JERUSALEM, June 20, 2012 (WAFA) - American Consul General Daniel Rubinstein met Tuesday with a number of participants at Camp Discovery at the boys’ school in Qalandia refugee camp where he and AMIDEAST president Theodore Kattouf observed scientific experiments and art work created by the participants, according to a press release sent Wednesday.
For the sixth consecutive year, with funding from the U.S. Consulate General in Jerusalem and in partnership with United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), AMIDEAST has implemented “Camp Discovery” –a multi-faceted summer camp experience benefitting 630 Palestinian youth aged 8–14 from refugee camps and other communities in the Gaza Strip, the West Bank and East Jerusalem.
Camp Discovery provides a summer camp experience that encourages youth to discover new knowledge, skills, and experiences, said the release.
Rubinstein and Kattouf met with 90 youth who were nominated by UNRWA and selected by AMIDEAST to participate in Camp Discovery based on their academic performance. Camp participants will participate in a 13-day program focusing on English language learning, artistic self-expression, and scientific discovery.
During their visit, the two US officials observed scientific experiments and viewed art work created by camp participants. These activities, all conducted in English, encourage the students to think independently, to solve problems, and to develop a love of learning, said the press release.
Rubinstein commended AMIDEAST, UNRWA, camp instructors and participants for dedicating themselves to the success of Camp Discovery.
'I have been impressed by what I have seen here today at Camp Discovery. You are accomplishing amazing things –teachers are making learning fun, and students are feeling the excitement that comes from the discovery of new forms of knowledge,” he said.
Kattouf said, 'We look forward to providing a positive summer experience that is both fun and helps young boys and girls discover new ways of self-expression through English language learning, art, drama, scientific inquiry, team-building, and community service.'
Camp Discovery is among the many programs sponsored by the U.S. Consulate General throughout the year in the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip, which promote dialogue and mutual understanding.
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