Between 11th and 12th October, about 20 youths participated in an autumn edition of Kamp Kemmuna! The experience combined activities to connect with nature and each other, imagination, and fun, all within the beautiful peaceful setting of Comino.
The camp took place at Comino’s Old Bakery which was the island’s community bakery before it was depopulated in the 20th century. The site is now being slowly and lovingly restored by FoEM into an environmental centre showcasing the island’s ecology and history.
Youths at the camp participated in variety of activities. These included a sunset walk where they learnt about the island’s ecology, and a stargazing session where they learnt about planets, constellations, and the effects of light pollution on the night sky, biodiversity and people. Both of these activities were led by environmental educator and Friends of the Earth Malta Director Martin Galea de Giovanni.
As part of sunset walk and stargazing, youths were introduced to equipment acquired through the National STEM Community Fund, including the telescope used during the stargazing session and several wildlife cameras which were installed on the site.
Youths also enjoyed pizza by our in-house pizzaiolo and Environmental Facilities Coordinator Michelangelo, as well as enjoyed some free time to explore the island on their own. Together, they also prepared a delicious vegan Thai yellow curry to eat on Sunday.
On Sunday, they did morning yoga and then had the opportunity to contribute to the future of the Comino bakery through a creative workshop. During the workshop, they reimagined the bakery as an environmental centre which would exhibit the island’s ecology and the site’s history. The workshop’s winning team won a €300 voucher. This last activity took place as part of FoEM’s project Youth Policy Academy, which aims to encourage active citizenship among youths and promote their participation in democratic life. Through this activity, youths thus had the opportunity to contribute ideas that will go towards the restoration of this unique site.
The camp concluded with a journaling session where participants reflected on their experiences at the camp as well as some exercises to promote emotional wellbeing. Together, these activities contributed to a restful and sociable retreat away from the demands, noise and pressures of urban life.
Keep an eye out for the next edition of the camp!
Kamp Kemmuna Edizzjoni Ħarifa was made possible through the support of Atlas Insurance.