The youth summer camp in Bethlehem progressed on to the second week of creativity, vigor and mutual interests, with the PMECC Staff offering the 45 young people more refreshing variety of activities.
Starting on the 24th of June, Monday, it is amazing how the summer camp days have gone by with the young adults unflagging in their energy and curiosity to begin each day with the various activities offered them, meeting each challenge to hurdle like a silver lining in the bright blue sky which each day presented.
“Being, knowing and loving oneself”, is an ongoing process and the camp was indeed a propitious place to undergo this human development of young adults.
The final week was filled with more adventures like an educational field trip to the Cultural Heritage and Preservation Centre in Bethlehem as well as a tree planting experience (flowering plants and young olive tree shoots) and a community service at the Antonian Society for an enriching interaction with the residents of the home for the elderly.
Riad, shines out as he talks about the natural heritage the Palestinians have which is the olive tree as he names the characteristics of the olive tree such as resilience, the many uses it has, as well as its beauty, to the amazement of his listeners and fellow participants. It is noteworthy to underscore that Riad, as he describes himself, “... is 11 years old, going on to 12, in November” among the group of participants whose ages range from 12 to 17 years. When he speaks, everyone keeps quiet and listens attentively; he literally captivates his audience as he articulates his ideas with zest and clarity. At his age and among the participants, he is described as a “genius in the making!”
Interestingly, in this youth encounter there are 4 pairs of twins whose presence in the group add some glitter in their unique manifestations as siblings; it has been a delight to be with them beaming with joy as they signaled their thumbs up giving their heartfelt approval of this summer encounter.
Bonds with one another
On the last day of this fruitful summer camp, the Staff gave the participants their well-deserved rewards, commending them on projects they have prepared to show the impact and interest the sessions have had on them.
This summer camp themed “Be yourself, know yourself, love yourself” has been for these young adults the experience of their young life, as we capture it this way: an experience with unforgettable memories; where their bonding with one another in work and fun was also a source of growth and an increase of knowledge at all levels.
The last day featured a “Palestinian breakfast” and a culminating activity where participants demonstrated learnings and skills acquired, capped by an evaluation session so that strengths and weaknesses were processed and assessed.
Lifelong process
Indeed, for these young people the three-week summer camp has offered novelties in learning, challenges faced in self-knowledge and self-acceptance, as well as “mini-triumphs” won in loving oneself and one another as they move from adolescence to adulthood in a lifelong process of growth and development. Clamors for more echoed in the venue, and requests for extension of the encounter were heard.
As PMECC Staff – Monnitte, Agnes and Sahhar– close this youth summer camp, the weekend prepares them to open the next two-week summer camp welcoming the younger set of 4th and 6th graders. We’ll keep you updated!
The photos below show varied scenarios during some sessions as well as the wrapping up stage.
TA Team – Jerusalem & Bethlehem.
Published in News