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Growing Together: Empowering Youth and Families Through Summer Camps in the West Bank

Through workshops and fun activities, a new summer camp in the West Bank allows young girls, aged 12 to 16, the opportunity to discuss topics from in-person and cyber bullying to comprehensive life skills. With their children and alone, parents also benefit from the camp’s workshops on positive parenting and familial relationships. This summer camp is part of a series of camps for both boys and girls. It is implemented by PalVision and Sharek Youth Forum through UNFPA and sponsored by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation. This week, for International Youth Day, we hope for more such initiatives and a brighter future for the youth of Palestine.

Photo credit: Lisa Sabella/UNFPA Palestine

Young girls, now friends, gather outside during breaktime at the camp. Summer camps create a fun and safe environment where kids can learn essential life skills while also bringing families closer together.

Summer camp facilitators talk to young girls about bullying and what can be done to prevent it and how to respond if it happens to you or others.

Nouran, 10, says that her favourite part of camp were the water activities. “I loved that I got to meet new people at camp and make new friends.”

Zaina, 14, says, “What I loved most was all the fun activities and meeting new people. There was no judgment at all. I learned about having conversations, understanding others, and being aware of different perspectives.”

Mariam, 15, says her favourite part of camp was, “Having fun, talking to people, awareness sessions, and exploring the different types of bullying.”

Through puppet shows, the summer camp leaders talk to the younger girls about bullying, internet safety, the importance of family, and other important topics.

Salma, 12, says that she loved the water games and sports activities. “I learned about being nice, being respectful, working together, staying organized, believing in myself, and being responsible.”

Hal, 12, says, “I loved all the things we did in the summer camp like all the water activities, sports, and the counseling and stress relief sessions.”