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“And I found another piece of the beautiful mosaic of my youth.”

date_range2026-08-12

July marks the return of the Student Summer Camp, one of the most anticipated events of the year for the community of current and former saigonchildren scholarship recipients. This year, more than 230 students came together for an unforgettable two-day, one-night journey. Some familiar faces returned to relive cherished memories and experience the spirit of youth once again, while many first-time campers arrived eager to embrace new experiences that are sure to stay with them for years to come.

The 2026 Summer Camp began with a brand-new challenge. Working in teams, students learned to make bánh xèo (Vietnamese savoury pancakes) and bánh khọt (mini savoury pancakes). From mixing the batter, lighting and tending a wood-fired stove, preparing the dipping sauce and carefully plating their dishes, there were plenty of moments of hesitation and laughter as teammates got to know one another. By the end, however, every team had produced dishes that impressed everyone.

The adventure continued with a series of team challenges designed to strengthen teamwork and develop essential life skills. Students brainstormed, filmed and edited a short video in just one hour before taking on game quizzes that tested their collaboration, problem-solving and knowledge across different fields. The day ended with time at the water play area, bringing plenty of laughter and memorable moments.

That evening, a special “concert” brought the camp to life, featuring performances by the students themselves. Hidden talents that had never before been shared on stage were met with enthusiastic cheers and rounds of applause from the audience. Between the lively performances came quieter, more reflective moments as videos celebrating the students’ journeys with the saigonchildren scholarship community were shown on screen. It was a night no one would forget.

The following morning began bright and early with a puzzle-solving big challenge. Students then took part in Land of Skilled Makers, a series of ten hands-on workshops where they explored a wide range of practical skills, from yoga (including breathing exercises, gentle warm-ups and basic relaxation poses) and balloon art to drink mixing and basic first aid. Before the closing ceremony, everyone took a few quiet moments to write about their experiences in their camp journals.

Reading those journal entries gave us a deeper understanding of each student’s thoughts, emotions, questions and reflections. Every participant took something different away from the camp, but above all, what made us proudest was seeing them step outside their comfort zones: travelling somewhere new, connecting with people they had never met before and experiencing moments that, for many, were genuine “firsts”. Not every first attempt goes perfectly, but those experiences become valuable lessons that they can carry with them on the journey ahead.

Saigonchildren would also like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the Organising Team, especially our scholarship alumni – once scholarship recipients themselves – who generously returned to support this year’s camp and helped create such a meaningful experience for the next generation of students.

We hope every participant remembers that saigonchildren will always be here to support and encourage them. As this year’s Summer Camp theme, MOSAIC, reminds us, we hope they continue to move forward with confidence and resilience, and that one day they will look back with pride at how far they have come.

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