The YMCA of Pamunugama’s 50th Anniversary Children’s Camp, held from the 14th to the 17th of September 2024, was a heartwarming celebration themed “50 Years, Endless Smiles.” The camp welcomed 35 children, including students with disabilities from the Makalause Dream initiative, and was led by 15 youth volunteers from the local YMCA Youth Club.
The camp began with site preparations and learning the camp song and dance, which added to the vibrant atmosphere throughout the event. Participants worked together to prepare the campsite, fostering an inclusive environment where everyone was involved.
Sunday brought adventure with a mini-hike, where campers explored the surroundings by walking and taking a ride on a local fishing boat called a theppama. While the teams navigated the hike, the Makalause students enjoyed a swim at a nearby pool. Later, all campers took part in an environmental activity, collecting PET bottles on the beach as part of a beach cleanup.
Chores were a daily part of the camp, with the children taking responsibility for tasks such as garbage collection, kitchen and washroom cleaning, and producing a daily wall newspaper that showcased their creativity and reflections on camp life.
On the evening of the 16th, the campfire was a highlight, where four groups presented entertaining acts, including songs, skits, and performances, bringing everyone together in laughter and celebration.
Monday also featured a cultural exchange with the Trancend Group of Institution, an educational institute. They shared their Indian culture, while three Pamunugama youth highlighted aspects of Sri Lankan culture, such as food, art, and traditions from different ethnic and religious communities. Then a session on Kite Making was held as a preparation for the Kite Festival scheduled after the camp.
The camp ended with the children completing their handmade kites for the upcoming kite festival and cleaning up the campsite. The event was a beautiful testament to YMCA Pamunugama’s dedication to inclusion, teamwork, and community building, leaving behind countless smiles and lasting memories.
