G.O.D.'s Camp Skillz Brings Cultural Awareness to Kids

G.O.D. International’s Camp Skillz Increases Kids’ Cultural Awareness

This summer Camp Skillz is being offered to over 80 kids for four weeks. Each week centers around a theme and country.

1. Session 1: Creative_India

2. Session 2: Adventure_East Africa

3. Session 3: Active_Latin America

4. Session 4: Innovative_South East Asia

Why the international themes? Children notice differences in race, ability, family composition and a multitude of other factors. Their questions are attempts to make sense of those observations so they can make sense of their own world. Research indicates that taking part in culturally diverse activities is one of the best ways kids learn to appreciate those differences. Last week during our ‘Creative’ session, campers were invited into the world of Indian culture to find their inner artist!

GOD International’s WorkWell, a youth employment program, provides youth with summer work opportunities—often their first job. Pictured are two of WorkWell’s youth leading the campers in a Bollywood dance. The youth from the WorkWell program are helping to both create and facilitate some of the activities happening at Camp Skillz this summer.

Bollywood Dance: Exploring Eastern Culture Through Movement

First stop was the Bollywood Room, to learn India’s traditional dance. This choreographed dance from India uses hand movements that act as a form of sign language to tell a story or demonstrate themes such as weather, animals or places. Campers came to appreciate both the cultural dance and learning about the roles it plays in society.

Mandala: A Calming Indian Art Form

At their art activity campers created Mandalas, which traditionally encourage introspection and peace of mind. During this time campers relaxed through calm breathing and visualization. In contrast to the busy pace of a normal camp day, they enjoyed a moment of concentration while crafting their art pieces.

Campers and camp counselors got creative by using different ‘everyday’ items and making props with recycled materials to delineate what role each camper played in the chess game.

Life-Sized Chess: Learning Strategy and Team Dynamic

In Chess Dodgeball, facilitators nuanced a typically individual game to now emphasize teamwork. Campers used chess strategy, trivia, dodgeball skills and worked hard to stay unified as a team in order to try and eliminate the king from the other team.

Campers Learn How to Play Cricket-a Well-known Sport Around the World

Cricket in India is as popular as Football in America. Campers got to try their hand at this communal game, which requires patience and precision. They are ready to connect with anyone they might meet who loves this international sport!

Kids learn to make a beverage that invites conversations with friends

Food brings people together. It provides a moment to share nourishment and conversation. Campers practiced making Masala Chai (spiced tea) which is a favorite beverage in India. They learned how Chai tea stalls are found on almost every street corner in India. And how, like cafés, these stalls are nooks for socialization, where people of all ages and backgrounds can be found discussing news, politics, sports, personal dilemmas or even just the weather. Campers implemented this value of the culture of India to pause and enjoy each other's company over a cup of chai.

At the end of the week, it is evident that Camp Skillz is holding to its mission “Providing a fun environment where kids acquire new skills, make friends, and feel valued for who they are!” They are also venturing out by learning to value people and cultures that differ from their own.

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Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. -Proverbs 22:6