YOUTH SUMMER CAMP
Established in 2014, the Lao Youth Summer Camp Organization operates with a dedicated committee of volunteers from the Elgin community. Our primary mission is to offer children a dynamic opportunity to embrace and appreciate Lao culture and heritage in a lively, well-organized, safe, and engaging environment. The summer camp spans two weeks and encompasses a rich array of programming, including the exploration of the Lao language, history, arts, crafts, dance, and exciting field trips.
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From 2015 to 2018, during the celebration of Asian American Pacific Islanders Month, our camp leaders actively participated in diverse activities hosted by the Gail Borden Library and the city of Elgin. In February 2016, our leaders engaged in leadership training facilitated by Asian Americans Advancing Justice in Chicago. Each April, in collaboration with Elgin Community College, our camp leaders and former participants commemorate Lao New Year with a production showcasing its history. Notably, Mayor David Kaptain proclaimed April as Lao New Year Celebration Month for the City of Elgin during this event.
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A significant highlight includes our involvement with Public Action to Deliver Shelter (PADS) of Elgin, Inc., where we proudly contribute to their fundraising initiatives. This collaboration enables us to support homeless individuals in our community by providing safe shelter, support services, and advocacy.
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Looking ahead, we are excited to announce 2024 Annual Summer Camp organized by the Multicultural Education Group. Stay tuned for details as we continue to foster cultural understanding and community engagement through enriching programs.
VOLUNTEER FOR 2024 SUMMER CAMP
As we are seeing significant growth in our summer camp each year, we are always in need of volunteers and chaperones!
If you are a community leader or speaker and would like to be involved, please reach out. We are always looking for great partners in the community to work with.
We are always looking for trainers and educators to volunteer their time. If you are interested, we would love to hear from you!
Summer Camp ​
The Youth Summer Camp provides children the opportunity to gain knowledge and appreciation of various cultures in a fun, structured, safe, and engaging manner.
The summer camp offers two weeks of summer programming in learning languages, history, arts, crafts, dance, and field trips for multiple countries.
​How to help: Due to the pandemic, the youth summer camp is postponed until further notice. We have volunteer opportunities available to assist the community in other ways. Please reach out for more information.

Our camp kids participate in:
ARTS AND CRAFTS, MUSIC, LANGUAGE, CULTURE, DANCE, FASHION SHOW, MEDITATION, FIELD TRIPS, FOOD, LEADERSHIP TRAINING
ARTS & CRAFTS
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Children will participate in learning arts and crafts from different countries.
FIELD TRIPS
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Children enjoy many planned activities and field trips. If you would like to volunteer as a chaperone, please let us know.
MUSIC & DANCE
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Through music and dance, the children will learn about different cultures around the world.
TEAM BUILDING
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​Through our planned activities, the children will develop team-building and leadership skills.
