Reflection Two: Camp “I Have a Dream" written by volunteer Tasneem Haloum
Here we were again, ready to launch yet another week long program in both the New Askar and Jalazone Refugee Camps. We had recently spent several weeks running a summer program for younger children in Jalazone, so I was excited to work with younger youth as well as visit a different refugee camp. This time our mission was to run Camp “I Have a Dream” which focuses on teaching leadership skills, teamwork and self-expression through creative means.
Our first stop was the New Askar camp in Nablus. We arrived early the first day of the camp only to find several kids already waiting for us. Many of them were returning students from past summer camps and I could tell they were all eager for this year’s camp. The moment we arrived they immediately began introducing themselves and trying to get to know each of the volunteers.
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Throughout the week, we implemented activities that challenged the students, took them out of their comfort zones, and gave them the opportunity to make their dreams a reality. I made strong personal connections with the students and really got a chance to listen to their stories, thoughts, hopes and fears. I think the best part of that week was watching how each individual student grew in so many ways day by day. I also spent a lot of time with the Yaesh family and the Salamah family and really got to know them. Their generosity, hospitality and friendships have touched my heart and inspired me in so many ways. On the last day of the camp, no one wanted the day or the week to end. The goodbyes were tough on all of us and there were even a few tears among the kids.
A few days later we were back in Jalazone camp near Ramallah and were ready to launch the same camp. We had a handful of returning students from a previous youth leadership program. I was glad to see their eagerness for yet another camp. The week went very well in Jalazone and I connected with more kids as well as local volunteers. Although we launched Camp “I Have a Dream” in both New Askar and Jalazone, it was interesting to see distinguishing differences between the two camps. The culture, mentality, ideologies, and even the way of life varied between the refugee camps. This factor caused differences among the students from each camp and their response to Camp I Have a Dream.
It was an eye-opening experience. It felt that the week flew by and once again it was time for goodbyes. Goodbyes were always the hardest moments for me throughout the program. Hopefully our paths will cross again soon. I was thrilled to see how motivated the students from both refugee camps were. Many of them had high ambitions and so much potential to succeed and do great things in life. The most rewarding aspect of Camp “I Have a Dream” is really seeing how the smallest actions makes the biggest difference for the kids. These kids just need a chance. Never underestimate the dreams of a child and your ability to inspire them.
