Under the creative and knowledge-filled atmosphere of the Sharjah public libraries, the “المخيم الصيفي 2025” is set to take place from August 4 to 7. This initiative invites children and adolescents to participate across all library branches in the emirate, embodying the theme “رحلة في عالم القصص.” This program beautifully combines literary enjoyment with an interactive experience aimed at nurturing a love for reading while developing essential life and creative skills in younger generations.
The summer camp offers a comprehensive reading experience that highlights a chosen story in each library, explored in depth over the course of four consecutive days. The program features two carefully designed daily activities that are directly linked to elements of the story, including characters, plot, events, places, and values. Participants can expect a variety of artistic activities, theatrical performances, mental games, and interactive educational workshops that ignite their imagination and enhance their expressive abilities. This innovative approach connects literature with reality in an enjoyable manner.
The “المخيم الصيفي 2025” spans all branches of the Sharjah public libraries, with programs tailored to meet the needs and interests of different age groups. Libraries in Sharjah, Kalba, and Wadi Al-Helo cater to adolescents and youth aged 14 to 18, while the libraries in Al-Dhaid, Khor Fakkan, and Dibba Al-Hisn welcome slightly younger participants aged 6 to 13 years. This broad accessibility helps ensure that all children and youth can engage in this enriching experience.
The summer camp’s program focuses on achieving a set of holistic educational objectives, primarily promoting a love for reading and literary exploration among children and adolescents. It also aims to integrate essential life skills within an interactive storytelling context. Furthermore, the program aspires to cultivate creativity and expressive capabilities while promoting sustainability by utilizing recycled materials in some activities. It is designed to provide quality content that allows children to “live within the story,” engaging them with literary values and themes in a motivating and enjoyable environment.
At the Sharjah public library, adolescents dive into a literary adventure with the story of “Robin Hood.” Here, they partake in activities such as retelling the story from a different perspective, putting a character on trial, recording an analytical podcast, and organizing intellectual debates, all aimed at enhancing their research, presentation, and teamwork skills.
Meanwhile, the library in Al-Dhaid offers children a rich maritime heritage adventure with “Dana’s Journey.” Activities include crafting pearls, engaging with a traditional sea captain, and singing sea shanties. Participants can also watch a film about past marine life and explore character connections from the story, as well as produce a short play based on “The Pearl Merchant,” where children contribute to the script and enact its events.
Kalba Library celebrates the realm of pirates through the tale “Pirate’s Treasure,” where participants create their own flags and compasses and design a treasure map along with a mysterious pirate mask. In Khor Fakkan, adventures abound with “Bojy,” featuring theatrical storytelling and creative writing exercises. Dibba Al-Hisn Library presents the UAE folktale “Shanq Bin Anq,” connecting children to nature and mountain values through their activities, while Wadi Al-Helo focuses on creativity and innovation with “Hamdan’s Adventures,” teaching participants skills in drawing, writing, music, and sustainable thinking.
Importantly, the program is offered free of charge to all participants, although space is limited, making early registration crucial for those eager to join this reading journey filled with imagination and learning.
The Sharjah libraries encourage parents to register their children for the summer camp, which provides a fun-filled time during the school break while honing children’s talents and boosting their self-confidence. This initiative opens new avenues for learning through storytelling, art, theater, and collective interaction, ensuring a memorable experience for all involved.