Preserving Camp Colman: A Participatory Archiving Thesis Project

Abstract

This project developed a participatory archiving approach for YMCA Camp Colman, a camp that has helped young people connect with nature since 1912, especially those who may face barriers to outdoor experiences. As the camp undergoes ecological restoration and physical change, some alumni have experienced grief and disconnection, while Camp Colman also faces limited internal capacity for preserving its history. In response, this project asked how a community-centered archiving model could support both preservation and belonging during a time of transition. Using background research, community-centered design, and event-based implementation, I created a consent-based participatory archiving format for the Goop Breakfast, where community members were invited to share memories, reflections, and optional artifacts on their own terms. The event included an interactive timeline, a wish wall, an open-ended participatory survey, and a video/audio recording space for stories, songs, and reflections. These tools offered multiple ways for people to engage and helped surface a range of memories about identity, belonging, counselors, campers, and formative camp experiences. The project demonstrates that participatory archiving can be a practical strategy for small organizations seeking to preserve history while deepening community connection. Rather than treating community memory as supplemental, this model positions it as essential archival knowledge. Camp staff have expressed interest in adapting these elements for future events such as Salmon Bake and alumni camp weekend, suggesting the project has value beyond the thesis event itself. Overall, this work shows that participatory archiving can help organizations build more inclusive, collaborative, and sustainable archives rooted in lived experience.