The "Let's Draw Our Dreams" summer camp, organized by the Center for Freedom and Justice (CFJ) in Beit Ummar, was designed for children aged 6 to 10 to have a balanced and enriching experience. The 2023 camp aimed to create an environment that combines educational and recreational activities, creating a whole development in children. The main goal was to develop the children’s emotional, social, and cognitive growth by encouraging them to engage in both recreational and learning-based activities. The camp was held in Beit Ummar Park which is fully equipped with sports facilities, a swimming pool, and recreational areas and was managed entirely by the CFJ team.

The summer camp was created to address the need for a structured environment where children could engage in meaningful activities that contribute to their overall growth. Many children face long, unstructured days during summer vacations, often lacking opportunities for intellectual and physical stimulation. By offering a variety of educational, psychological relief and recreational activities, the camp addressed this gap by focusing on the children’s psychological well-being, enjoyment, and personal growth. Moreover, the camp also played a role in strengthening the children's sense of citizenship, helping them develop a clearer understanding of social and national issues.

The camp provided a comprehensive training program that combined educational and recreational activities, specifically tailored for children aged 8 to 12. By integrating management, national education, arts, sports, and creative writing into the daily schedule, the camp ensured that participants received a well-rounded experience that was both enjoyable and educational. The curriculum was designed to offer a blend of:

1. Educational Components: Classes and activities focused on local education, national awareness, and community involvement to enhance the children's understanding of their cultural identity and social responsibilities.
2. Cultural Engagement: Various cultural activities, such as traditional dance and art workshops, were incorporated to help preserve and promote Palestinian heritage. also tours to villages to introduce children to their history, their civilization, and increasing their national awareness
3. Recreational Enjoyment: Fun games, sports, and physical activities were key to ensuring that children enjoyed their time while also developing physical fitness and teamwork skills.
4. Creative Expression: Children had opportunities to express themselves through drama, art, and creative writing, building confidence and enhancing their ability to communicate their thoughts and emotions.

The activities were an important part of the summer camp experience, offering a rich mix of cultural, recreational, and educational exercises, through a plan developed by experts, to combine enjoyment and benefit aiming at a qualitative and complete development in the awareness of children, and the creation of a new creative generation, qualified to absorb its surroundings and capable of understanding and analyzing what is going on around it in terms of national and social issues, in order to develop and consolidate the rules of citizenship among children. The camp director, Abeer Awad, added more than 55 children, ranging in age from 8 - 12 years old, male and female, divided them into 5 groups, each group bore a logo symbolizing participation, community contribution and environment, adding that more than 6 supervisors and 3 volunteers participated in the summer camp, these activities were organized in Beit Ummar Park command house. The Representative of the Center for Freedom and Justice, Mr. Mousa Abu Maria also mothers participated in some activities. Here's a deeper look at each aspect of the activities:

1. Cultural and Creative Activities: These activities were designed to allow children to explore and celebrate their heritage while also fostering their creative talents:

   1. Dabkeh Dance Training: Children were taught the traditional Palestinian dance, Dabkeh. This activity connected them to their cultural roots and enhanced their coordination, teamwork, and rhythmic skills. Learning and performing Dabkeh together helped foster a sense of community and pride among the participants.
   2. Art Projects: Several forms of visual arts were introduced, including drawing, painting, face painting, and clay modeling. These activities stimulated the children's creativity, improved their fine motor skills, and provided them with an outlet to express their personal dreams and emotions. By using various materials and techniques, children were encouraged to be imaginative and confident in their artistic expression.
   3. Theater and Drama Performances: Through drama and role-playing, children were able to develop their communication and acting skills. These performances were held in the multi-purpose hall of Belt Ummer park and were designed to help build self-confidence, enhance public speaking abilities, and provide a creative outlet for emotions. Group performances also taught children the value of teamwork and collaboration.
   4. Creative Writing Workshops: These workshops allowed children to explore their inner thoughts and express their ideas through storytelling. By crafting stories, poems, or short plays, the children improved their language skills, imagination, and emotional expression. This activity was particularly effective in helping them articulate their personal experiences and future aspirations.

2. Sports and Physical Activities: Physical activity was a critical component of the camp, promoting fitness, teamwork, and fun, these activities were done in the park facilities like pool, football field and multi propose hall:

   1. Team Sports: Children participated in team sports such as football, relay races, and rope jumping. These activities encouraged healthy competition, improved physical fitness, and reinforced the importance of working together as a team. Through sports, children learned about discipline, leadership, and resilience.
   2. Fun Games: Balloon races, spoon-and-ball races, and tug-of-war games provided entertainment while helping develop coordination and agility. These games were designed to be fun and engaging while also teaching lessons in cooperation and following rules.
   3. Swimming Lessons: Held in the park’s swimming pool, swimming lessons were a source of joy for the children and an opportunity to teach water safety and swimming techniques, helping them build confidence in the water.

3. National Awareness and Community Engagement: In addition to the daily activities, the camp included initiatives to connect children with their history and community:

   1. Tours to Neighboring Villages: Field trips to nearby villages were organized to teach children about their heritage, history, and the significance of their cultural landmarks. This hands-on learning experience was designed to deepen their connection to their national identity and foster a sense of pride in their heritage.
   2. Community-Based Learning: The camp included interactive sessions on national and civic education, where children تقسيمهم learned about their roles and responsibilities within their community, instilling a sense of citizenship and belonging.

The summer camp successfully engaged more than 55 children in meaningful and enriching activities that promoted self-expression, social skills, and creativity. The children developed a stronger sense of their cultural identity through Dabkeh dance and art projects, and many developed newfound confidences in expressing their ideas through drama and creative writing. The camp’s educational components helped cultivate a sense of responsibility toward their community, preparing the children to be more engaged citizens. Overall, the whole program positively impacted the children's personal and social development.

The camp had a profound social impact, by strengthening the children's connection to their community and culture. Through cultural activities, national awareness tours, and team-based games, children developed friendships and a deeper sense of belonging. The focus on social and local education created a sense of citizenship and responsibility, preparing them to become active and informed members of their society. Additionally, the supportive and inclusive environment allowed children to develop emotional well-being and form lasting social bonds.

Although the primary objective of the camp was educational and social outcomes, the initiative also had a positive economic effect on the local community in Beit Ummar Park. By utilizing Beit Ummar Park local facilities, such as Park, swimming pool, football field and engaging local staff, the camp contributed to the local economy. This highlighted the value of investing in community spaces and programs that support children's development, which in turn can foster long-term economic growth and stability in the region.

The "Let's Draw Our Dreams" Summer Camp 2023 under the direction of director, Abeer Awad was a tremendous success, offering a rich blend of cultural, educational, and recreational experiences to the participating children. The dedication of the CFJ team with the center Representative Mr. Mousa Abu Maria and the well-organized structure of the camp ensured that every child had an impactful and memorable experience. By promoting self-confidence, cultural awareness, and social responsibility, the camp made a significant contribution to the personal growth of each participant. CFJ remains committed to supporting such initiatives, with the hope of nurturing future generations who are more connected to their community, culture, and national identity.