Yet another success -

UNESCO’s 5th annual IMUN Summer Camp so far the largest and the most diverse, with 120 delegates coming from over 20 different countries

Originally published August 20th, 2011
By Monika Sekulic
Content Manager 

“Is India in the House?”, “Yessss”, “Is Egypt in the House?”, “Yess”, “Is Kenya in the House?”, “Yesssssss”, echoed the Learning Center at the hotel upon everyone’s arrival to the 2011 IMUN Summer Camp.

India, Egypt, Kenya, China, Ghana, Cameroon, Brazil, Philippines, Peru, Scotland, England, US, Lithuania, Haiti, Bosnia, Nigeria, Liberia and many other countries sent their students to the IMUN Conference. About 20 different countries were gathered together first evening of the schedule.

Students gathered at John Hopkins University in Baltimore

Excitement, anxiousness, tiredness, uncertainty, smiles, and shyness reflected on the faces of almost everyone who just walked into the hotel. So many emotions in one place are an unavoidable occurrence that marks the first day of the camp year after year. While the students waited around to meet their roommates who were yet to arrive, the chattings started in every corner of the registration room. Settling everyone down in their rooms and serving them dinner led to an inspiring introductory speech from our executive director Mr. Djoken who welcomed everybody and pursued them to do their best because this was not an opportunity that many students from all over the world get to experience.

“By choosing to participate, you brought yourself into an international community, where respect, understanding, listening, and open mindedness are a key to successful and enjoyable two weeks. Each of you can prove yourself as a respectful leader and a delegate, and it is up to you to make the most out of it, but we are here to help.” Curious eyes of delegates who just arrived to the United States (some of them for the 1^st time) sparkled with interest. From this moment, our UNESCO team knew that these two weeks would be a wonderful experience with a very positive and interacting group of delegates, willing not only to collaborate, learn from us and from each other, but also to teach others as well.

Next day was one of the only relaxing days where delegates could spend time together in workshops about diversity and stereotypes while enjoying ice-breaking games to get them to become more acquainted among themselves and more comfortable among our staff. After a very successful first day, tight two-week schedule kicked off. The number of students grew from 32 that came the first day to 120 students present during last days of the camp. 

Visits to Washington D.C., Baltimore, and New York bonded the students while allowing them to get to know some of the most valuable and historic places in these cities. The group not only larger but also closer among themselves. Never have the Hudson Auditorium at Hood College had so many people to come and watch the international cultural show during everyone’s last evening in the camp and in the United States.

Last cultural evening was filled with laughter, more laughter and more excitement than at any other point during the two weeks of camp. This time only, there were tears too. No shyness, no anxiety, no tiredness… Celebrating with laughter at their well deserved dancing party, delegates could not help themselves to drop a tear or too. Our UNESCO stuff joined the mood very soon as well. That last ride back to the hotel on the yellow bus was a silent one, packed with empty conversations that were filled with many more goodbyes than initial hellos.

Putting 2011 IMUN Summer Camp in words good enough is more than difficult. This was our try.