A Family Camping & Cultural Experience

Culture. Community. Creativity. Outdoors.

 

Hip Hop Camp Out is an immersive family-centered outdoor cultural event led by the Chicago Hip Hop Heritage Museum, presented in partnership with the Cook County Forest Preserves, and produced by Diverse City.

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Held at Camp Shabbona Woods in South Holland Illinois, Hip Hop Camp Out invites families, community organizations, teams, and participants in hip hop culture to come together for a weekend of camping, nature exploration, and culturally rooted programming designed for all ages.

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This experience blends outdoor recreation with the creative, educational, and healing power of hip hop—encouraging families to disconnect from routine, reconnect with nature, and engage with culture together.

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Supported by Custom Resources, TRECC Community Development Foundation, Chi Rock Nation, and Soul Selector DJs.

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Who It’s For

Hip Hop Camp Out is designed for:

• Families and youth involved in hip hop culture

• Community organizations and cultural groups

• Sports teams, school groups, and youth collectives

• Anyone seeking a creative, nature-based family experience

 

No camping or hip hop experience is required—just a willingness to participate, learn, and build community.

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Program Experiences

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Hip Hop Kids

Sand Ridge Nature Center

A youth- and family-focused experience combining environmental learning with creative expression:

• Interactive presentations on local wildlife and cultural history

• Creative arts activities including face painting, graffiti murals, drum-making from natural materials, and beatboxing

• Environmental education facilitated by Forest Preserve staff, connecting hip hop values to environmental stewardship

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Hip Hop United

Camp Shabbona Woods Pavillion

A central gathering space celebrating culture, family, and intergenerational learning:

• Family-friendly hip hop showcases featuring DJs, performers, and cultural educators

• Educational circles exploring the Five Elements of Hip Hop

• Camping experiences and family engagement activities that encourage collaboration and connection

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Splash Hip Hop

Green Lake Family Aquatic Center

A fun, accessible aquatic experience for families and community groups:

• Family-focused aquatic programming

• Discounted access for community participants

• Shuttle service connecting campers to the aquatic facility

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Hip Hop Under the Stars

An evening experience that blends culture, storytelling, and nature:

• Outdoor movie night centered on hip hop culture

• Bonfire, s’mores, and guided night hikes

• A shared, nature-based family recreation experience under the stars

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Hip Hop Rise

A restorative start to the day focused on wellness and care:

• Morning wellness programming combining yoga, breathing, and meditation with hip hop music

• Wellness circles addressing suicide prevention and anti-harassment awareness

• Continental breakfast provided for participants

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Why Hip Hop Camp Out Matters

Hip Hop Camp Out uses culture as a bridge—connecting families to nature, youth to elders, and creativity to wellness. By situating hip hop programming within the forest preserve environment, the event promotes:

• Family bonding and intergenerational learning

• Mental health awareness and emotional well-being

• Environmental appreciation and stewardship

• Cultural preservation through lived experience

 

Join Us

Hip Hop Camp Out is more than an event—it’s a shared cultural retreat.

• Register your family or group

• Bring your organization or team

• Partner or sponsor the experience

• Support community access to outdoor and cultural programming

 

Come camp. Come connect. Come experience hip hop in nature.