Community
A Camden Native Is Bringing the World to Her Hometown — One Language at a Time
Ariel Scott grew up in Camden knowing the city had plenty to offer — but opportunities to learn a new language or travel the world weren’t always easy to come by. That changed when she went abroad after college, living in China and traveling through Thailand and Korea. Those experiences didn’t just broaden her perspective. They inspired her to come back home and build something.
That something is Beyond Camden, a nonprofit organization offering language classes and cultural programming to Camden residents.
Learning Mandarin Right Here in Camden
Beyond Camden currently offers beginner Mandarin Chinese classes at the Camden Kroc Center, located at 1865 Harrison Avenue. Classes meet twice a week on Monday and Wednesday evenings from 6:30 to 8:00 PM, and they’re open to anyone curious about the language or the culture behind it.
Ariel designed the classes with beginners in mind — no prior experience necessary. The goal is to create a comfortable, welcoming environment where Camden residents can explore something new without feeling intimidated.
More Than Just a Language Lesson
What sets Beyond Camden apart is the approach. Ariel isn’t just teaching vocabulary and grammar. She’s sharing stories from her travels, introducing students to Chinese food, traditions, and everyday life, and encouraging people to see the world through a different lens.
“Living in Camden all my life, I never had a lot of opportunities to learn a new language or travel,” Ariel said. “When I had the chance to go abroad during college, my life definitely changed.”
Her vision for Beyond Camden is rooted in that same idea — that exposure to different cultures builds empathy, connection, and a stronger community right here at home.
What’s Next for Beyond Camden
Ariel’s plans don’t stop at Mandarin. She hopes to eventually offer travel opportunities for Camden residents, giving more people the kind of life-changing experiences she had abroad. For now, the language classes are a meaningful first step toward making that vision a reality.
How to Get Involved
The Mandarin beginner classes are free and open to all Camden residents. If you’re interested in signing up or want to learn more, reach out to Beyond Camden at beyondcamden@gmail.com. You can also follow the organization on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube for updates on upcoming classes and events.
Camden is full of people ready to grow. Beyond Camden is giving them the space to do it.
