Hundreds of Palestinian youth from all over the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Israel and the occupied Syrian Golan Heights converged on Beit Sahour this August 10-13. The goal of the camp was to provide youth with the opportunity to exchange information, discuss strategies, and consolidate and develop communication networks through which they can continue political activism in their local communities after the camp. The camp provided a space in which to discuss freedom, equality and the role of youth in realizing the Palestinian aspiration of building a democratic state. Youth worked alongside local and international volunteers renovating areas of Bethlehem’s refugee camps, helping local families with construction and planting, assisting organizations with infrastructural work and participating in workshops that highlight the importance of volunteerism. The camp was organized by the Occupied Palestine and Syrian Golan Heights Advocacy Initiative (OPGAI), of which the AIC is an active member. To read a full report of the camp and to see photos of the volunteers at work, click here, and for more information about the camp, contact OPGAI Director Adnan Ramadan.