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PAU3A!
Summer Camp
by: Vanessa Perry, MAK 9
The East West Institute, in collaboration
with the Babylon Youth Center Ohrid, held a
5 night 6 day summer camp from 26 June to
1 July, 2006 in Strezevo Macedonia, near
Bitola. Youth from 13-16 years old were invited to participate. With the goal of promoting cross-border co-operation and exchange
amongst the youth of the Ohrid / Prespa Region, 20 campers came from Macedonia and
another 20 came from Albania. In addition to
the campers there was also an international
staff with 5 Americans, 3 Macedonians and
2 Albanians.
The activities during the camp focused
on self esteem, discrimination, prejudice,
and environment. In addition, there were
one-day excursions to Heraclea and Bitola.
Also, the campers had free time for sports,
recreation and arts and crafts. During these
activities the children had an opportunity to
better know each other’s cultures and traditions. They learned more about their feelings
and how they make others feel, as well as
discuss discrimination and living in a world
with discrimination. Also, they were challenged by a wholday hike into the Pelister
Mountains with environmental activities
along the way.
At the end of the week the campers
were asked to contribute a creative item
that represented their time at the camp
and what they learned. These contributions have been turned into a memory
book which will be distributed to each of
the participants.
Many strong friendships and bonds
were made throughout the week. The Albanian and Macedonian campers interacted with each other without conflict,
sharing their similarities and appreciating
their differences. The last night was filled
with hugs and teary goodbyes, and there
is little doubt that these campers will continue their friendships despite borders
and distance.