Youth Camp Stresses Unity, Culture

Preaching world unity, the International Youth Fellowship World Camp held a culture convention in Huntington Saturday.

Staged at Mahanaim School, located at 300 Seminary Rd., booths were set up representing countries of Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa, and North and South America. It was the school's first time hosting the event.

“We want to show the community artifacts, dances and languages,” said Mohanaim School Director Kristi Castro. "Our volunteers aren’t trying to learn about just culture, but the heart of the country, so they can bring it back to their country.”

The IYF Educational Foundation is a Christian-based organization headquartered in South Korea with camps in 60 nations. Good News Corp, its volunteer program, allows young people to travel and experience foreign culture for one year. 

“Unity is the coming together of all people, all cultures, and working together,” said Folake Akinoa-Pinard, Brooklyn's Community Partnership Charter School dean of students. “It’s the sharing of our thoughts and our culture's thoughts.”

“For me, it’s important for people to see this event because you need to learn different things about different cultures,” said event volunteer, Takiyah Brooks. 

Dance crews performed the Spanish Buleria and the African Umoja, among others. The event featured a cultural fashion show, African body art, a seesaw balance and an African beaded bracelet-making exhibit. 

“I really enjoyed the African dance,” said spectator, Kalisha White. “Plus, you get to see all these other countries and learn about different cultures. It’s very warm and welcoming.”

A leadership symposium was held to promote unity in local and global communities. Speakers included Akinoa-Pinard, Jennifer Chan, Glen Heil, Daniel Lim, Louis A. Medina, Ed Perez and Dee Thompson.