This year marked 10 years of 4-H Camp Maga’lahi, an outdoor summer camp that empowers CNMI youth with skills and memories that will last a lifetime. Across Saipan, Tinian, and Rota, this year’s Camp Maga’lahi trained and engaged 109 youth counselors ages 13 to 19. These skilled counselors successfully engaged over 300 campers, ages 5 to 12, by facilitating experiential learning activities and collaborating with partnering organizations. They created a fun-filled and secure environment that fostered a strong sense of belonging and inclusivity for all participants.
Held from June to early August, 4-H Camp Maga’lahi celebrated its 10-year anniversary with five sessions. Two sessions were held collectively on Tinian and Rota, while three took place on Saipan. Counselors and campers are sorted into four houses named after ancient Chamorro chiefs: Taga, Hurao, Kepuha, and Gadao. Counselors cultivate a deep sense of belonging among campers by organizing lively house cheers, awarding house points, and facilitating a range of engaging activities that enhance community spirit within their house.
In preparation for the camp, counselors completed a four-day long training on how to effectively guide their campers throughout the week-long adventure. The training included participating in and demonstrating mastery modules focused on Camp Logistics, Behavior Management, Conflict Management, Identifying Stereotyping, Recreation Training, and many more. The counselors bonded through additional activities such as playing camp songs and games.
Throughout the week-long Camp Maga’lahi sessions, counselors led campers to explore a variety of learning opportunities such as learning about CNMI local culture, cultural weaving, slinging, dancing, blowing of conch shells, talaya fishing and experiencing the island's nature. They also enjoyed outdoor activities, such as playing football with the Northern Mariana Islands Football Association at the Koblerville Soccer Training Center as well as singing camp songs and showing off their house pride.
A parent of a camper expressed their appreciation for the opportunities their child was offered, sharing, “I appreciate all camp leaders, counselors, staff and everyone involved in this event who took care and gave my child experiences to see the different activities that were offered! Thank you all for this wonderful opportunity to help the kids grow and learn things outside of their home and school.” Parents have noted remarkable growth in their children, with one remarking, "My kids have blossomed in such a short time socially." Another parent shared that their son is so inspired by his experience that he is now considering becoming a counselor himself in the future.
A counselor shared how 4-H Camp Maga’lahi was also an amazing opportunity for counselors to empower their leadership skills. They stated, ”I learned that everyone including me has a chance to shine, camp helped me to open up to new people. I learned how to make conversations and to be a friendly face in the community. I am grateful to know that I can talk to people without feeling judged, that’s what I learned about myself. I can become a person I never thought I’d be.”
Family, Community, and Youth Development Extension Agent and State/Territory Program Leader Tayna Belyeu-Camacho expressed her gratitude for the camp counselors, sharing, ”4-H Camp Maga’lahi plays a crucial role in shaping future leaders and empowering young individuals to make a positive impact in their community. By fostering skills such as decision-making, teamwork, and resilience, youth-led programs like 4-H Camp Maga’lahi help cultivate the next generation of responsible, innovative, and community-minded adults.
Interim Dean Patty Coleman expressed her gratitude toward the 4-H Camp Maga’lahi camp counselors, stating, “Our counselors are inspirational! Look how they’ve opted to invest their time– In learning how to build Positive Youth Development in themselves, their peers, and with youth ages 5-12 years old. A huge thank you to the FCYD team and 4-H Marianas for their excellent leadership!”
The skilled counselors were honored for their exceptional work at the annual 4-H Camp Maga’lahi Banquet. Each counselor was recognized with a superlative award, a testament to their hard work and commitment to the camp’s success. By offering a diverse range of exploratory experiences for their campers, these counselors broadened the campers' horizons and provided a fun, safe, and inclusive environment. Their collective efforts ensured a successful and enriching experience for all participants involved.
4-H Camp Maga’lahi is conducted in partnership with the Northern Marianas College Cooperative, Research, Extension, and Education Services Family, Community and Youth Development program.
For more information, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
4-H Overall Lead Camp Counselor and Saipan Island Council member Anastacia Minor presents a module to fellow camp counselors.
Campers and counselors enjoying a hands-on soccer demo at the Koblerville Soccer Training Center.