The “Intercultural Summer Camp” is an initiative of the Government of the Azores, organised by the Regional Directorate for Communities, to be held from July 9 to 14. It is addressed at Azorean youngsters or of Portuguese descent residing in Brazil, Uruguay, Canada, United States and Bermuda as well as at immigrants living in the archipelago.  Participants must be enrolled at public secondary schools.

This summer camp is intended to raise the awareness of youngsters for the respect for cultural diversity and its richness by promoting interaction and the exchange of ideas and experiences among youngsters from different countries.

In this context, a wide range of activities will take place on the islands of Pico, São Jorge and Faial, including visits to the Whaling Museum, the vineyard landscape and the Lajido museum centre, the Capelinhos Volcano Interpretation Centre, the Horta City Hall and to various tourist and landscape attractions on the island of São Jorge.

Twenty-five youngsters, aged between 17 and 22, from the North American states of California, Massachusetts and New York, the Brazilian states of São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Florianopolis and Rio Grande do Sul and the Azores islands of Flores, Faial, Pico, São Jorge, Terceira and São Miguel will also attend the book launch “Conto a Conto” (Tale by Tale). Moreover, these youngsters will participate in an intercultural treasure hund as well as in a training course under the theme “Interculturalism as a pillar for a more a respectful and supportive society without conflicts.”

This initiative will count on the participation of U.S. youngsters, the APPEUC prize winners. Organised in a partnership between the Regional Directorate for Communities, by APPEUC – North American Portuguese Teachers Association and SATA, the school works contest aims to promote and stimulate the study of Portuguese language and it is addressed at students, aged between 13 and 17, attending Portuguese community schools in the United States or American public secondary schools that teach Portuguese language and culture. The works submitted to contest should be original and written in Portuguese.

The 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners, up to a maximum limit of six students selected in 2 categories – community schools and American secondary schools – will be awarded a one-week trip to the Azores with accommodation.

The Regional Director for Communities will attend the opening session of the event that will be held at the Pico Youth Hostel on July 9 at 8:30 PM.