In an engaging initiative to ignite creativity and cultural awareness among children, “Bayt Al Hikma” in Sharjah recently wrapped up its summer camp titled “A Ticket Around the World.” The programme offered a unique blend of educational and recreational activities, immersing young participants in arts and crafts, traditional games, cooking, storytelling, and dynamic activities aimed at introducing them to a variety of world cultures in an interactive, experiential manner.
Inspired by a Global Journey
The camp drew inspiration from the book “A Ticket Around the World,” which narrates the adventure of a child travelling across continents, allowing readers to explore the diverse environments, customs, languages, cuisines, geography, wildlife, and iconic landmarks of various countries. This influence was clearly reflected in the camp’s design, transforming reading into a vibrant, lived experience for the children.
An Immersive Travel Experience
Structured like a comprehensive travel itinerary, each day began at a mini airport where children received a travel bag, passport, boarding card, ticket, and symbolic currency. They then journeyed through various stations, which included an interactive world map, a photo and costume corner, a souvenir market, a post office for writing postcards, a cultural discovery area, and an arts and crafts studio.
Cultural Exploration Across Eight Countries
Each day’s adventure centred on a different country, culminating in the stamping of children’s passports as they learned about the designated nation. Activities included engaging workshops, cultural sessions, and interactive quizzes designed to deepen their understanding of the information gathered during their journey. The participating countries were Peru, Madagascar, Indonesia, Colombia, Turkey, Ethiopia, Germany, and Palestine, allowing children to experience a rich tapestry of global cultures. Highlights included crafting masks inspired by Madagascar’s wildlife, making traditional Balinese kites, creating Turkish mosaic lanterns, and engaging in Palestinian embroidery art, alongside cooking, dancing, and playing local games.
Fostering Knowledge and Creativity
This camp is a part of Bayt Al Hikma’s ongoing efforts to provide summer programmes that seamlessly blend knowledge and entertainment. By offering innovative educational experiences, it not only fosters creativity but also enhances cultural awareness in children, encouraging them to explore the world and appreciate its diverse civilisations and traditions.