Help Traumatized Palestinian Children

Do you remember summer camp? For Wendy the memories are of rainy days, mosquitos, and braiding lanyards. For Matthew it was zip-lines, campfire stories, and swimming in the lake.

Palestinian children rarely have carefree days away from the tension that surrounds their families and communities. Every year the Spafford Children’s Center hosts a summer camp to give children an opportunity put stress to the side and enjoy seeing and learning new things. This is a gift from our donors to vulnerable children. Many SCC campers have experienced trauma, may struggle to learn, and are part of families that often face financial and other strains, so summer camp is an opportunity to experience things their families cannot afford.

The three-week summer camp at the SCC this year gave 55 Palestinian children, and their 14 youth mentors, a wealth of new experiences. The chance to explore museums and archeological sites in the incredible city of Jerusalem and experience horseback riding in Ramallah in the West Bank were beyond their normal activities. Palestinian children have seen, and feared police horses, but rarely have they stroked the soft noses of horses or sat astride on their massive backs. The children squealed with delight with each new experience.

The Terra Sancta Museum introduced the children to artifacts from the Herodian era, a cistern from the Byzantine period, and rooms from the time of the Crusaders. On another day the children visited the Dar al-Consul complex with newly renovated Byzantine and Roman structures. The campers learned about the history that is under their feet every day as they walk the Old City of Jerusalem.

When at the SCC the campers played water games, a welcome relief on hot Jerusalem days. In teams they carried plastic cups of water to fill up a bucket. The winners were wet and happy. There was also tug-of-war and running games. Others days they were inside for art projects on the cool floors of the SCC.

Your donations make possible summer camp, the regular occupational and speech therapy sessions, and the intensive summer courses in Arabic, English, and math. Please continue to give as generously as you can to the American Friends of the Spafford Children's Center on GlobalGiving.

Best wishes,

Each woman was given a lump of clay. The resident and visiting art teachers at the Spafford Children's Center showed the women tools for working with clay—rolling pins, knives, brushes, water, wooden sticks, and paints. With hands covered with moist clay each woman expressed her own vision. They fashioned bowls, a bird cut from flattened clay, painted ornaments, and pieces inspired by their day at a local museum that displays Jerusalem antiquities.

On another day at the Spafford Children's Center, youth worked with the psychodrama coach to write and perform skits on “borders”. These youth live with the Israeli wall that separates them from family and friends in the West Bank and with restrictions on freedom of movement in their neighborhoods. They experience limitations in their daily lives regarding where they can go, who they can visit, and where they will be safe. Acting out these “borders” helps to differentiate internal and external borders and gives the youth the opportunity to share their experiences and celebrate their capacities.

Each day at the SCC there are creative outlets that encourage children, teens, and parents to explore their gifts. For example, dance brings a smile to the faces of young girls who move freely and find the rhythm of the music with their feet and hands. And for mothers who never had the opportunity to work with paints and clay and teens who act out their frustrations and ambitions.

At the SCC a wholistic approach to children and families has been a driving force for decades. Now more than ever it is important to help Palestinians see a future in which their potential is celebrated.

Please support the American Friends of the Spafford Children’s Center (AFSCC) and your donation will help Palestinian children and families receive the educational, therapeutic, and recreational services they need.

With thanks,