Nearly two dozen kids arrived at the Port Alberni Friendship Center on July 14 to take part in the opening day of Oowatin Summer Day Camp.
Led by PAFC Youth & Cultural Support Worker Darlene Leonew and summer student workers, Oowatin Summer Day Camp is held three days a week from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
While there, children ages 6 to 10 may take part in arts and crafts activities, games and local field trips.
There will be a cultural component to the summer camp as children will hear stories from invited first nation elders.
Leonew said the cultural camp, they call Chamaapii (meaning being in balance), will take place over two weeks this summer.
“It will give the kids an opportunity to gain cultural knowledge through traditional teachings from elders in a natural setting,” Leonew said, adding that the cultural camp will take place at Arrowvale Campgrounds in Port Alberni.
During the camping trip kids will be allowed to go berry picking and will learn about traditional medicine. In addition, they will learn how to prepare fish and will play games like lahal. They will take part in crafting activities and will take part in sacred circles, where they will be able to share their feelings in a safe, supportive place.
Some camping equipment is supplied. Parents will be given a list of items their children should take with them on the camping trip.
“We will wind up summer camp with a barbecue on Aug. 29,” Leonew said.
The camp is free.
Parents may register their children at the Port Alberni Friendship Centre.
For more information contact Leonew at 250-723-8281 or email her at dleonew@pafriendshipcenter.com.
