OPOS 2024: A New Adventure in Soc Trang

In 2024, OPOS took place in Sóc Trăng, a region in the Mekong Delta known for its cultural diversity, including the Kinh, Khmer, and Hoa ethnic groups. With the collaboration of SSIS and LSTS, this year’s camp will bring together 44 volunteers and 120 campers for a 10-day experience from June 17 to June 27.

Following the resounding success of OPOS 2023, themed “Galactic Ambassadors,” OPOS 2024 is set to offer even more amazing experiences under the theme “Superheroes.”

Lauching OPOS 2024

From January to June, the Foundation held orientation sessions for 44 volunteers from Đinh Thiện Lý Middle and High School (LSTS) and Saigon South International School (SSIS) participating in OPOS 2024. During these sessions, the volunteers engaged in activities such as:

– Team Building: Helping everyone get to know each other and build stronger relationships.

– Schedule Overview: Providing information about the summer camp’s schedule and training on preparation tasks.

– Experience Sharing: Last year’s volunteers shared their experiences from OPOS 2023.

Right from the orientation, the volunteers demonstrated energy and a positive spirit of contribution. With insights gained from the previous year, OPOS 2024 has been upgraded and refined, offering memorable experiences for all participants.

Improving English and Soft Skills

Through specialized training sessions, the teaching volunteers worked diligently to create detailed lesson plans, various worksheets, and conduct practice teaching sessions to ensure smooth classes.

Through English-language lessons and engaging activities, the campers were able to:

– Enhance their English language skills.

– Practice presentation and public speaking skills.

– Foster teamwork abilities.

– Develop critical thinking and creativity.

Quốc Anh, a camper from OPOS, shared that he made many new friends and fully enjoyed the camp experience. With the dedicated guidance of the volunteers, he had the opportunity to learn new knowledge and participate in exciting activities to enhance his learning and personal development.

Learning Through Local Culture

Understanding local culture is one of the important goals that the summer camp aims to provide for the campers. In their classes, the aspiring superheroes explored various topics related to local festivals, cuisine, and tourist attractions. Recognizing that these elements play a significant role in shaping regional identity, the OPOS team designed an engaging curriculum to help students learn vocabulary related to cultural themes.

The lessons are designed with interactive games and interesting knowledge reinforcement activities. This approach not only makes learning enjoyable but also ensures that students actively participate and absorb information effectively.

Experiencing the Bamboo Exhibition

In addition to educational activities, OPOS offers a fresh playground for campers through the “Bamboo Exhibition.” This experience allows them to explore their creativity while learning about the significance of bamboo in Sóc Trăng’s culture.

The exhibition features two main displays: a bamboo boat and a tea table, both crafted from bamboo—an essential material for local residents. In the exhibition hall, students have the chance to capture memorable moments and participate in games such as blindfolded bamboo breaking and basketball toss challenges. To earn points for their teams, they need to answer review questions based on what they have learned.

Building Connections and Confidence

The closing event of the summer camp, titled “Storytelling Event,” provided campers with the opportunity to showcase their creativity and present on topics they had learned and experienced over the past 10 days. This activity allowed teachers, volunteers, and parents to clearly see the progress made by the campers.

The OPOS summer camp is not just an educational activity; it is also a journey that helps develop English communication skills and soft skills for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. By immersing students in a rich cultural environment while enhancing their language skills, the program also raises students’ social awareness through the exploration of local culture.

Additionally, through organizing the camp, volunteers had the chance to develop their own potential, strengthen their sense of social responsibility, and contribute to the community.