Frequently Asked Questions
What is the mission of BASS?
BASS aims to:
Who should sign up for BASS?
BASS is a great fit for peoples ages 18-24 of any South Asian descent who want to learn about building community and gaining skills to achieve social justice. We invite participation by people from all of the diverse groups that make up the South Asian American community. (So yes, this means you.)
Why was BASS formed?
We were inspired by the mentors that helped us grow as organizers. BASS builds on the tradition of progressive South Asian American summer camps, including Youth Solidarity Summer (New York), RadDesi Summer (Austin, Texas), and Organizing Youth (SF Bay Area). We're part of a larger movement, including our friends at East Coast Solidarity Summer, Chicago Desi Youth Rising, Los Angeles Summer Solidarity Institute, and South Asian Youth in Houston Unite.
How do I register?
The final application date for 2019 is over. But we'd love to have you apply in 2020!
How much does it cost?
Thanks to the support of friends and alumni, BASS only asks for a $50 fee for camp, which includes five days of food, housing, workshops, and community. 100% scholarships are available in cases of financial need.
How do I apply for a need-based scholarship?
In the application form, indicate that you want to apply for a need-based scholarship. We'll contact you for details.
What if I'm not 100% sure of my summer plans yet?
We anticipate making our selections by April, and will ask that you confirm your summer plans by then.
Do you provide housing?
Yes! The camp will be held at a retreat center in the San Francisco Bay Area. We ask that all participants stay at our facilities for the entire time to gain the full BASS experience.
Can you accommodate wheelchair access, dietary restrictions, etc?
We will do our best to accommodate your access needs. If you have questions, please email us. Your access-related requests will not affect the selection process.
Is BASS only for locals, or do you accept out-of-state participants?
While we prioritize local participants, we also consider participants from outside Northern California.
Depending on where you live, you may want to apply to one of the other South Asian youth activists training projects. While each one is different, picking a nearby program helps build local communities of support and mentorship.
Will the event be chaperoned?
Adult volunteers will be present throughout the camp. BASS organizers are accessible and available for conversations to make both you and your family feel safe and secure.
BASS aims to:
- expand the network of organizers in the South Asian community fighting for justice and working in solidarity across movements and communities
- build a cohort among participants and create lasting relationships between mentors and youth
- create a forum to innovate and share political strategies for a just, equitable, and sustainable world
Who should sign up for BASS?
BASS is a great fit for peoples ages 18-24 of any South Asian descent who want to learn about building community and gaining skills to achieve social justice. We invite participation by people from all of the diverse groups that make up the South Asian American community. (So yes, this means you.)
Why was BASS formed?
We were inspired by the mentors that helped us grow as organizers. BASS builds on the tradition of progressive South Asian American summer camps, including Youth Solidarity Summer (New York), RadDesi Summer (Austin, Texas), and Organizing Youth (SF Bay Area). We're part of a larger movement, including our friends at East Coast Solidarity Summer, Chicago Desi Youth Rising, Los Angeles Summer Solidarity Institute, and South Asian Youth in Houston Unite.
How do I register?
The final application date for 2019 is over. But we'd love to have you apply in 2020!
How much does it cost?
Thanks to the support of friends and alumni, BASS only asks for a $50 fee for camp, which includes five days of food, housing, workshops, and community. 100% scholarships are available in cases of financial need.
How do I apply for a need-based scholarship?
In the application form, indicate that you want to apply for a need-based scholarship. We'll contact you for details.
What if I'm not 100% sure of my summer plans yet?
We anticipate making our selections by April, and will ask that you confirm your summer plans by then.
Do you provide housing?
Yes! The camp will be held at a retreat center in the San Francisco Bay Area. We ask that all participants stay at our facilities for the entire time to gain the full BASS experience.
Can you accommodate wheelchair access, dietary restrictions, etc?
We will do our best to accommodate your access needs. If you have questions, please email us. Your access-related requests will not affect the selection process.
Is BASS only for locals, or do you accept out-of-state participants?
While we prioritize local participants, we also consider participants from outside Northern California.
Depending on where you live, you may want to apply to one of the other South Asian youth activists training projects. While each one is different, picking a nearby program helps build local communities of support and mentorship.
Will the event be chaperoned?
Adult volunteers will be present throughout the camp. BASS organizers are accessible and available for conversations to make both you and your family feel safe and secure.