Camp GLOW is COMING!

We are getting read for Camp GLOW coming up in December. Here is some information to give you a clearer picture. Also check out our website at: www.campglowuganda.yolasite.com

What is Camp GLOW (“Girls Leading Our World”)?
Camp GLOW is an initiative by the United States Peace Corps in Uganda. It started in the country of Romania in 1995. This camp, generally for all girls, focuses on empowerment activities including, but not limited to, health education, life skills, career goals, sports, creative arts and Ugandan women in leadership roles (business, government, etc). The activities will help the girls gain skills to lead a happy, healthy and successful life. This year is the first-ever Camp GLOW in Uganda. 100-150 girls will attend from all over the country. All the girls are between the ages of 13 and 15 and are either in primary school, secondary school or out-of-school in other programs. The camp will be run by Peace Corps Volunteers, along with Ugandan female community members, who will act as both counselors and camp staff during the week-long event. The girls have all been nominated by a local Peace Corps Volunteer, who they’ve probably had much contact with in the past 6-24 months. There will be no male counselors, only a few male Peace Corps Volunteers as staff to assist with the daily activities throughout the week.

When is Camp GLOW?
It will be held 5-11 December 2010. Everyone will arrive on the 5th and depart on the morning of the 11th.

Where will Camp GLOW be held?
Camp GLOW will be held in Wakiso District, in Kisubi Village off Entebbe Road. The camp will be held at St.Theresa Kisubi Girls Primary School. The school’s Head Teacher will be present, along with a security guard and the school nurse for the duration of the camp.

What are the costs for attending the camp?
Each girl will be responsible for paying 10,000 UGX towards their participation in this camp. All other costs will be covered by various private donors. She can obtain the necessary 10,000 UGX either from her family, school or from private businesses in your village/town that would like to support her. This 10,000 is so that every girl has an active investment in her participation in the camp. Transport costs will be paid for the girls.

How will the girls get to the camp?
There are 15 Peace Corps Volunteers (counselors) and Ugandan counterparts who will be traveling from all regions of Uganda. The girls will meet up with these counselors in a large town in your region. They will then travel together to Entebbe. This will all be arranged closer to December. The Volunteer will be in touch with all girls in her area and find a way to meet so the girls are not traveling alone. They Volunteers will also travel back with the girls after the camp has ended.

How is the camp organized?
All girls will be in groups of 10 with one Ugandan female counselor and one Peace Corps female counselor. These counselors will always be with the girls. The girls will move throughout the day in their groups to attend sessions on health education, HIV/AIDS, life skills, sports, arts and crafts and music, in addition to other topics. Each day there will also be a guest speaker (Ugandan) who will present to the girls and spend the day with them. Currently, we are expecting a business woman, a musician, a Member of Parliament and a university professor. These women will be role models for the girls, exemplifying that girls can do any career. Breakfast, morning tea, lunch and supper will be provided for all the girls.