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Camp gives youngsters, adults time to share their cultures

The YMCA's cross-cultural exchange camp runs through July 21.

Updated: Friday, July 14, 2006 1:44 PM PDT


The YMCA's annual cross-cultural exchange camp - held in cooperation with the Mexican Consulate and the Walla Walla School District - is enjoying its highest turnout, according to Abel Hernandez, director.

``Hopefully we can take more than this next year,'' Hernandez said. ``The purpose of this program is to enroll as many kids as we can, especially the Anglos, to learn a different culture and different ways of having fun.''

Each summer, Mexico sends teachers around the United States to remind transplanted and second-generation Hispanic children of their heritage.

``It's a way of keeping in touch with our roots,'' Hernandez said. ``It's a great opportunity for other kids of different backgrounds here in Walla Walla to experience something different.

``When I started working with this program (three to four years ago) it took me to my childhood,'' Hernandez said. ``I remembered the games that we played.''

Former Walla Walla School District employee Sergio Hernandez got the ball rolling after being tipped off by the consulate just over a decade ago, Abel Hernandez said. Sergio approached the YMCA, which was happy to lend its support to the camp's formation, Abel said.

The teachers, Yadira Hernandez and Hector Camacho from Guadalajara, live at Whitman College and are paid a stipend, according to the YMCA.

``I decided to take this opportunity to give to the Mexican people living in the United States a piece of the Mexican culture and traditions,'' Camacho said. ``They (the kids) have asked us about the schools, sports and teachers in Mexico. It's been very interesting.''

``I'm learning a lot from the children here,'' Hernandez said. ``It's a great experience, too.''

Camacho is also learning from the participants.

``They have (taught) us new things, including the language,'' Camacho said. ``We're learning about the way they live in the United States.''

To participate, teachers must go through a selection process, Abel Hernandez said. Each of Mexico's states has a commission that decides who comes here, Hernandez said.

The camp concludes July 21.