(NMC-CREES) — An experience of a lifetime was crafted for Saipan’s youth as the first week-long session of the Juniors 4-H Camp Maga’lahi successfully wrapped up on June 21st. The session consisted of 94 campers ages 8 to 12, and 55 counselors ages 14 to 19 as they embarked on a multitude of fun activities from June 17 to 21 for the first session of the 10th annual 4-H Camp Maga’lahi, which was held at the Oleai Sports Complex in Susupe, Saipan.
Campers and camp counselors were empowered to become leaders in their communities through positive youth development during 4-H Camp Maga’lahi’s Session 1 for juniors.
Exploring Saipan's scenery, campers were treated to nature walks at Jeffrey's Beach and Paupau Beach, where the Bureau of Environmental and Coastal Quality-Division of Coastal Resources Management taught the campers on-site about the ocean, corals, local sea creatures, and the habitats in which they live. In collaboration with the Chamorro Council, campers and counselors participated in dedicated sessions on learning traditional fishing practices such as talaya throwing and cultural weaving. Campers also learned about slinging, traditional dancing, and blowing conch shells.
A mini-camp fair was held behind the main basketball court, where partners from the Commonwealth Healthcare Center’s Community Guidance Center, Division of Youth Services and Youth Affairs Office, Mariana Islands Nature Alliance, Kumoi Farms, NMC-CREES’ Nutrition & Health Program, NMC-CREES’ Agroforestry Program were able to teach campers a variety of practical skills and knowledge such as healthy eating habits, environmental stewardship, the importance of mental health, and sustainable farming practices.
Campers also had the opportunity to participate in a hands-on soccer demo at the NMC Soccer Training Center in Koblerville. While there, campers and counselors were guided by the Northern Mariana Islands Football Association on how to properly play soccer, strengthening their teamwork skills.
By the end of Session 1, excitement filled the air as campers prepared to race with a Proa Derby, sailing boats made from reused cardboard in a timed contest of speed, durability, and distance. The final day of camp concluded with an award ceremony, where campers and counselors were recognized and awarded for their hard work.
A parent of a camper who showed her continuous support said, “I love Camp Maga'lahi. It helps my child branch out of his comfort zone and experience new things. My son has attended Camp Maga'lahi since he was 5.”
A counselor shared how the camp helped her feel more comfortable, expressed, “I learned that I could talk to a big crowd without being so scared, it just came with a lot of practice and it really helped me overcome my fear. And I also learned that I could be patient.”
“We are blessed in our islands to have such strong leadership through 4-H Marianas and the Family, Community, and Youth Development team. Hearing our youth share their stories of personal growth further demonstrates the impact that Camp Maga’lahi continues to have on its participants,” stated CREES Interim Dean Patty Coleman.
4-H Camp Maga’lahi is conducted in partnership with the Northern Marianas College Cooperative, Research, Extension, and Education Services Family, Community and Youth Development program.
The Saipan Juniors Session 2 will be held from July 22 to 26, with the final Saipan Cloverbuds Sessions being held from July 29 to August 2, 2024. Tinian’s session will be held from July 8 to 12, 2024, with Rota’s session being held from July 15 to 19, 2024.
For more information, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it./.