With the end of the school year, summer camps have begun in Catholic parishes across the UAE.

Despite some uncertainty until the last moment, several parishes were able to organize recreational activities, moments of formation, and joyful experiences for children and young people.

Themes and programs differ from parish to parish, but all the camps offer children the opportunity to build friendships, grow in faith, and enjoy their vacation time in a meaningful way. This is made possible thanks to the dedication of many adults who accompany the children, watch over them, and organize the various activities.

“Flip and Flap” is the theme chosen by St. Michael’s Parish in Sharjah for its youngest children: “Flip” refers to turning the pages of the Bible, while “Flap” means spreading wings — wings of love, peace, and freedom. The children gather in the late afternoon for learning sessions followed by creative and interactive activities. They also receive take-home materials to reinforce what they have learned each day. Older children take part in interactive talks and team-building activities connected to the daily theme.

At St. Joseph’s Cathedral in Abu Dhabi, the summer camp is dedicated to the theme “Family of Faith: One Family, United in Christ,” in line with the parish’s ongoing catechetical formation on the Eucharist and the UAE’s Year of the Family. The camp runs from July 6 to 31. The programme includes weekly talks by parish priests, active games, arts and crafts, and two field trips. Each day concludes with Mass, in which the campers take an active part as lectors or as members of the choir.

Inspired by the Prayer of St. Francis on the 800th anniversary of his death, the summer camp at St. Mary’s Church in Al Ain is dedicated to the theme “Instruments of Peace.” The programme invites young parishioners to embrace Franciscan values such as peace, love, humility, compassion, and service, and to become instruments of God’s peace in their daily lives.

Each day begins with the theme song and the camp prayer, based on the Beatitudes, followed by engaging activities. The children are divided into four groups — Love, Light, Hope, and Faith — helping them build friendships, develop teamwork, and participate actively according to their age.

In Ras Al Khaimah, St. Anthony of Padua Parish organized a three-day summer camp on the theme “Carnival of Creation,” inspired by the Franciscan Jubilee Year. Divided by age groups, the children took part in interactive sessions on the theme of creation, supported by facilitators. The programme also included an art competition, movie time, daily Mass, and, on the final day, a Carnival of Creation parade with game stalls for the children.

Further south, at St. John the Baptist Parish in Al Dhannah, the summer camp was held during the second week of July under the theme “Destination: Christ,” inspired by the Gospel verse: “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). Through meaningful and age-appropriate activities, shared prayer, teamwork, and creative expression, children were invited to discover God’s presence in everyday life and to experience the Church as a home rooted in fellowship, care, and shared faith.

Through these summer camps, parish communities continue to accompany children and young people, offering them spaces where they can grow in faith, friendship, and belonging to the Church.