Photographer Jimmy Jeong

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Camp Korea, in Squamish, BC

I had told my six-year old I was going to photograph a summer camp for Korean kids. And he asked if he was Korean enough to one day go because he was only half-Korean. He was exploring his identity with his questions. Even if he doesn’t realize it right now. I know I still do. So being at the camp I kept thinking of my son. But also about my own youth. Throughout the day I saw young campers making new friends or being reunited with campers they had met at the last pre-covid camp. There was an easy mix of english and Korean spoken. They had sessions about Taegeukgi, the flag of the Republic of Korea. Played traditional games mixed with camp activities. Young councillors were positive role models. With some of them being past campers. The teens practiced skits for a talent show, played cards in the cabins, played music, flirted with one another. And many spoke of missing their camp chef who used to make all their meals. (She caters for the Korean consulate). But this year due to restrictions she wasn’t able to be there. But mostly I saw kids being kids. Kind of a bubble away from micro-aggressions. A weekend to positively figure out how they fit in community.