The 22nd Annual Summer Camp
July at Lajee Center was full of joy and energy as we hosted our 22nd annual summer camp, “Huna Baqoon” (We Are Here to Stay), supported by the Mennonite Central Committee.
Due to a record-breaking registration of 540 children aged 5–14, the camp was divided into two sessions, each lasting 10 days. Participants came from Aida, Al-Azza, Dheisheh, Karkafa, Al-Jadawel, and surrounding areas.
Camp Objectives:
- Strengthen teamwork and belonging.
- Develop children’s skills through diverse activities.
- Foster connection to national and cultural identity.
- Create a safe space for fun, learning, and creativity.
Activity Highlights:
• Sports & Water Games: Led by Baha’a Al-Mashayekh and Mohammad Musa, children enjoyed football, team competitions, and cooling water games.
• Circus Arts: Instructors from the Lajee Circus trained children in balancing, juggling, and aerial skills, encouraging creativity and confidence.
• Creative Writing: Led by Kifah Al-Ajarmeh, sessions included story building, “magic word box” challenges, and group storytelling. Children learned to shape characters, settings, and plots, producing short stories and even mini handmade books.
• Art & Drawing: Artist Mohammad Al-Ra’i inspired children to express themselves through painting and illustration.
• Handicrafts: Led by Asma Al-Ak and Malak Abu Srour, projects included Palestinian-themed art, recycled crafts, and collaborative murals.
• National Culture: Samir Al-Amir shared Palestinian history, key events, and heritage stories.
• Health Education: Two age-specific programs taught personal hygiene, healthy eating, dental care, and anti-bullying awareness.
• Music & Choir: Led by Yasmine Al-Atrash, Shahd Oweis, and Batoul Hammad, children learned songs, rhythms, and performed a camp finale piece.
• Environmental Awareness: Led by Oday Abu Ouda and Majd Salsaa, activities promoted recycling and caring for green spaces.
• Photography: Hands-on sessions taught camera handling, composition, and creative photo storytelling.
• Psychosocial Support: Counselor Doaa Hamouda held workshops on self-esteem, respect, emotional expression, and protection from exploitation.
The camp concluded with vibrant final showcases — including performances, art exhibitions, and sports challenges — and fun trips to Battir Resort and Caritas Park.
Health & Environmental Unit
• 158 home visits to diabetic and hypertensive patients in Aida and Al-Azza camps, plus 2 new patients added to the program.
• Agricultural work included harvesting tomatoes and cucumbers for patient distribution, maintaining the rooftop garden, and managing greenhouse systems.
• Participation in the summer camp with health education activities for children.
ACLAI Palestine Gym
The sports club kept the energy high with:
• Ongoing boxing and fitness training with Irish coach Ainla.
• Special training sessions with visiting Irish boxer Toron for both boys and girls.
• First-aid and CPR training for coaches.
• Participation in summer camp sports activities.
• A closing recreational trip on July 31 to Ein Al-Hawiya Pool in Husan, with 89 participants (25 male, 64 female).
Rebel Circus School
The circus school played a big role in the camp, training 500 children in circus skills across both sessions. The program ended with two spectacular circus performances — including the first aerial show ever performed in Bethlehem — at the Frères School.
Beyond the camp, Lajee Circus continued its international outreach, concluding its Spain tour with performances in Rivas and Murcia.
