A home for Asian women with Camp Cosmos
Full episode transcript in our attempt to make this an accessible experience for all.
Coming off a traumatic year of increased anti-Asian hate and a seemingly never-ending pandemic, The Cosmos' co-founders Cassandra and Karen decided to create "Camp Cosmos." The intention was to facilitate safe spaces where Asian women could experience joy, community, and healing in nature.
Over the course of a month, Camp Cosmos participants went hiking, kayaking, and finally, camping. This episode highlights excerpts from their camping trip to Camp Rockaway at Fort Tilden, or Munsee Lenape lands. Listen as they reflect on cultural traditions connected to nature such as the mid-autumn festival, unpack their identity as Asian “hyphen” Americans, and share what finding home or coming back to ancestral lands, means to them.
This episode features a group conversation amongst Cassandra and four Camp Cosmos’ participants, who we’ve opted to keep mostly anonymous to respect privacy, reduce confusion while listening, and focus on the collective resonance of their stories.
Episode partners:
Merrell believes in sharing the simple power of being outside. They provide innovative, thoughtfully designed footwear and apparel products that enable anybody to pick up their gear and feel adventurous, confident, and ready to enjoy the outdoors. Merrell believes that no matter who you are, where you come from, who you love or how you move — Everyone should be welcome in the outdoors and wherever life takes us.
Endel app is on a mission to democratize wellness. They help people focus, relax, sleep, and perform better through the power of sound. They recently released a new soundscape, called Clarity Trip, designed to enhance mindful movement and bring even more joy to your walks, hikes, and runs. For every 3,000 steps you take while listening to it, Endel is donating to the nonprofit One Tree Planted. Use our free subscription code “outsidevoices” to try the app and join us and Endel for a walk outside in your community.
PHOTOS:
Photo descriptions from top left to top right:
Four Asian women standing on rocks at the beach, smiling at the camera. The sky is blue and the sun is out.
Asian woman with yellow sunglasses is standing and smiling in front of a yellow glamping tent. She is wearing a black t-shirt that says “The Cosmos” and orange and black patterned leggings.
Group photo of the campers sitting and standing around the fire pit. One is looking back and smiling at the camera. There is a glamping tent in the background
Photo descriptions from bottom left to bottom right:
An Asian woman wrapped up in a hammock at the campsite, lying peacefully under the sun. She looks calm and at ease.
Group photo of the campers cooking around the campfire. One is looking at the camera with her arms raised and a smile on her face.
Asian woman wearing a red sweatshirt, sitting down at a picnic bench, smiling at the camera.
