HOPE IN THE DESERT
Our last “Hope in the Desert” basketball camp was truly unforgettable. Serving more than 100 kids over four days, our coaches, both American and Palestinian, were encouraging, hardworking, and committed. In this camp, we also invited 9 older girls (14-18) to serve as “mini-leaders” to help our team with translation and coaching with the youngest group. One of those girls shared with us her experience of the week.
“This camp was so special to me, I was able to learn so many new skills, learn them with my friends, and even serve as a “mini-leader” for the other camp sessions. My time as a mini-leader was so incredible as it gave me the opportunity to serve as a mentor to the youngest camps while also getting to know the American coaches that came to help at camp! It was awesome for me to cooperate and work so hard together to help our community’s kids!
One of the most special nights of my life was the last day of camp. Athletes’ Table and Seeds of Hope had organized a match to be played against a team from Jerusalem, but in Jericho! This was so surprising to me because we have never seen a real match played in Jericho, so we were very excited! It was even more exciting when me and my friends I, who have a dance team and practice every week, were asked if we would perform multiple dances during the night, including the traditional Palestinian Dabke.
That night was incredible. The atmosphere was perfect; so many happy faces and people from the community there cheering for our team, which was a mix of American and Palestinian camp coaches. The one thing that made my heart so happy was all of the kid's faces, they were so amazed, they were so happy, and cheering for our team. One kid who could not contain his excitement was just running around the gym, but he had never seen a match like this, so we could only laugh. At halftime, my best friends and I were able to perform our dances, and it was so much fun. The faces in the crowd were so happy, and so many people were standing and dancing with us.
At the end of the match, the kids flooded the court, along with many other older community members, to take pictures with us and the team. We didn’t leave the gym for over an hour because of all the pictures. I don't think anyone wanted the night to end, but luckily the pictures and videos will help the night live on forever.
These camps mean so much to me. It is so important in Palestine, and especially Jericho, because we just do not have these opportunities to practice our favorite sports and do them with our closest friends. I'm so thankful to Seeds of Hope and The Athletes’ Table for providing these beautiful experiences. From the moment this camp ended, I began dreaming and getting excited about the future and having more moments just like the ones we experienced at camp.”
These camps are not possible without you. When you support The Athletes’ Table, you are supporting girls like this and communities like this that are hopeful for the future and excited to pursue their goals. Our work in Jericho is far from finished, and we have big plans that will ensure camps like this and nights like the one mentioned are not abnormal but staples in the community. We see a future where sport, exercise, and community events are always accessible, and young people in Jericho have trained mentors and coaches year-round to support them and help them pursue their dreams. However, we cannot get there without your continued support!
