2004 Summer Camp Photos Arabic Language Instruction Arabic is the primary focus of the Camp. During daily language instruction the children spent time speaking, singing, reading, listening and writing Arabic in a fun and engaging way. Nature Study The campers spent time outdoors, exploring the lush landscape of the Arboretum and learning about its woodlands and wetlands. They also worked on a community vegetable/flower/herb garden that the Camp started planting in the spring, located across from the entry gate of the Arboretum along Northwestern Avenue. Art & Architecture Making a large sculptural olive tree and illustrating a series of portraits of the 14th century traveler Ibn Battuta, were the highlights of the campers' art projects. They also made mosaic patterns using colored pieces of paper and had a fun time making "sunprints" on light-sensitive paper using their hands and any found material in the Arboretum.  They learned how to make henna paste from ground leaves of a henna bush growing in our community garden, and then applied the henna dye with decorative patterns on their hands and on their hand "sunprints". Music & Dance Demonstrations on percussion were led by music teacher, Joe Tayoun, and the Al-Bustan Percussion Ensemble, who showed the campers a variety of Arabic rhythms on the tabla and riq.  The campers learned to play a few basic beats on the tabla, while also appreciating Arabic music with the accompaniment of the oud played by Bill Koutsouros.  Michele, the dance instructor, led the children in a Lebanese debkeh folklore dance with music played by Joe and Bill. Storytelling & Drama In learning about the rich Arabic folkloric and cultural traditions, the campers' highlight this year was the 14th century traveler, Ibn Battua, who left Morocco in 1325 and traveled for 24 years as far as India and China.  The children retraced his journey through the various Arab cities that he visited, and his story became the focus of their multi-media presentation at the end of the camp. Fun some fun and playful times at camp. . . Penn Charter Exchange The children visited the nearby William Penn Charter School Day Camp on four mornings during the three weeks of camp. They had an opportunity to get to know other similar aged children, with whom they played various games and sports, along with engaging in several cross-cultural activities related to art, music and dance. End-of-Camp Performance and Exhibit The camp ended with a delicious potluck dinner prepared by the campers' families and enjoyed by all the children, counselors, teachers, and Arboretum staff.  A colorful exhibit of the campers’ artwork filled the lower gallery of the Arboretum's visitor center, while the children presented a wonderful performance based on Ibn Battuta's travels, using narration in English and Arabic, with slides, songs, skits, and live music on the tabla and oud.