A total of 49 youth campers on Rota had the opportunity to experience an abundance of educational activities – ranging from environmental presentations to cultural enrichment activities – through the 4-H Marianas’ annual Camp Maga’lahi.
The session was held at the Tun Kindu’ Baseball Field from June 26 to June 30 through the Family, Community, and Youth Development program (FCYD) under the Northern Marianas College's Cooperative Research, Extension, and Education Services (NMC CREES).
This year, Rota’s 4-H Camp Maga’lahi accommodated 21 camp counselors who underwent counseling training sessions from June 21 to June 23 in order to prepare them for camp.
Various activities were conducted for the campers and counselors, including a class from the Division of Community and Cultural Affairs (DCCA) Arts Division on weaving traditional headbands, a presentation from the Historic Preservation Office (HPO) on history through presented artifacts, education on marine debris by Bureau of Environmental Coastal Quality (BECQ), and a presentation on the coconut rhinoceros beetle, green sea turtle, and fruit bat from the Division of Fish and Wildlife under the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR).
Additionally, physical activities such as capture the flag and kickball were held for campers and counselors to enjoy.
The Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services (DFEMS) remained on standby for the safety of all camp participants.
“For me, I believe camp is a great opportunity for our campers and counselors to express themselves by socializing with their peers while having fun”, said NMC CREES Rota Extension Aide Tonica Barcinas. “I also believe that for the counselors it’s an opportunity to gain skills and apply their counselors training on the field. They get to learn and develop communication skills, carry on responsibility and demonstrate leadership skills while working alongside with adults and peers.”
A father of one of the 4-H campers expressed his admiration for the program and the opportunities it gives the youth. “It’s very exciting for the kids. It gives them an opportunity to come in, and socialize with their friends and learn something new”, he said.
NMC would like to extend their gratitude to all collaborators in the community who have assisted in making this year’s Rota 4-H Camp Maga’lahi a success. Key stakeholders include the 19th Rota Municipal Council, Rota Mayor's Office and Staff, Senator Dennis Mendiola and Family, Representative Julie Ogo, and all participating government agencies.