Youth Camp Fun

At Ziyada, we believe that every individual, regardless of their background, deserves to be cherished and valued. In pursuit of this mission, we organize an annual summer camp for the elementary and junior high aged children of our artisans every summer break. This year’s youth camp was a blast! Camp is much more than just a few days of fun and games; it is a transformative experience designed to uplift and empower these young souls, ensuring they know their worth and potential.

The Ziyada Summer Camp Experience

Our summer camp was a fun blend of songs, games, crafts, and teachings. We wanted to create an environment where every child felt loved, nurtured, and celebrated. Through engaging activities, we aimed to instill in them a strong sense of self-worth, confidence, and resilience.

Songs and Games: Music has the power to touch hearts and bring people together. Our campers joyfully sang and danced to inspiring tunes that encouraged unity, love and hope. Games were carefully curated to promote teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership skills, fostering a positive and supportive atmosphere.

Crafts: Our artisans’ children are talented young artists in their own right. We encouraged their creativity through various crafting activities, where they had the freedom to express themselves and showcase their unique skills. These crafts were not just about creating beautiful artwork; they were symbolic of the beauty within each child, waiting to be discovered and nurtured.

Teaching: Empowering youth goes beyond providing entertainment; it requires imparting knowledge and insights that shape their values and character. A team of volunteers joined together to provide meaningful, relevant sessions. This year, it was so exciting to have one of our own artisans, Anupama, leading and teaching. She is a gifted teacher, and her love for children was so evident in her teaching. Anjali, the eldest daughter of another Ziyada artisan, also played a huge role in this years camp by mentoring and encouraging the younger campers! It has been so fun to see her blossom into a confident young woman and leader over the years and was a double blessings to see her in action at our camp this year!

The Importance of Investing in Youth

The significance of investing in youth, particularly those from underserved and underprivileged communities, cannot be overstated. These children often face numerous challenges, such as limited access to education and opportunities, violence, and a shortage of resources. Such circumstances can lead to feelings of hopelessness and a lack of belief in their potential.

By organizing the summer camp, we aimed to break these barriers and plant seeds of hope and inspiration in their hearts. Here are a few reasons why investing in such youth is crucial:

1. Breaking Cycles of Poverty: Empowering youth with knowledge, skills, and confidence helps break the cycle of poverty. When young people from underserved communities believe in themselves, they can pave the way for a brighter future for themselves and their families.

2. Building Resilience: Life’s challenges can be daunting. By investing in youth, we nurture resilience and equip them with the tools to overcome obstacles, ensuring they emerge stronger and more determined.

3. Creating Role Models: Empowered youth can become role models for their peers and future generations. By showing the potential for success, they inspire others to believe in themselves and pursue their dreams.

4. Fostering Community Growth: Empowered youth contribute positively to their communities, driving growth, and progress. When they are given the opportunity to shine, they can become agents of positive change.

The summer camp at Ziyada was a journey of love, encouragement, and transformation for the children of our artisans. We firmly believe that investing in youth, especially those from underserved and underprivileged communities, is an investment in the future of our society. As they grow to know their worth and value, we are confident they will go on to positively impact their families, communities, and the world at large. At Ziyada, we are committed to empowering these young hearts and fostering a brighter and more inclusive future for all!