Summer camp "Ak Ilbirs" under the project "Kyrgyz traditional ecological knowledge in the basis of protection of snow leopard and its habitat at the level of local communities" was held from June 27 to August 1, 2016. It was held in two stages, the first was held in the Tar-Suu Gorge, on the territory of the National Park "Chon-Kemin", where the snow leopard lives, the second stage in the school "Bilimkana" in Shabdan village, Kemin district, Chui oblast.
Experts from the Chon-Kemin National Park, the Academy of Sciences of the Kyrgyz Republic, staff of the Rural Development Fund project and members of the Pastoral Network "Kyrgyz el akyl kazyna" were involved in the organization of the camp and its work. The camp counselor was Erika Undeland, an intern of the Secretariat of the Global Program for the Conservation of Snow Leopard and its Ecosystems.
Experts from the Chon-Kemin National Park, the Academy of Sciences of the Kyrgyz Republic, staff of the Rural Development Fund project and members of the Pastoral Network "Kyrgyz el akyl kazyna" were involved in the organization of the camp and its work. The camp counselor was Erika Undeland, an intern of the Secretariat of the Global Program for the Conservation of Snow Leopard and its Ecosystems.
Experts from the Chon-Kemin National Park, the KR Academy of Sciences, Rural Development Fund PF project staff and members of the Pastoral Network "Kyrgyz el akyl kazyna" were involved in the organization of the camp and its work. The camp counselor was Erika Undeland, an intern of the Secretariat of the Global Program for the Conservation of Snow Leopard and its Ecosystems.
The summer camp is part of community outreach, with a focus on the younger generation. In order to select participants, a competition was held in pilot schools in the villages of. Bal-Bal, Talas district and the villages of. Shabdan village, Kemin district, and 14 students from two schools aged 14 to 16 years old were selected, as well as 2 schoolchildren - children of employees of the project partner - Chon-Kemin National Park.
Gender and regional balance was observed in the selection of participants.
During 5 days children, under the guidance of trainers and keepers of traditional knowledge, went on excursions along the tracks of the snow leopard, studied and improved its habitat, fenced anthills, made birch brooms and hung them on pine trees for winter fodder for roe deer, installed salt pans for wild animals, signs with warnings for tourists and visitors to the Park. They learned to set up yurts and lived in them themselves, oriented themselves with a compass, made a fire in camping conditions without harming nature and set up tents, studied Kyrgyz traditions and crafts.
The summer camp is part of community outreach, with a focus on the younger generation. In order to select participants, a competition was held in pilot schools in the villages of. Bal-Bal, Talas district and the villages of. Shabdan village, Kemin district, and 14 students from two schools aged 14 to 16 years old were selected, as well as 2 schoolchildren - children of employees of the project partner - Chon-Kemin National Park.
Gender and regional balance was observed in the selection of participants.
During 5 days children, under the guidance of trainers and keepers of traditional knowledge, went on excursions along the tracks of the snow leopard, studied and improved its habitat, fenced anthills, made birch brooms and hung them on pine trees for winter fodder for roe deer, installed salt pans for wild animals, signs with warnings for tourists and visitors to the Park. They learned to set up yurts and lived in them themselves, oriented themselves with a compass, made a fire in camping conditions without harming nature and set up tents, studied Kyrgyz traditions and crafts.
A pleasant surprise was the continuation of the comic book by the children, written by the Camp counselor about the snow leopard "Adventures of Zhibi", and the opportunity to present them in front of everyone. They documented all their observations through photo reports, stories and poems, drawings, and were able to share with each other their observations, discoveries, and surprises on a hike through the habitat of the snow leopard
On the last day there was organized a discussion of the Camp results, continuation of the Camp ideas by children themselves in their schools and communities where they live. According to the children, this is possible through wall newspapers, photo reports and even mini performances. The final event of the camp was the awarding ceremony, where children received prizes in nominations and certificates of participation.
The camp, according to the counselor Erika was "rich", "interesting" according to the children themselves, and "educational" according to the parents. At the end, everyone who participated in the Camp was very sad to leave. Children did not want to leave the camp and part with new friends. The organizers are very happy that the environmental camp "Ak Ilbirs" was so interesting for young minds and hope that they will meet with them many times in the future!
On the last day there was organized a discussion of the Camp results, continuation of the Camp ideas by children themselves in their schools and communities where they live. According to the children, this is possible through wall newspapers, photo reports and even mini performances. The final event of the camp was the awarding ceremony, where children received prizes in nominations and certificates of participation.
The camp, according to the counselor Erika was "rich", "interesting" according to the children themselves, and "educational" according to the parents. At the end, everyone who participated in the Camp was very sad to leave. Children did not want to leave the camp and part with new friends. The organizers are very happy that the environmental camp "Ak Ilbirs" was so interesting for young minds and hope that they will meet with them many times in the future!
