Shalom Namutere Youth Camp: 14 Years of Transforming Lives
The Shalom Youth Camp dream was born in 2010, inspired by an experience in Norway that reshaped our director's vision for engaging with young people.
While in Norway, our director participated in youth camps and saw firsthand how camps could be spaces for learning, building community, and having fun—a concept often misunderstood in our community.
This revelation ignited a passion to create a similar environment for the youth back home, paving the way for the first-ever Shalom Youth Camp.
The Beginning of a Vision
Returning home, the director was determined to engage the youth in ways distinct from the traditional perspectives.
The idea was simple yet bold: to create a space where young people could envision a future beyond their immediate surroundings and be part of shaping it despite initial hesitations from parents who were unsure about the idea of “fun” being part of youth development, the first camp launched with a clear mission.
The first camp combined picture stories, movies, and meaningful discussions about the community. It was about holistic engagement. Spiritual topics that encouraged faith growth, economic projects provided practical skills, and physical activities like tournaments promoted health and teamwork.
The participants even chose a community project—cleaning the borehole—demonstrating the power of service and collective action.
A Decade of Growth and Impact
Today, Shalom Youth Camp is celebrating 14 years of making a difference. Each camp attracts 80–100 young people aged 15–20 for four days of immersive learning, community building, and fun.
Over the years, the camp has become a platform for nurturing leadership and equipping youth with skills that often become income-generating opportunities.
One of the hallmarks of the camp is its emphasis on local leadership. A youth committee runs the camp, fundraises locally, and contributes to its success.
This ownership model empowers participants and fosters a sense of responsibility and pride. Additionally, we invite speakers and motivators from Uganda and Kenya to inspire our youth to stay in school and become solutions in their communities.
A Legacy of Empowerment
The impact of Shalom Youth Camp extends far beyond its participants. Some alumni have pursued higher education and careers that influence their communities and even the nation.
For instance, one former participant is now a journalist with a national media house in Uganda addressing national issues, a testament to the camp's ability to nurture visionary leaders.
Through the camp, we’re engaging the youth and empowering them to contribute meaningfully to their communities. From learning new skills to envisioning a brighter future, Shalom Youth Camp serves as a launchpad for transformation.
Join Us in 2025!
As we approach the next camp, scheduled for January 1st to 5th, 2025, we are excited to continue the journey. This year's theme will build on our holistic engagement, leadership development, and community empowerment mission.
We invite you to be part of this life-changing experience, whether as a participant, supporter, or cheerleader of the incredible work. Together, we are shaping the leaders of both today and tomorrow and transforming communities for the better.
Stay tuned for more updates, and let’s make the 14th year of Shalom Youth Camp the best one yet!
When you give to the Shalom Project, you become part of transforming a community holistically.
HAVE A GREAT 2025
#ShalomYouthCamp2025 #EmpoweringYouth #BuildingCommunities #14YearsStrong
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