Healing in the Highland Youth Camp

Healing in the Highland: A Transformative Youth Camp by Shad Foundation

Recently, Shad Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to the development and empowerment of youth in Chitral, organized a summer youth camp titled “Healing in the Highland” in Chapali, Upper Chitral, Pakistan. Spearheaded by Shad Zareen, Founder and CEO of Shad Foundation, the camp aimed to address critical issues such as mental health, addiction prevention, and the positive use of technology. The camp was a groundbreaking initiative that sought to foster holistic well-being, educational enrichment, and personal growth among the youth of Chitral.

Camp Overview and Objectives

The “Healing in the Highland” youth camp was designed to create a safe and supportive environment where young individuals could explore ways to avoid harmful addictions, promote mental health, and leverage technology constructively. The key objectives of the camp were:

1. Raising awareness and providing support for mental health among the youth.
2. Equipping participants with essential life skills and knowledge.
3. Encouraging healthy lifestyles and habits.
4. Offering career guidance and educational opportunities.

Camp Activities

The camp was thoughtfully structured to include a variety of activities that catered to both educational and recreational needs. Each session was meticulously planned to maximize learning and engagement.

Day Schedule and Activities

The day schedule of the camp, which took place from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, featured a range of sessions and activities, including exercises, mental health workshops, career guidance, community service, sports, and cultural engagement.

• Morning Exercise, Energizer, and Yoga (9:00 AM – 9:45 AM): The day began with an energizing session of exercise and yoga led by Fahim and Parivash. This session was designed to promote physical well-being, mindfulness, and relaxation among the participants, setting a positive tone for the day ahead.
• Mental Health and Life Skills Sessions (9:45 AM – 11:00 AM & 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM): Led by Mazhar, Afaq, Parivash, and Shahzadi, these sessions focused on enhancing mental health awareness and building essential life skills. The sessions were interactive, incorporating discussions and activities such as Mandela art, which helped participants express their emotions and thoughts creatively. The groups were divided into smaller units to ensure personalized attention and effective engagement.
• Guest Speaker Session (11:00 AM – 11:30 AM): This session featured a guest speaker who shared valuable insights and experiences with the participants, inspiring them to pursue their goals with determination and focus.
• Career Stall (12:30 PM – 1:00 PM): Organized by Kashif, this session provided participants with information about various career paths, exams, and educational institutions. It was an excellent opportunity for the youth to gain clarity on their future aspirations and the steps needed to achieve them.
• Lunch Break (1:00 PM – 2:00 PM): Participants enjoyed a well-deserved break for lunch, providing them with time to relax, socialize, and reflect on the morning sessions.
• Community Service (2:00 PM – 3:00 PM): Facilitated by Mehrosh Akhtar, this activity emphasized the importance of giving back to the community. It provided participants with a sense of responsibility and the value of contributing to societal well-being.
• Sports (3:00 PM – 4:15 PM): Led by Fahim, the sports session aimed to promote teamwork, leadership, and physical fitness among participants. The activities were designed to be fun and engaging, fostering a sense of camaraderie and healthy competition.
• Diversity Shaam (4:15 PM – 5:00 PM): Conducted by Mazhar, this session celebrated the rich cultural diversity of Chitral. It provided a platform for participants to express themselves through music, dance, and storytelling, creating a vibrant and inclusive environment.

Key Sessions: Empowering Youth Through Technology

One of the most impactful sessions of the camp was “Harnessing the Power of Technology,” delivered by a team member. This session focused on the rapid advancements in technology and how the youth can use these changes to their advantage. The session encouraged participants to think critically about the role of technology in their lives, how it can be harnessed for personal and professional growth, and the importance of maintaining a healthy balance to avoid digital addiction.

Leadership and Coordination

The success of the camp was largely due to the exceptional leadership and coordination of the organizing team. Kashif Ali served as the Lead Organizer, ensuring that all activities were conducted smoothly and efficiently. His commitment to creating a meaningful experience for the participants was evident in the seamless execution of the camp.

Outcomes and Impact

The “Healing in the Highland” camp achieved significant outcomes, including:

1. Raised Awareness about Mental Health and Wellness: The camp successfully created a safe space for participants to discuss mental health issues openly, reducing the stigma associated with these topics.
2. Equipped Youth with Essential Life Skills and Knowledge: Through interactive sessions, the participants gained valuable skills that will help them navigate various life challenges.
3. Provided Career Guidance and Educational Resources: The career stall and expert talks empowered the youth to make informed decisions about their futures.
4. Fostered a Supportive Community: The camp brought together youth from diverse backgrounds, fostering a sense of belonging and community.

Conclusion

The “Healing in the Highland” youth camp by Shad Foundation demonstrated a strong commitment to empowering the youth of Chapali, Upper Chitral. By addressing pressing issues such as mental health, addiction prevention, and the responsible use of technology, the camp laid the foundation for a brighter and healthier future for the young participants.

A big thank you to Shad Foundation for their dedication to supporting the youth of Chitral. Here’s to many more such initiatives that will continue to empower our future leaders!

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