals lend their expertise and provide hands-on instruction in project ideation, sketching, drafting, designing, and 3D modeling, giving students real-world experience and insight into the profession.
Volunteers may be asked to do some of the following tasks:
- Greet campers each morning and help them get settled.
- Assist students with sketching floor plans, designs, and brainstorming ideas.
- Help distribute and organize model-building materials
- Circulate during activities to answer simple questions and keep students engaged.
- Assist campers with model making and/or sketchup – Sketchup experience is not required for volunteering!
- Support students who may need extra guidance staying focused or completing assignments.
- Encourage creativity and positive participation from all campers.
- Supervise students during transitions between classrooms, outdoor activities, and lunch breaks.
- Assist campers in organizing presentation boards and practicing short project presentations.
- Help set up and take down materials before and after daily activities.
- Encourage respectful discussion during activities.
- Help with end-of-day cleanup, supply inventory, and classroom reset.