Last week, UWC Costa Rica hosted the vibrant Community Day Camp, an event led by the Residential Life Program designed to foster a strong sense of belonging and connection among our students and staff.
Through engaging activities, participants had the opportunity to explore their identities, learn from one another, and strengthen the bonds that define our community.
The day kicked off with a “big to small groups” activity, where students were grouped by region and tasked with creating a group poster and dancing to a custom playlist. This exercise served as a fun and interactive way for students to connect with peers from different backgrounds and build a sense of camaraderie.
Next, students were divided into smaller groups led by mentors. Within these groups, participants engaged in various bonding activities, including icebreakers, shared stories, and creative challenges. These intimate interactions provided a space for students to get to know each other on a deeper level and develop lasting friendships.
Students were invited to write poems about themselves to encourage self-expression and cultural exchange. The only requirement was that the poems begin with the phrase “I am from…” Participants were encouraged to write in their native languages and share their unique perspectives. Several students bravely volunteered to read their poems aloud to the group, creating a powerful and moving atmosphere.
The day also featured a series of cultural performances by staff members from different areas of the college. These dances, showcasing our community’s diverse backgrounds and traditions, added a lively and festive atmosphere to the event, celebrating the richness of our diversity. This celebration of diversity made everyone feel included and valued, further strengthening our sense of community.
To conclude the day, students were organized by residence and gathered to collect snacks. This activity provided a fun and casual way for students to interact and enjoy a shared experience.
The Community Day Camp was a resounding success, demonstrating the power of community and the importance of fostering connections among our students and staff. By participating in these activities, students not only developed essential skills such as leadership, teamwork, and cultural awareness but also experienced personal growth and learning. We are grateful for the opportunity to create such a meaningful and memorable experience for our community, and we look forward to more such enriching events.