Summer in the NADI Youth Club was non-stop fun. And there was something for everyone. The teens, for example, enjoyed art sessions, breakdance lessons and cooking classes. Each young person found an outlet for their creativity through these sessions, and they were encouraged to feel empowered through their skills, talents and passions. Special art sessions included one working with natural clay and another creating graffiti on a wall.
The breakdance workshop, led by an outside teacher, was a special highlight, in which even novice dancers got swept up in the fun and enthusiasm.
The younger NADI kids have creative Fridays, every other week. In addition to drawing and painting, there is story-telling, crafts and more. When the weather permits, these creative sessions take place outdoors in nature, led by art teacher Ruba Hamdan.
Before the Eid al Adha holiday in June, the kids had a day of paintball by the pool, followed by a baking lesson featuring the traditional Palestinian manakish and the less traditional pizza.
There were also field trips and pool parties with parents that were enjoyed by all. These parties included pool volleyball and a family pool party which the hotel generously catered with felafel. This second party lasted into the nighttime, and the families joined in a magical night swim.
NADI kids excel
Sports are also an important part of the NADI plan, and soccer is especially popular. The NADI boys’ soccer team emerged victorious in their recent match against Abu-Gosh youth. The kids’ dedication to soccer, evident through their commitment and regular practice three times a week with Nur’s husband, who volunteered to coach the team, played a significant role in securing this impressive win.
Nine teens from the NADI Youth Club were chosen to attend a prestigious three-week international science summer camp at the University of California, Santa Cruz. This group met with Nur before they left, and were accompanied for the first ten days by Demah Jabarin Masala. They even gave a presentation on Wahat al-Salam, Neve Shalom, explaining their village to kids from around the world. But the camp was an intensive experience, giving the kids a chance to experience lab work and scientific research. They came back with new experiences to relate and new enthusiasm for science studies.
The final event of the summer season was a juggling workshop with the NADI youth and their families. They got to see professional jugglers and they try juggling themselves. Food for the party was provided by the guesthouse.
