Camp Global began in 2020 as a method of maintaining connections in the age of Covid, and it was, without a doubt, a huge success. Still, Camp Global 2021 somehow turned out even better. With campers from seven countries and a reimagined curriculum, the camp became something completely new and different, creating a unique learning environment for campers and counselors alike. It ran for six weeks and met completely over Zoom, yet none of it seemed to lack despite being entirely virtual.
Gulf Coast Diplomacy partnered with American Corner Pristina and other international friends to recruit 56 high school-age students from many countries to participate in this year’s camp through its worldwide alumni network. In the end, students from Brazil, Gaza, India, Italy, Kosovo, Poland, and the USA joined our Zoom calls. Throughout the camp, they learned about environmental challenges and global issues. They created action plans to find a way to solve a problem in their communities and worked together to create a magazine and a skit exemplifying their learning over the six weeks. They grew in their knowledge of citizen diplomacy, cross-cultural communication, and much more through their work and learning together.
The counselors hired for Camp Global were either current college students or recently graduated from college. A week of training taught them what to expect in the weekly “campfire” meetings, gatherings where the campers attended workshops and speaking engagements. Counselors also learned how to facilitate discussions, lead movement activities to keep the blood flowing, and run cabin meetings, small meetings with a group of about six campers each. They put these new skills to use in regular facilitated discussions on everything from global warming and renewable energy to LGBTQ+ rights and the effects of the media on society. Counselors learned to maintain neutrality despite their own opinions on a given matter and how to encourage campers to think critically about why they hold their views. Like the campers, the counselors also grew in new and exciting ways over the course of the camp.
Overall, Camp Global ‘21 was without a doubt a success. It provided an opportunity for everyone involved to learn and expand their skills and knowledge. Campers made new connections around the world and skillfully collaborated in an intercultural environment. As we begin planning for Camp Global ‘22, we do so knowing that the framework we created provides opportunities for expansion to reach more students and build more bridges between communities and cultures.
-Katherine McCrackin, Camp Global ‘21 Head Counselor
