Glimpse in the life of a Palestinian Child

Palestinian summers are long, hot, dry, and sometimes boring. There is very little for young people to do in the Palestinian Territories when school is not in session. Summer camp programs are a popular way to stave off heat-induced ennui. Most children attend during their primary school years.

Some of these camp programs are non-religious, but others are faith-based. In the Beit Sahour area, a number of Christian camps are offered, along with secular alternatives. Camps are run by a variety of groups, such as NGO's, municipalities, and churches. They are normally fairly affordable. Prices range from a hundred shekels per kid to only thirty-five; the price varies depending on who organizes the camp.

Camps are generally held from morning to around one, for five days of one week. The kids who attend camp range from age three to age twelve or thirteen. Older children might volunteer to work at the camps. Some camps enroll hundreds of kids, others only fifty or sixty. The campers are then divided by age, and split into groups headed by counselors, who are often volunteers. Counselors supervise and guide the kids, leading games, initiatives, and trips.

Stations featuring recreational activities tailored to different tastes and interests are set up around the camp site. Stations might teach arts and crafts, sports, and storytelling. Some stations are educational, providing fun supplementary lessons in history. The groups move from one station to another throughout the morning. Lunch is usually included. Many camps hand out commemorative camp T-shirts with logos and camp colors. Shirt designs change each year, so every summer is special.

Camps often organize trips to interesting, kid-friendly venues. They might visit a park in Ramallah where there are games and rides. Swimming pools are, unsurprisingly, also a popular destination for hot-weather fun and relaxation.