Activities at the Yassar Arafat Summer Camp, 2022
Lajee center has hosted 250 children from Bethlehem refugee camps between the age of 5-15 years old for 2 weeks, in partnership with the MCC organization. This summer camp was called ‘’Jenin Camp” referring to the ongoing resistance and to honor Jenin camp after the latest attacks that occurred during July.
The summer camp included many groups of children, and a variety of activities that include: general health, environmental work, music, Dabka, sport activities, recreational activities, lectures on the Palestinian struggle and the rights of the Palestinians, and art activities.
Public Health and Environment included general self hygiene lectures, and first aid for the children between the ages of 12-15 years old. The children also learned about the environment and had hands-on activities planting and recycling.
Recreational and sport activities included movement activities for the children, which we did everyday during the summer camp. Our recreational activities included 2 trips for the children within the summer camp to swimming pools in nearby villages.
Palestinian national culture, which includes various lectures revolving around the right of return, the Palestinian prisoners and their life in the prison, the meaning behind the symbol of the Key for Palestinians, and the refugee camps inside and outside of Palestine.
Art Activities included Palestinian cultural art, such as the Dabka, traditional Palestinian music and songs, as well as the arts and craft activities. Moreover, we worked with the children on circus skills.
We hosted the children and their families on the last day. The children showcased what they have done during the 2 weeks they spent in the Lajee Summer Camp. The show consisted of a theater show, music, Dabka, and poems.
