Syrian children delight in adrenaline rush at adventure sports camp

An adventure sports camp in the southeastern province of Gaziantep is a new joyous challenge for Syrian refugee children as they enjoy themselves to the fullest while trying paintball, outdoor climbing and ziplines.

Located at the Dülükbaba Nature Park in the Şehitkamil district, the camp offers an adrenaline rush to refugee children aged 10-to-18 every month. About 100 refugee children are taken to the camp in groups, where they find different adventure sports platforms in the scope of a project initiated by the Şehitkamil Municipality as part of the "Kardeşlik Ligi" (Brotherhood League) under the coordination of Ensar Society Center.

These children build team spirit on challenging rope courses, bounce together to pass from one platform to another and test their physical limits by climbing rock walls in a lush forest area.The displaced children taking shelter in the refugee camp are able to regain their mental health and have chance to actively engage in sports at the camp that opened its doors about three years ago.

Syrian children visit the camp two times in a month where they stay for a day camp or an overnight three-day camp. The municipality covers all expenses including food, camping materials and outdoor clothes. Team leaders at the camp take care of children at the camp.

The ongoing Syrian war, now in its fifth year, has caused the deaths of millions with an influx of refugees taking shelter in neighboring countries like Turkey which hosts the highest number of refugees - almost 3 million. For children, the burden of war is severer and ongoing efforts have been made to improve their psychological well-being.

"The ultimate aim of the sports camp is to help Syrian children adapt to social life in a foreign country as easily as possible. Here, they can socialize and play together," Metin Alati, the sports coordinator of Şehitkamil Municipality, said. Many aid organizations in Turkey try to meet the needs of Syrian women and children who are suffering from post-war psychological trauma. Alati said that all children regularly visit psychologists to share their problems and fears.

Lujayn Jadan, a Syrian child who escaped from Aleppo and is sheltered in Gaziantep said: "All teachers here treated me well. I came to the adventure camp and had fun with my friends. I liked it very much." Another child, Mahmut Mawas, is also from Aleppo and shared his experience, saying: "I am afraid of war and have seen terrible fighting. Here everything is normal, I have a better life. I enjoy myself while playing at the park."