Many refugee families come from countries where schools are very different than the United States. Their learning may have taken place in a camp rather than a structured classroom. To help ease the transition, Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas hosts its annual Refugee School Impact (RSI) Summer Camp every July.
The primary goal of the RSI summer camp is to help newly arrived refugee children, who have not yet enrolled in school acclimate to their new environment by adjusting to the routines and expectations of the American school system. The camp aims to prepare them for the upcoming school year by introducing them to classroom rules and routines, as well as other children who are going through a similar experience.
“This year’s camp featured a variety of activities, including soccer and science workshops, arts and crafts and English Language Learning (ELL) opportunities,” said DeOnna Mainard, RSI Specialist.
The activities served to entertain, but also provide education. In addition, the camp included team-building exercises, helping children from different cultural backgrounds bond and support one another.
“Despite language barriers, the children found ways to communicate. It was so cute to see them work together,” added Ursula Carrillo, RSI Coordinator.
The children appreciated the opportunity to engage in summertime activities and make new friends. “By the end of the week, many students expressed that they wanted the camp to go on for another week,” noted Carrillo.
Next summer the RSI program aims to expand the camp’s offerings, including more outdoor activities and implementing ELL classroom sessions that provide students a preview of what to expect once in school. Before the school year begins, the students’ parents will participate in an orientation where they will be able to enroll their child in school and learn how to prepare their children for the first day of school.
Click here to learn more about the RSI Program for children and adults. Those interested in helping out with next year’s camp can assist RSI staff by volunteering as classroom aides and drivers. High school students seeking service hours are also encouraged to participate. A Sign-Up Genius link will be available before the program starts.
