Black Outside: Camp Founder Girls
Founded in San Antonio 100 years ago, Camp Founder Girls is the
first overnight summer camp for Black girls in the country.
first overnight summer camp for Black girls in the country.
In 1924, a woman by the name of Mattie Landry had a vision for a summer outdoor experience that would transform the lives of young Black girls in the San Antonio Eastside community. After being denied funding and support from local outdoor organizations due to the color of her skin, she decided to start (found) a camp herself: Camp Founder Girls.
By the end of her life, Mrs. Landry transformed the lives of hundreds of Black girls from across San Antonio. After her passing in the 1960s, the camp ceased operations, and the land was sold, yet the legacy of Camp Founder Girls lived on in the memories of her last campers. With the help of former Camp Founder Girl Gaynell Gainer, the St. Paul Methodist Church Community, and Black Outside, Inc., Camp Founder Girls is BACK to carry on the legacy of Mrs. Landry.
By the end of her life, Mrs. Landry transformed the lives of hundreds of Black girls from across San Antonio. After her passing in the 1960s, the camp ceased operations, and the land was sold, yet the legacy of Camp Founder Girls lived on in the memories of her last campers. With the help of former Camp Founder Girl Gaynell Gainer, the St. Paul Methodist Church Community, and Black Outside, Inc., Camp Founder Girls is BACK to carry on the legacy of Mrs. Landry.
