THE Division of Youth Services’ Summer Youth Empowerment Camp came to a close on Friday, July 26.
DYS Community Development Specialist Anna Rangamar said 91 children ages 5 to 12 years old participated in the camp, which began on July 16.
Educational activities headed by partner government agencies highlighted the camp.
On July 17, the students took part in an environmental expo organized by the Department of Lands and Natural Resources.
“Camp participants learned about [DLNR’s] important role in protecting, sustaining and enhancing [the] natural resources of our islands,” Rangamar said, adding that the children were able to visit the booths set up by the Invasive Species Program, the Coral Reef Restoration Program, the Endangered Species and Sea Turtle Program, the Division of Fish and Wildlife and its Enforcement Section, Fisheries Research Section, Aquatic Education Program and Brown Tree Snake Program.
The DYS Summer Youth Empowerment Camp featured a variety of enrichment activities that involved partnering government agencies.
On July 19, students visited the traditional canoe house in Susupe, where they learned about Marianas history, seafaring traditions, and weaving. They also participated in an arts and crafts activity and learned to throw a talaya.
On July 24, the campers participated in a Tourism Day activity with the Marianas Tourism Education Council at the Koblerville Youth Center.
“Children learned about hospitality and tourism and the crucial role they play in our community,” Rangamar said. “They had an amazing time learning and then performing the Hafa Adai song and dance, doing banana painting and weaving, watching presentations about tourist sites of Saipan, Tinian and Rota, playing games and doing different fun activities throughout the day. It was an amazing day,” she added.
Enhancing the camp was a variety of events, including a “Big Trucks Day” that featured heavy equipment from the Department of Public Works, the Department of Public Safety, and the Mayor’s Office of Saipan as well as presentations from the Historic Preservation Office, NMC-Cooperative Research Extension Education Services, the Mariana Islands Nature Alliance, CHC- Community Guidance Center, and Boonie Babies.
Camp participants also visited the island’s parks.
Rangamar expressed gratitude to community partners as well as the camp’s 13 “awesome volunteers” for the camp’s success.
