After participating in the Youth Capacity Building Camp

-Reviews from two participants-

□ Gyu-Ryang KWON

Q1. First of all, can you tell us why you decided to join the camp?

I decided to participate because of the recommendation from those around me and the fond memories from last year participation. One of my teachers encouraged me to participate, that I should go and have some fund and spend quality time. Another reason is because I had such a great time last year joining the camp. After I quit school I ended up feeling quite depressed probably because I was having very little physical and social activities. Since I resolved these struggling by joining the camp last year and also had some good memory, I wanted to try again this year. I also found the new role supporters quite interesting, which was another reason why I applied. 

Q2. So how did the camp programs turn out to be?

I would like to talk about my experiences across four areas; Taekkyeon, psychotherapy, snack time, and outdoor exploration. 

First, Taekkyeon class enabled us to get rid of all the prejudices and misconceptions about the sports and experience our growing skills. I used to think that Taekkyeon wasn’t very vigorous and rather boring when it comes to actual combats. However after taking the class and watching the instructor’s demonstration, I knew that I was wrong. Also as my skill became better day by day, I became confident about myself. However I don’t think the sports was vigorous enough compared to Jiu-Jitsu last year so that part was a bit disappointing. 

Second, I loved the psychotherapy class so much I can’t emphasize it enough. I personally love drawing so I loved the session and experiencing new things such as flower arrangement and psychological assessments were amazing, and talking with the instructor was very enjoyable as well. After taking the classes I felt energized to go on and have a great day.

Third, snack time was the most enjoyable time for most of us. We were able to socialize and enjoy delicious new snacks every single time, so we always felt grateful. This is when we become closer to each other the most.

Forth, outdoor exploration was the session that we, the supporters, discussed and worked for the most so I know I will cherish the memory for the rest of my life. I personally believe that the spirit of teamwork and achievement we experienced altogether made me a better person than before. 

Q3. Can you tell us how the program has impacted you?

The two-month program filled me up with positive energy and gave me time to achieve personal growth, socialize with others, enjoy physical activities, and have fun. I know I will cherish the memory, which will boost me up whenever I need some energy as a face any challenges in the future. Even on the days when I felt negative emotions at the camp, I learned how to control my emotions and become the better version of myself, focusing on the positive aspect, and along the process I could become more confident about myself. The camp boosted me up with great energy such as sense of accomplishment and sense of joy, and I can feel that I became much stronger and confident than before. Such transformation continued even after I got back home. The best part is that now I have a lot of things to talk about with my mother. After I quit school, I didn’t have much to talk about with mom, but by talking about the topic we became more connected very naturally and I’m so happy that we talk to each other much often now. 

Q4. Can you tell us what you expected from the camp?

I wanted to have some good time, not by myself but altogether. That’s what I wanted the most. After I quit school, I felt like I was having a boring life, so I wanted to have some fun in the camp. I used to sometimes feel isolated or lonely while doing group activities in the past, so this time I really wanted to have fun together with everyone.

I know how it feels to be isolated, so as one of the supporters, I wanted to ensure that everyone is having as much fun as possible. I wanted to be help to others and create an atmosphere that everyone feels warmly invited and connected with others. Of course I know that it’s not always possible for everyone to have fun to the fullest, but at least, I wanted to make sure that nobody feels excluded but rather have the desire to ‘get connected closer’ with others, and when they look back at this moment in the future, to have a smile thanks to such a great memory.

□ Seung-a KIM

Q1. First of all, can you tell us why you decided to join the camp?

My teacher first told me about the camp, and when I found out about the detailed programs of the camp, I knew that I wanted to join. The best part was that I could try Taekkyeon and psychological activities. Since I never tried those activities before, I wanted to try even more. Usually I don’t go out for a lot of outdoor activities but rather prefer to stay home, so I didn’t want to miss this chance to meet different people and workout. And the fact that they give uniforms and bags for free was another reason I wanted to get in, to be honest.

Q2. So how did the camp programs turn out to be?

At first, I felt awkward and it wasn’t easy to open up and talk with new people, but after participating in the program about three times, we became close to each other and get along well. Also the teachers were so kind and helpful, making the process to adapt easier. I have so much to talk about the program contents. First, in the psychological activities, I learned how to cooperate with others and that it’s very important to cherish myself after doing exercises such as the enneagram , making compliment trees, and creating plaster hand mold. Since we were making things together, we became closer to each other. The next program was Taekkyeon; we experienced movements we never tried before such as Poombalgi (footsteps) and arm swings and I really enjoyed them. I was amazed that I was able to follow quite well even though I rarely workout. In overall, all the activities were helpful and great.

Q3. Can you tell us how the program has impacted you?

I gained so much from the UNESCO camp. Before joining the camp I was always a kid with low self-esteem and didn’t even have many friends. I used to hate to exercise, not to mention go out. However my experiences in the camp have transformed me; I became an outgoing person and made a lot of new friends. Now I know how to overcome challenges and move on, how to cooperate with others, and be kind to others. Before learning Taekkyeon, I never knew that working out could be fun, but now my perception about sports has totally changed. The psychological activities also enabled me to discover about myself better, that I have quite a lot of strengths. On top of everything, I became much more confident about myself. On our first day at the camp, the instructor told us that the goal of the camp was to enhance our resilience, I can feel that I have perfectly achieved the goal, so I feel truly grateful. Thanks to the camp and the programs, I can see that I had positive changes on my character and my mindset.

Q4. Can you tell us what you expected from the camp?

I wanted to try new activities that I hadn’t done before and develop my social skills. Also, since I never did any physical activities before, I hoped the activities would trigger my interest and zeal for working outs as well. And it turned out that I achieved everything that I wanted from the camp.

※ The views expressed in this article are those of  the participants.