Kampers from Summer Kamp 2017 (Provided)

 

Vancouver, B.C.

3rd Annual Summer ‘Kamp’ for Filipino Youth  kicks off!https://philippinecanadiannews.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=5852&action=edit#

By Sol Diana

August 7th marks the start of the 3rd annual Summer Kamp, hosted by the Kababayan Academic Mentorship Program.

The Kababayan Academic Mentorship Program (KAMP) is a non-profit, student-led support group for newly arrived Filipino-Canadian youth in Metro Vancouver. Founded in 2009 by a small group of Filipino UBC undergraduates, KAMP’s goals for almost a decade have been to foster a sense of belonging for newly-arrived Filipino students as they navigate life in a new country, as well as facilitate meaningful relationships with second generation Filipino youth that have grown up in Canada. KAMP was created to respond to the needs of newly-arrived Filipino youth who, upon arriving to Canada, experience a swath of different issues including social isolation, family separation, and language barriers.

KAMP seeks to respond to these issues through its culturally-specific programming. This includes after school tutoring and peer mentorship programs, educational workshops, and of course, annual Summer Kamps.

Held at Loon Lake, Maple Ridge, every year Summer Kamp aims to provide between 15-25 first and second generation Filipino youth an opportunity to meet each other in an atmosphere of fun and collaboration outside of their busy school and work lives. 

Each year the Kamp begins with a welcome ceremony by representatives of the Katzie First Nation, on whose land Summer Kamp takes place. Afterwards, the Kamp mentors and the students engage in a focused discussion about their responsibilities as visitors on unceded First Nations land, out of which they draft a list of “community agreements” that serves as the code of conduct for the rest of the camp.

Over the course of 3 nights and 4 days, this year’s Summer Kamp will host activities like canoeing, survival challenges, swimming, field games, hiking, and a talent show.

Summer Kamp 2018 will also feature workshops hosted by prominent artists and organizers from Vancouver Filipino community including Carlo Sayo, who will be leading a workshop that prompts the kids to weave together personal and Philippine history; and Francis Arevalo, who will be leading the kampers through spoken word poetry writing and performing exercises.

Collectively, these collaborative activities and workshops are designed to help KAMP continue its efforts in nurturing meaningful relationships between youth.

Although the exciting festivities of Summer KAMP 2018 are about to kick off, the planning does not stop here. KAMP volunteers are already preparing for next year and are always accepting donations. Community support is ultimately what sustains KAMP’s programming.

If you, or someone you know, has any money to spare, visit KAMP’s website for more information:

https://www.kamp.education/summer/

Know someone who would be interested in the work KAMP does? Know someone who would like to volunteer? Spread the word!

You can email KAMP at info@kamp.education, or follow them on the following social media platforms:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KAMPeducation/

Instagram: @kamp_education