The Center for Freedom and Justice's annual summer camp in Beit Ummar brings together youths aged from 8 to 14, offering them a unique opportunity to engage in a dynamic and nurturing environment. This initiative is specifically designed to give children from diverse social and economic backgrounds a chance to interact, learn, and grow through a variety of well-structured activities. The camp aims to create a safe space for young people to connect with their cultural roots, build interpersonal relationships, and develop life skills that will help them succeed both personally and socially. In a region where opportunities for youth are often limited, this camp serves as a critical resource for community development and individual growth.

The community of Beit Ummar faces a number of challenges, one of the most pressing being the lack of recreational and developmental programs for its youth. With few organized activities available, children in the area often have little opportunity to engage in creative or physical outlets outside of school. This can hinder their personal development and limit their potential. The summer camp seeks to fill this gap by providing a comprehensive program that fosters personal growth, a sense of community belonging. Children from different social and economic backgrounds come together in an inclusive environment where they are encouraged to explore their talents, express themselves creatively, and learn how to collaborate with their peers. This helps them build skills in leadership, cooperation, and conflict resolution, all of which are essential for their future development.

To address the needs of Beit Ummar's youth, the Center for Freedom and Justice has crafted a summer camp that combines cultural, educational, and recreational activities. The camp’s courses covers a wide range of disciplines that cater to different interests and developmental goals. The inclusion of arts, sports, and nonviolence education ensures that participants can grow holistically, both as individuals and as members of their community. The carefully designed program encourages leadership development, teamwork, and social responsibility. In particular, nonviolence training equips the children with conflict resolution skills, promoting a culture of peace within their community. By empowering these youths to become leaders and change agents, the camp benefits the participants, creates a ripple effect, and contributing to the long-term improvement of the community.

The activities offered at the summer camp were at the heart of its success. Each activity is designed for entertainment, also for the educational and developmental growth of the kids. These activities serve a dual purpose, they engage the children in fun and interactive ways while also teaching them valuable life skills.

1. Traditional Palestinian Dance (Dabke): This activity is a powerful combination of physical exercise and cultural education. Dabke is a traditional dance that reflects the deep-rooted heritage of Palestinian society. Through this activity, the children develop their coordination, rhythm, and teamwork skills, also gain a stronger sense of pride in their cultural identity. The dance sessions foster group cohesion and a shared sense of belonging, as children work together in sync to perform this meaningful dance. Dabke also provides a physical outlet that enhances fitness and builds camaraderie among participants.
2. Arts and Crafts: In these workshops, children encouraged to explore their creativity using locally sourced materials. The hands-on projects, which include painting, drawing, and crafting, allow the campers to express themselves artistically while also developing practical skills. This activity is particularly valuable for nurturing problem-solving abilities, as children must think critically about how to execute their artistic vision. Furthermore, completing their projects instills a sense of accomplishment and boosts self-esteem. These arts and crafts sessions help children develop fine motor skills, creativity, and a sense of individuality.
3. Drama and Music: Drama workshops offer an outlet for emotional expression and communication development. Through role-playing, improvisation, and storytelling, the children learn how to express their thoughts, emotions, and ideas in a creative and collaborative setting. Drama also helps them develop empathy by placing themselves in the shoes of others. Music sessions allow campers to connect with cultural rhythms and melodies, fostering a deep emotional connection to their heritage. These activities improve communication skills, also enhance emotional intelligence, creativity, and teamwork.
4. Sports: Physical activities such as soccer, volleyball, and various group games are a central component of the camp’s daily routine. These activities promote physical fitness while teaching children essential values like teamwork, discipline, and fair play. Engaging in sports helps build resilience, strength, and coordination. Beyond physical benefits, sports offer an important social outlet where participants learn to interact with others, manage competition, and support their teammates. These sessions are designed to be both fun and educational, ensuring that children enjoy themselves while learning valuable life lessons.
5. Kite Flying: This unique activity adds an exciting and educational element to the summer camp. The children design and decorate their own kites, allowing them to tap into their creativity. Flying kites requires motor coordination, patience, and teamwork, as the children often participate in group competitions. This activity is also a wonderful way for the campers to connect with nature and enjoy the outdoors. Through kite flying, they learn the value of persistence and collaboration, all while experiencing the joy of playing in the open air.
6. Nonviolence Training: In a region where conflict is often a part of daily life, nonviolence education is an essential part of the camp’s program. The training sessions teach participants how to handle conflicts peacefully, communicate effectively, and practice empathy. The goal is to instill in them the principles of nonviolence, which can help create a more peaceful community. The children learn strategies for managing disagreements, making the camp an important space for fostering mutual respect and understanding.

These activities are carefully curated to ensure that every child, regardless of their interests or abilities, can find something they are passionate about. The wide range of offerings guarantees that the children are constantly engaged in meaningful ways, helping them develop physically, emotionally, and intellectually. The activities also foster a sense of community and belonging, as children bond with their peers while participating in shared experiences.

The camp has achieved notable success in engaging youth in activities that entertain and also enrich their personal development. Participants have shown remarkable improvements in self-confidence, creativity, and leadership skills. The structured environment has given the children a sense of purpose, helping them to develop a variety of new skills such as communication, teamwork, and conflict resolution. The camp has provided a platform where young people can connect with their heritage and gain the tools, they need to navigate their futures with confidence and resilience.

The social impact of the camp extends far beyond the individual participants. By bringing together children from various social, economic, and cultural backgrounds, the program has created a sense of unity within the community. It has fostered cross-cultural interactions that have helped break down social barriers and build relationships between different groups. The camp has also instilled important values such as respect, cooperation, and nonviolence in the participants, contributing to the social cohesion of Beit Ummar. This focus on cultural activities has strengthened the participants' connection to their heritage, ensuring that traditional practices are passed down to the next generation.

The camp has had a positive economic impact on the local community by creating temporary job opportunities for local staff, instructors, and volunteers. These jobs provide immediate income and also help build the capacity of community members by allowing them to develop skills in leadership, instruction, and organization. The camp also stimulates the local economy by utilizing locally sourced materials and facilities. Through the involvement of community members in the camp’s organization and execution, the initiative has supported both short-term economic well-being and long-term capacity development.

The Center for Freedom and Justice’s summer camp stands as a testament to the power of community-driven programs in empowering youth and fostering positive social change. The camp has succeeded in providing a safe, enriching environment where children can learn, grow, and connect with their peers and their cultural heritage. The social and economic impacts of the camp extend far beyond its participants, contributing to the well-being of the wider community in Beit Ummar. Through this initiative, the Center for Freedom and Justice has demonstrated how targeted youth programs can create lasting change, build stronger communities, and nurture the next generation of leaders.