Twin sisters Alex and Angelica Young have gained attention on TikTok through their account @43&me, where they documented their purchase of 43 acres in Northern California for Camp Legacy — a nonprofit summer camp for Black youth to connect with nature.
Camp Legacy was founded in 2023, following the sisters’ shared goal to create a safe, enriching outdoor space for young people, especially those from urban environments. Now entering its third year, Camp Legacy hosts weekend sessions in the Bay Area, offering activities like sports, arts and crafts, archery, campfires, and music.
Alex told Black Enterprise the plan is to shift toward hosting longer, week-long sessions on their own land. She noted that many camps operate under rental agreements, and owning the land allows them greater flexibility. “We’re going to do it on our own,” she said.
Their inspiration to start a camp came after serving as counselors in Virginia after high school. They appreciated the impact of camp culture, but noticed the campers didn’t reflect the communities they came from. “We noticed a lack of diversity amongst the campers,” Alex said, “and it sparked our interest in expanding the experience for more Black youth.”
This issue is reflected in national data. A 2021 study by the Afterschool Alliance and Edge Research found that 2.3 million Black parents said they would enroll their children in structured summer programs if they were accessible. Cost was listed as a major barrier.
Jodi Grant, Executive Director of the Afterschool Alliance, emphasized that organizations should meet the full needs of Black youth. “More than ever, our kids need academic help, emotional support, and chances to engage socially,” she said in The Seattle Medium.
Alex and Angelica share that belief. They’ve received support from over 5,000 TikTok followers, many of whom encourage them to continue and even consider starting similar camps in other states.
As they prepare for this summer, the sisters are welcoming returning campers and also hearing from adults interested in a future camp tailored for older age groups. While much remains to be developed, they see the engagement as a sign that spaces like Camp Legacy are needed.
“This year, we have a good amount of returning campers signed up,” Alex said. “It shows us this program is important and hopefully making a lasting impact. We want summer camp to become a more familiar part of Black culture — even for those who missed it growing up.”
