This report highlighted the experience of the summer camp "Changing for Myself," that was organized by the Institute of Community and Public Health at Birzeit University in June-July 2024. The summer camp was designed to enhance social inclusion and self-expression among adolescent girls with and without disabilities through expressive arts methodologies. The summer camp aimed to strengthen the self-identity of participants through artistic expression and active engagement, improve their communication skills, and build self-confidence. It also sought to promote inclusion and interaction between girls with disabilities and their peers while utilizing arts as a tool for psychological and emotional support, enabling participants to express their feelings and experiences creatively.
The summer camp consisted of seven sessions that employed expressive arts and art therapy techniques, including drama, music, painting, clay modeling, and puppet-making. The study used participant observation to analyze interactions within the camp and assess its impact on the participants. Among the most significant activities conducted was the recycled bottle and color web activity, which helped the girls explore the relationship between thoughts and emotions and how to balance them. The mailbox activity encouraged emotional communication and positive message exchange among participants, while the puppet-making and theatrical sketches allowed them to express challenges and advocate for their rights through artistic performance. The "A Gift to Myself" activity reinforced positive thinking and self-appreciation, while the "What Does Life Mean to You?" activity enabled the girls to express their perspectives on life through art and creative expression.
The summer camp had a profound positive impact on the participants, as it significantly increased their self-confidence and social interaction. The girls reported improvements in self-awareness, goal setting, and relationship-building. The final summer camp evaluation indicated that all participants felt that the experience added value to their lives, demonstrating the camp’s success in achieving its objectives.
Based on these findings, it is recommended to continue organizing similar summer camps to further empowerment and social inclusion. Expanding participation to include boys with disabilities would enhance the concept of inclusion on a broader scale. Additionally, providing psychological support activities for mothers is crucial, given their fundamental role in supporting their daughters. Furthermore, developing specialized training programs for caregivers and professionals on utilizing arts in psychological support would contribute to improving the quality of services provided for individuals with disabilities .
The summer camp demonstrated that diversity is a strength and that art is a powerful tool for social inclusion and self-expression. The experience provided a safe space for the girls to explore their potential and boost their self-confidence, paving the way for more initiatives that support the empowerment and integration of girls into society more effectively.