Telem Teaches Pride in African Cultural Heritage Through Telem Camp

by Telem Center for the African Child

“Being an African is my thing. I eat fufu and I eat rice.” – Isata, age 8

Telem Camp is the signature program of Telem Center for the African Child, Inc. (“Telem”). Telem was founded in January 2011 by a diverse group of internationals from different professions to meet a need. These individuals were brought together by an affection of the African cultural heritage and a sense of appreciation of how it integrates with other cultures.

Telem is a nonprofit organization providing children of African descent an opportunity to celebrate their cultural heritage, invoke a sense of pride in their ancestry, and increase their self-esteem. Telem aims to nurture individuals who can serve as cultural ambassadors that effect change in their local communities and reach out to other communities to increase understanding and tolerance through:

Community-building programs



Recreational camping activities



Leadership programs



Cultural programs



Educational programs



Telem Camp serves as one avenue towards meeting this vision. When asked why she wanted to attend Telem Camp 2012, camp attendee Obehioye (age 12) wrote the following:

Each year I look forward to going to Telem Camp because of the wonderful experiences, cultural education, and opportunities to make new friends. I have had fun all these years.

The first time I heard about Telem Camp was from my former wonderful and beautiful teacher Ogechi Iwuoha. I was wondering exactly what I would be doing in an African camp. I never visited Africa before but when I told my mom about it, she was very excited; she told me that this will give me an opportunity to learn about our culture and meet other children from different parts of Africa. It was true! I made new friends and I learned a lot about African art, dance, and music.

Making friends at camp was easy; the first lady I met was Ms. Diana, the camp coordinator. She was very funny and nice to me. Other kids and counselors that I met at the camp were also friendly. I made friends with other girls from different parts of Africa, some spoke different languages from my own (Ibo).

Judging from the stories I’ve heard from my parents about Africa and the fact that I’m participating in these cultural activities gives me the experiences of being home, abroad. It gives me the feeling of being in touch with my culture and tradition. I loved the African dances because they are so energizing. The music and the moves are funny and cool at the same time.

The last time I was at camp Diana’s mother, my camp counselor, taught me a game. I was so excited about it that I told my friends at school about it. Last year I had a lot of fun with the amazing activities and games such as zip-lining, rock climbing, ping pong, dancing, trampoline, gladiator, Frisbee, swimming, and many other sports. It gave me an opportunity to participate in the game without the pressure of time or winning. I know that many kids like me are looking forward to this time of the year when they can have fun and learn more about their African culture. I would like to suggest having African folktales added to this program. My mom used to tell my siblings and I African folktales (stories) during the moonlight plays. I’m sure some kids will like to hear such stories.

Finally, I will like to thank the creators of this program for giving kids like me the opportunity to learn more about my homeland while participating in cultural activities and having fun every year. You are life savers!

I want to be with people from my culture. I went to Africa when I was small and I don’t remember much. I think by going to this camp it will refresh my memory by being with other people from Africa. Here in America the only way I’m in touch with my culture is food and my three friends. — Amara, 11 yrs old

I love all the sports, arts, workshops and African dances that we get to participate in. I consider everyone at camp Telem a family, because each year I feel as if I became closer and closer with past counselors and roommates. Camp Telem is an amazing camp and even greater experience for me I would be happy to come back for Telem 2012. — Malmunata, 15 yrs old