SIPA’s Summer Camp Provides Culturally Relevant Programming to HiFi
SIPA’s Filipino Summer Program provides programming that educates and engages youth in Filipino culture. Every day of SIPA’s Filipino Summer Program will touch on different aspects of the Filipino culture and instill a sense of pride and curiosity for Filipino culture. During this program, youth will be delving into topics of Filipino Food, Filipino Dance, Filipino Music, Filipino Language, and Filipino Arts. A range of facilitators and external partners lead these workshops and activities. Each day explores different themes and activities:
Day 1: History + Identity
Day one of the program is intended to provide foundational knowledge surrounding Filipino and Filipino-American history. Youth will gain an understanding of how these historical events and figures impact the society we live in today. Additionally, youth will have a better sense of their identity, increase their self-esteem as a youth of color, and expand their sense of community.
Day 2: Language & Storytelling
Day two of the program is intended to teach youth about Filipino languages and the art of storytelling. Youth will learn about how there are multiple languages in the Philippines, the different influences of each one, and why it’s important to acknowledge all of them and not only the popular ones. Youth will learn about the importance of storytelling in the Philippines and how the art of storytelling shows up in their everyday lives. Through these activities, youth will gain a deeper understanding of their culture, practice storytelling, and strengthen their relationships with one another through group bonding activities.
Day 3: Food
Day three is intended to expose youth to the different flavors of the Philippines and learn about the various influences on Philippines’ traditional foods. Youth will learn about how neighboring countries, colonization, and globalization have influenced the foods present in the Philippines and in Filipino-American communities. Additionally, youth will learn how to make a Filipino meal. This day will help increase their confidence in their racial identity as well as building a sense of community through food.
Day 4: Dance & Music
Day four is intended to introduce youth to traditional Filipino dances and music in educational and interactive activities. Youth will learn about the historical and cultural significances of these dances and musical instruments. This will allow youth to be more immersed in Filipino culture and have a greater understanding of their Filipino-American identity.
Day 5: Arts & Crafts
This day is intended to allow participants to learn about traditional and modern Filipino arts. This will allow youth to creatively express themselves, their identities, and their culture to have a deeper understanding of Filipino arts.
Day 6: Showcase!
This day is intended to celebrate the end of the Filipino Summer Program and allow the youth to rest and play. Youth will learn about Barrio Fiestas and how celebrations occur in the Philippines. They will be able to strengthen their bonds with the other youth they became friends with and put on a show for their families and friends. The showcase will consist of all they’ve learned at camp and allows them to build their confidence.
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