A Wellness Journey: Reflecting on an Empowering Summer Camp Experience

Seventy-two [72] energetic campers from two different age groups with ages 9 to 12 and 13 to 16 respectively, embarked on an unforgettable four-week summer experience centered on wellness, growth, and connection from June 23 to July 18. With a thoughtfully crafted program, the camp aimed to nurture physical, mental and emotional well-being of each participant—offering a meaningful and joy-filled experience during their summer break.

With the theme “A Wellness Journey: Healthy Living, Happy Well-Being,” the camp offered far more than just fun and collection of activities – through sports, chess, swimming, henna session, and even formation sessions which include self-expression, mental and social wellness, building relationships, artificial and social-intelligence, etc. – it became a space for young participants to explore what it means to live fully and thrive, both inside and out.

It kicked off with an inspiring message: building healthy habits, cultivating inner peace, and creating meaningful memories. Campers were encouraged to slow down, reflect, and take the first steps toward a healthier lifestyle—mentally, emotionally, and physically. Each day of the successive weeks were filled with excitement, setting the tone for a purposeful and enriching camp experience.

From mindful mornings to laughter-filled games, every day was packed with purpose, brought new discoveries, challenges, learnings, and shared joys. Together, campers left with more memories; they took with them skills, insights, nurtured self-awareness, strengthened relationships/friendships, built habits, and moved their bodies with purpose that will last far beyond the summer.

Here’s a look back at this unforgettable journey.

Building Foundations for Well-Being

The camp began with a focus on intention. On the first day, participants were invited to reflect on their daily habits and mental outlooks, creating a shared commitment to wellness. This opening message grounded the entire experience: taking care of our bodies and minds isn’t just important—it can also be joyful.

Sports & Physical Activities: Movement, Energy, Endurance, Mental Agility and Team Spirit

The days allotted for sports and physical activities kicked off with a powerful burst of movement—lively group exercises that set a positive tone and helped channel the campers’ energy into strength, stamina, and shared motivation. Whether breaking a sweat in basketball drills or stretching into morning workouts, participants learned not just about fitness but about unity, discipline, and resilience. They weren’t just playing – they were growing stronger, physically and mentally, and building bonds that will outlast the summer.

These groups of youngsters practiced dribbling, shooting, and passing in basketball which became more than just a way to improve coordination—they were lessons in teamwork, persistence, and sportsmanship, discovering that teamwork and encouragement were just as important as skill. The youth group embraced the same energy, stepping away from screens and diving into activities that sharpened agility, coordination, and alertness. These dynamic sessions nurtured their bodies while gently drawing attention to their digital habits—offering a refreshing, holistic balance. Sports and other physical games played a central role in developing their physical skills as it boosted their stamina, honed motor skills, and sharpened their ability to think strategically. The playful, energetic environment encouraged them to stay active while developing discipline and teamwork. Beyond the sweat and cheers, these shared experiences fostered unity, focus, and stress relief.

Chess: Mind Games with Meaning

Across the camp in both groups, chess emerged as a quiet favorite—its calm intensity captivating both the younger campers and the youth group. The thrill of friendly competition combined with deep concentration as participants developed strategic thinking, patience, and foresight.

From mini-tournaments to reflective victories and defeats, each game revealed how much they’d grown—confident, calculated, and curious. For some, chess offered the perfect brain teaser; for others, it was a challenge they took on with surprising enthusiasm. Moreover, it has added a layer of excitement, challenging campers mentally while building self-control and resilience.

Creative Expression: Henna Session

While some minds were immersed in chess, others expressed themselves through art craft and henna art, transforming the day into a canvas of culture and creativity. Intricate designs bloomed on hands and arms, offering campers a relaxing and joyful way to share their unique flair.

Formation Sessions: Building Confidence, Exploring relationships, Connection & Emotional Awareness

Our young campers took bold steps inward, exploring the power of emotions, learned how to name and express them, appreciated the beauty of self-expression and practiced healthy strategies for managing big feelings. Through skits, storytelling, role-play, and interactive discussions, they learned to navigate relationships, and express themselves with authenticity and empathy. The environment was supportive and fun, helping participants feel seen, heard, and empowered. Furthermore, they delved into the nature of healthy relationships – reflected on what makes friendships strong, build relationship, how to resolve conflicts, and why empathy and communication matter and most especially valuing the importance of family. These sessions weren’t just educational—they were transformative, offering young people the tools to relate to others with kindness and understanding.
Confidence-building followed closely, with creative activities like symbolic self-introductions and reflection games. The focus shifted toward emotional awareness and self-expression which helped campers recognize their own strengths and understand that self-worth starts with self-knowledge.

From group discussions on family dynamics sparked by a film, The Mitchells vs. The Machines, has made the participants realized about family relationships and the importance of connection beyond screens. Moreover, a deeply engaging session on social media and mental health had the youth talking openly about their digital lives. They explored both the highs and lows of being constantly connected, reflecting on how platforms like TikTok, FB and Instagram can both help and hurt mental well-being. It became a space for honest dialogue, mutual support, and increased awareness. It also reinforced the value of being present with loved ones, even in a fast-paced, digital world to icebreakers like “Getting-to-know-you BINGO”, campers quickly bonded—turning strangers into teammates, and conversations into friendships.

The youth group also tapped into their artistic side during a bag-making and team-building session. Through shared goals and creative collaboration, they discovered how each member brings something special to the table. The group craft became a powerful reminder: everyone belongs, everyone contributes, and everyone matters.

Artificial Intelligence: Exploring the Future with Curiosity

One of the highlights for the youth group was a hands-on, eye-opening session on Artificial Intelligence, led by Ms. Tina Hazboun. Together, they explored the ethical use of AI and experimented with generative tools that could support their schoolwork and creativity. What started as a tech talk turned into a vibrant, practical exploration of how today’s youth can shape tomorrow’s digital world—with responsibility and imagination.

Mindfulness & Gratitude: Finding Calm in the Chaos

In a camp full of energy and interaction, we also made time for stillness – a beautiful rhythm formed between movement and mindfulness. High-energy games were paired with quiet sit-down conversations, where campers took a collective pause—turning inward with guided meditation, calming visuals, and sensory awareness. These moments of stillness – doing a sort of reflection and introspection helped balance the buzz of daily activities, reinforcing the importance of both physical and emotional self-care. A video shown to them showcasing nature’s wonders stirred awe and appreciation, while gratitude bloomed in the form of handwritten “thankful leaves” placed on a symbolic tree.

Culture, Gratitude, and Celebration

Another recollected moment has allowed participants to be grateful and celebrate the richness of their culture came during a traditional Palestinian breakfast, of which it became a moment of mindfulness. Campers were encouraged to slow down, savor the food, savor the moment, eating with gratitude, connect with the stories behind it, and recognizing the importance of heritage and shared culture. It was more than a meal; it was a celebration of heritage, presence, and peace.

Swimming: Pure Joy in Motion

For both age groups, swimming was the ultimate release—a joyful, an open, liberating splash-filled celebration of movement, freedom and fun. In the water, they found connection, laughter, and lightness—leaving stress behind and diving into the simple delight of being present, connected, healthy, playful and whole.

Reflection & Takeaways: Growth That Stays, a Journey Worth Taking

This 4-week summer camp was indeed a wellness journey like no other! as participants took time to reflect and made assessment of the strong bonds they have formed over the past weeks—sharing personal growth stories, challenges, discovering hidden talent, making new friends, gaining confidence, giving feedback, and expressing how the camp deeply shaped them each added to the collective memory of a summer that mattered. Their honesty and insights spoke volumes about the value of the experience.
From sports to silence, laughter to learning, this camp wasn’t just a break from the usual—it was a bridge to something deeper: wellness, awareness, connection, and joy. The mood was deeply grateful. Excitement for next year was already bubbling, with several reserving their spots on the spot.

As they return to their daily lives, we hope the lessons they’ve learned—about wellness, confidence, empathy, and joy—will continue to shape how they grow.

Text by:
Monnitte V. Monana