Make a donation
Please finish the form below

Thank you! Your submission has been received!

Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form

👥 Meet Our Team

The Explore Next Door team is made up of compassionate mentors, educators, and artists who reflect the communities we serve. Every team member brings professional experience, cultural awareness, and a deep commitment to helping youth feel safe, empowered, and inspired. All staff undergo comprehensive background checks and are certified in First Aid, CPR, and Mandated Reporter training to ensure your child’s safety and well-being.

  • ✅ Trauma-informed mentorship
  • ✅ Social-emotional learning
  • ✅ Neurodivergent-inclusive strategies
  • ✅ CPR and emergency preparedness
  • ✅ Mandated Reporter certified
  • ✅ Creating inclusive, identity-affirming environments

🧭 DeMilo Young

Founder & Executive Director

DeMilo is the visionary behind Explore Next Door and the Executive Director of the BIPOC Support Foundation. With decades of experience in youth programming, nonprofit leadership, and community-building, she leads the organization with heart and strategy. DeMilo ensures every element of camp reflects its core values — safety, representation, and empowerment.

🌿 Blanca Maribel Lozano-Willey

Associate Executive Director & Program Director

Blanca leads curriculum development, staff coaching, and environmental programming. With deep roots in climate advocacy, bilingual education, and youth empowerment, she designs immersive learning experiences that help students connect with nature, culture, and their own leadership potential.

🎨 Bryttney-Mischele Salvant

Art Director & Onsite Camp Supervisor

Bryttney is a gifted mixed media artist, youth mentor, and entrepreneur. She leads students in cultural exploration and creative self-expression through visual arts. Her calming presence and dedication to inclusive practice help campers feel seen, supported, and free to express who they are.

✨ Arianna Merritt

Camp Mentor & Group Facilitator

Arianna brings warmth, enthusiasm, and structure to the camp day. She helps lead group activities, supports workshops, and connects with students on a personal level, making sure every camper feels welcomed and excited to participate.

🧘🏽‍♀️ Aria Z. Young

Mindfulness Program Director & Author of The Elements of Mindfulness

Aria brings creativity, emotional insight, and mentorship to the Explore Next Door team. As the author of The Elements of Mindfulness, she leads reflective activities that teach campers how to navigate emotions, practice calm, and strengthen their self-awareness.

Explore Next Door:
Voices of Change
Summer Program

June 24 – July 31 | 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM | Location: Escondido, CA | Ages 10–13

Interest form

Voices of Change Summer Program
‍
June 24 – July 31
‍
9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
‍
Location: Escondido, CA
‍
Cost: Free
‍
‍
Discover, Learn & Explore
‍
‍A fun, engaging summer program where middle school students explore the outdoors, build friendships, and develop confidence through hands-on learning.
‍

‍What Students Will Do:
‍
‍Explore beaches, parks, and nature spaces

Learn about the environment and climate change

Participate in art, creative projects, and group activities

Build social-emotional skills and confidence

Connect with peers in a supportive environment
‍

📅 Program Details:

Dates: June 24 - July 31, 2026

‍Time: 9am - 3pm

‍Location: Escondido, CA (location disclosed once accepted)

‍Cost: Free (refundable deposit required to secure spot)
‍

Quick Links:

– About

– Meet Our Team

– Contact
‍
– BSF Website

Contact us
A summer enrichment program supported by the BIPOC Support Foundation, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
EIN: 85-2617598
Copyright © BIPOC Support Foundation
Powered by SCGS