Phone: 1.800.775.1797

Adult Program:
Award-winning author Jane Kurtz grew up in Ethiopia hearing, singing, reading, and acting out stories. She will share some of the fascinating folktales she grew up with and history she learned in her years of writing books for children, stories she believes can be a source of strength for our Ethiopian-American children and grandchildren and talk about planting seeds of literacy in Ethiopia as a way readers around the world can connect with optimism.

Children’s Program:
Author Jane Kurtz has done presentations for children in all but eleven of the United States and in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and various African countries. She will use songs, stories, and pictures to share some of the language and culture and history and beauties of Ethiopia. Her interactive sessions make listeners laugh and think and walk away wanting to know more.

We are honored and delighted that Dr. Donald Levine, a world-renowned sociologist and a preeminent “Ethiopianist”, will be participating at our camp.

One of Dr. Levine’s key areas of focus has been the history of modernization in Ethiopia and he has written several books and articles on Ethiopia. The interview will focus on his understanding and research of modern Ethiopian history, society, and culture.

DONALD N. LEVINE, PHD is the Peter B. Ritzma Professor Emeritus of Sociology at the University of Chicago. Dr. Levine’s current research and teaching interests focus on general social theory, modernization theory, Ethiopian studies, conflict theory, the sociology of morality, and aikido. Dr. Levine’ s current research projects include the logics and interpersonal dynamics of dialogue, modernization in Ethiopia, and the somatics of social interaction. Dr. Levine is a student of Ethiopian society and culture for 60 years and he is preparing to publish “Interpreting Ethiopia: Observations from Five Decades”. 

Marla is a bi-racial adoptee from Tacoma, Washington who was raised by white parents. Growing up, she lived and went to schools where she was often the only person of color in the community. Marla’s parents provided her with a loving and supportive environment. They also taught her to live in a color-blind world. But what they did not address was the reality of being a minority. Marla often felt like an outsider who was not accepted by either the white or black communities. During this interactive session, Marla will delve into her experiences as a biracial adoptee and how to develop a sense of belonging within yourself, family, and community. We are please to have Marla join us the entire camp to work with children.

MARLA BURK, CMP is the Director of Conferences at Family, Career and Community Leaders of America, Inc. (FCCLA). Before beginning her career in the event field, Marla studied accounting at Robert University in Pittsburgh, PA. Having worked in the accounting field, client relations, and associations, her diverse career has given her experience in many facets of the event field. Marla lives in Northern Virginia with her 22 year old daughter, Michelle, 16 year old son, Damond, their cat Scraps, and new puppy Oliver.