Students learn how to weave at the DYS 2023 Summer Youth Empowerment Camp.
OVER a hundred students are participating in the Division of Youth Services’ 2023 Summer Youth Empowerment Camp, where they are taking part in cultural activities and sports, community development specialist Anna Rangamar said.
“The whole idea of this camp is to do culture plus sports,” Rangamar added. “We show them the ways to implement [culture] in their daily lives instead of being on the phone the whole day.”
She said a total of 120 students have registered.
Rangamar believes that connecting with culture helps the youth avoid “behaviors we don’t want them to do.”
The camp began on July 10 with traditional bead-craft activities, banana leaf painting, and various sports.
When Variety visited the camp on July 11, students were making mwars and coconut leaf baskets. There was also a coconut candy-making demonstration.
Other planned activities include trips to Kalabera Cave and other historic sites near Marpi; an obstacle course; a farm visit; and other ways to keep participants occupied.
“These islands have rich and beautiful cultures,” Rangamar said. “We want the younger generation to know all these important information about our islands’ history and to be able to enjoy local culture — arts and crafts and such.”
The 2023 Summer Youth Empowerment Camp takes place from July 10 to 21 for students 5 to 12 years old. Session two is scheduled for July 24 to 28 for students 13 to 17 years old.
