2009 Programs and Events
Camp Discovery Nablus Dazzles Audience With an Unforgettable Finale
Ninety Palestinian kids from two refugee camps in the Nablus area participated in a number of short plays, skits, and musical performances to mark the final day of Camp Discovery Nablus. Each performance was conducted entirely in English, and embodied the themes of friendship, cooperation, and hope for a brighter future. Four young boys played the roles of Palestinians and Texans – and how a chance encounter between two cultures could result in a lasting friendship built on understanding and cooperation. There was also a poetry reading by a young Palestinian girl – a moving interpretation of Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have A Dream” speech, adapted to reflect the struggle of the Palestinian people. The poem detailed the daily hardships faced by Palestinians, yet expressed an optimism for a life filled with peace and freedom. Skits also focused on the value of learning English. Once the performances ended, Cultural Affairs Officer Cynthia Harvey participated in a ribbon-cutting for the arts & crafts exhibitions, in which camp-goers created art and conducted science experiments utilizing recycled materials. Experiments demonstrated how air-conditioning works, how elevators operate, and even included a submarine made from old, plastic soda bottles. Kids, family and faculty all expressed the desire and hope that another summer of Camp Discovery continues in their community.
