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Civic Engagement Programs for Children

Our camps offer learning experiences for children aged 6 to 12 to understand the importance of civic engagement and how they can impact their communities.

The Gerhart Center's Civic Engagement Programs for Children offer engaging learning experiences that inspire children aged 6 to 15 to become active, responsible members of their communities. Through interactive activities, hands-on projects, creative play and collaborative learning, participants explore concepts such as leadership, teamwork, empathy, community service, environmental awareness and responsible citizenship.

Designed around experiential learning, the programs encourage children to think critically, solve real-life challenges and understand how their individual actions can create positive change. At the same time, the camps provide university students with valuable opportunities to serve as mentors, strengthening the connection between youth leadership and community engagement.

As part of the Gerhart Center's mission to promote civic leadership and social responsibility, the programs help nurture a generation of confident, compassionate and engaged citizens who are equipped to make meaningful contributions to their communities.

Launched in 2019 as part of the Summer AUC program, the Engaged Generation Bootcamp is a two-week training program that prepares AUC students to become mentors and facilitators for the Gerhart Center's children's camps. Through experiential learning, community engagement activities and interactive workshops, participants develop facilitation, leadership and communication skills while deepening their understanding of civic engagement and responsible citizenship. Following the bootcamp, students apply their learning by mentoring children in the Gerhart Center summer camps, creating a meaningful learning experience for both mentors and participants. The bootcamp strengthens students' leadership abilities, expands their social and cultural awareness and empowers them to become active contributors to their communities, reflecting the Gerhart Center's commitment to civic engagement, responsible leadership and capacity building.

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Bardeya Camp is a dynamic cultural and educational experience organized by the Gerhart Center as part of the Summer@AUC programs. Designed for children aged 8 to 15, the camp takes participants on a journey of discovery through Egypt’s rich history, diverse traditions, and evolving identity. Through interactive activities, creative workshops, and immersive learning experiences, Bardeya encourages children to connect with their heritage, develop leadership skills, and gain a deeper appreciation for the stories, values, and cultural influences that shape contemporary Egyptian society.

Click here to see the bootcamp in action 

The YES Bootcamp introduces children to the fundamentals of entrepreneurship and social innovation through engaging, hands-on learning experiences. Through interactive challenges, design thinking activities, teamwork, and problem-solving exercises, participants build creativity, communication, leadership, and critical-thinking skills while exploring how entrepreneurial approaches can address real-world community needs.

Working collaboratively, children identify everyday challenges, generate innovative ideas, and develop practical solutions that create positive social impact. By fostering initiative, collaboration, and a sense of purpose, the camp empowers young participants to recognize entrepreneurship as a powerful tool for driving meaningful change and contributing to stronger, more resilient communities.

Click here to see the bootcamp in action 

Building on the success of the programs at AUC, the Gerhart Center has expanded its Civic Engagement Programs for Children beyond Cairo to reach communities across Egypt. Through partnerships with local organizations and community stakeholders, the center has delivered children's camps in Ras Ghareb, providing young participants with the same engaging learning experiences in civic engagement, leadership and entrepreneurship. This expansion reflects the Gerhart Center's commitment to making high-quality civic education accessible to children in diverse communities and empowering the next generation of changemakers across Egypt.