Folktales come alive at Al Rawi Summer Camp

From storytelling corners to hands-on workshops, children explore a world rich with creativity, culture, and self-expression. With every paintbrush stroke and handwoven craft, they connect to their roots and discover new talents.

Interactive workshops that spark curiosity

The camp features a wide variety of activities, including:

Handicrafts Corner: where fabric and thread are transformed into traditional Emirati patterns and designs.

Fine Arts Section: full of color, encouraging artistic expression through drawing and painting.

Recycling and Model-Making: teaching sustainability alongside creativity.

Each workshop is designed to foster imagination and preserve cultural heritage, offering children a playful yet educational experience.

Travelling through time and tales

One of the highlights is the Ibn Battuta storytelling session, where children journey with the famous explorer through cities and seas. This leads into the "Design Your Travel Booklet" activity, allowing them to become storytellers themselves.

Workshops like "Hourglass," where they learn ancient timekeeping methods, and "Dhow Painting," celebrating maritime heritage, feed the spirit of discovery and deepen their appreciation for history.

Leadership praises the children’s enthusiasm

His Excellency Dr Abdul Aziz Al Musallam, Chairman of the Sharjah Institute for Heritage, praised the enthusiastic participation in the camp’s fourth edition. He emphasized that the high engagement reflects the success of the Institute’s modern approach to reviving oral storytelling traditions and encouraging youthful creativity.

“The Al Rawi Summer Camp reflects our ongoing commitment to cultivating children's talent, connecting them to their heritage, and using engaging, contemporary tools to make tradition come alive,” said Dr. Al Musallam.

Creating tomorrow’s storytellers

Aisha Al-Hussan Al Shamsi, Director of the Arab Heritage Centre, described the camp as: “An open workshop for creativity. Here, we create young storytellers. Every workshop, every activity, and every child's laughter is a step toward a generation that understands its heritage and expresses it in today’s language.”

Looking ahead: Explorer medals and big dreams

As the camp nears its conclusion on August 14, children are preparing to receive the coveted "Explorer Medal"—a symbol of a summer filled with stories, adventure, and self-expression.

This medal serves not just as a keepsake, but as a reminder of their potential to become future storytellers who carry the UAE’s cultural heritage to the world.