Hawak Kamay Camp Learn and Play Youth Camp

Once upon a time I had an idea that would rock the Department of Social Welfare and Development Complex.  Well actually it was a request from my Supervisor.  So anyway we wanted to host a cross-sectoral youth camp for the girls here at the center.  We envisioned a day full of activities where Peace Corps Volunteers from the Education sector, Coastal Resource Management sector as well as my sector Children, Youth and Families came together to provide sessions on different session that were engaging, fun, and something out of the norm for the girls.  We envisioned educational sessions in the morning and physical activities/sports in the afternoon.  This great vision was called “Hawak Kamay; Youth Learn and Play Camp”.  And so the vision occurred this past May. 

This vision became complete when 4 other Peace Corps Volunteered to join me in this activity.  Hawak Kamay (holding hands or hand in hand) was used to show the partnership between the two agencies.  Normally camps are carried out overnight, however this was the first of its kind for Haven so this one day camp was a trial and with success a longer/overnight event to come.   The theme for the camp is Learn Now, Play Later which served  a twofold purpose.  The first was to engage the children in a topic the PCV chose such as Environment, Art Expression and self-esteem.   The second was to engage the children in sports activities that encourage movement and physical play.  Both objectives are within the agency’s therapeutic/developmental approach to healing.  The girls really enjoyed the day and our visitors.  Bob, the spouse of Diane (education volunteer) did an art session that the girls loved and were pretty engaged in.  The drawing techniques were something new for the girls and I am so glad that they had that exposure!

They were excited about the environmental sessions as well.  With Kim, the girls learned more about the affects of pollution and how we are all connected in the web of life (well ocean life that is).  With Kathryn, the girls took a deeper look into beauty, personal self-esteem, self-image, and self-worth.  After the sessions I truly felt like a proud parent and glad the girls had this opportunity.  But after the sessions we weren't done yet! The girls performed intermission numbers that they had practiced all month with anticipation of the big day.  The younger girls learned and recited "Earth Keeper" by Gary Granada. They were diligent in practicing and determined to get it right with movement, pronunciation and all.  Here is the written word that was recited

You, you were meant to be free
As wild as the sea
Just like an eagle soaring high
Nesting on trees that touch the sky
You have a right to this place
Like all human race

You are no less than a Child of the Maker
You're an Earthkeeper of the land of your birth
You were created to be a creator
You're the Lifebearer of Mother Earth

And you, you're holding the key
Between you and me
Life is a choice we need to make
Peace is the path that we must take
Where there is wasting and pain
To heal and sustain
[ Lyrics from: http://www.lyricsty.com/gary-granada-earthkeeper-lyrics.html ]
You were so called to be named a Namegiver
You're a Defender of the nameless and weak
You were so pieced to become a Peacemaker
To make or unmake hangs on you

For the sake of the futures
Of our daughters and sons
In the name of all creatures
Give survival a chance

You are no less than a Child of the Maker
You're an Earthkeeper of the land of your birth
You are the Will, you're the Lost, you're the Seeker
The Story to tell hangs on...

You were so called to be named a Namegiver
You're a Defender of the nameless and weak
You were so pieced to become a Peacemaker
To make or unmake, to do or undo
Hangs on you 

The girls then participated in outdoor activities that included an obstacle course that required teamwork, sportsmanship, decision-making and leadership.  They enjoyed it and got it on the first explanation! We ended with volleyball and badminton which the girls were excited about.  Prior to the camp the girls didn't have any outdoor supplies because they were broken or never repurchased for the new clients.  So I went out and purchased a soccer ball, volley ball, beach ball, soft balls,4 hoola hoops, 2 jump ropes and two sets of badminton some of which supplies were reimbursed to me, others remain a gift to the girls.  What made it all worth it for me was seeing the girls smiling throughout the day enjoying their selves.  They were involved in every aspect of the camp from deciding the Emcees of the event, to coordinating teams for the sports activities, to selecting team leaders, etc, it was THEIR camp.  This rarely happens here at the center as the level of participation solicited from the girls is slight to none.  But in time that will change!

I noticed that when the girls have things to occupy their time they don't argue as much and they like to be outside having fun as they should.  All in all the camp was a success and I'm glad to have been part of this day. 

Pictures from the Hawak Kamay Learn and Play Camp