July 28-31, Lake Lopez, SLO County California
Once again to the costal region of Southern California came hundreds of youths to Lopez Lake gathering for learning, fun and friends — sharing stories, and enjoying the weather and home-made foods.
Youth from the following California cities and a few guests from other states joining the camp. The nearest city drove for three hours and many had to drive for 5-6 from the south tip of the state and some from northern part of the state. A few of IAMKNYAW team drove for more than 40 hours.
- Adelanto
- Bakersfield
- Daly City
- Fremont
- Manteca
- Oakland
- Sacramento
- San Diego
- San Francisco
Under the banner of “Educate. Advocate. Empower.”, Karen youths and their support family members camped for three nights for the 9th Annual Conference enjoying outdoor weather while learning, playing, singing, eating, laughing, chatting, sharing their stories and making new friends.
Lopez Lake and California Drought
This summer camp was by the lake, so campers were expecting a large body of water. But California’s prolong severe drought upset them — no body water near in sight. It became part of the lesson for the youth to witness first hand that California drought is real.
The topics presented this year were the followings:
- Karen People history by Thara Saw Windsor
- Youth sharing experience in Kawthoolei by IAMKNYAW Team
- College major and Financial advice by Saw Lahkbaw
- Advocacy Training (being a good citizen for a good cause) by Ko Ser Lu Htoo
- What is Karen People Identity by Tanay Tha
- Life After College and Career Advice By Carl (Tee Nya Klo)
Learning activities and fun games alternated the whole day till evening talent show began. Youths used up all the hours in laughing and singing till quiet hour began at 10 P.M.
Day One : History of Karen People by Thara Saw Windsor
The lesson included where we came from, pre-modern and modern history of the Karen People, who were Karen national leaders in Burma in the past and the legends about our diversity.
Fun Games led by Ashlee
Teams competition — during break time leave your shyness shyness at home or get ready to get embarrassed.
Congratulations to Class of 2022!
This year we were honored to have 9 graduates among us. To recognize their hard-earn achievement, campers had a surprise program for them at the last night of the camp. The graduates had a chance to pick a book from the selection. An excuse for them to read and enrich themselves.
The 9 graduates were:
- Promise (Criminal Justice)
- Paw Shae Wah (Global Health)
- Paw Ku Wah (Social Work)
- Snow – Stella (RN)
- Jenny (LVN)
- Dah Khu (LVN)
- Ko Htoo (Political Science and Social Justice)
- Praise (AA)
- Teresa (HS)
This year annual conference, majority of campers are in high school and college students. These graduates set examples for the younger members to look up to. They may be the first generation who graduated and they might have had extra challenges compared to their peers at school. Rising above the challenges, they made it, and we are proud of them to be among us.
Break, Fun, the Game of remembering names
IAmKnyaw meets California Connection
The Hike
Group hike after all lessons for the days completed gave an opportunity to the youth to touch and see the scenery. Some got blister after the hike. The less prepared and the less experience got hit harder.
Day One: I AM K’NYAW shared experiences from Kawthoolei, stories from homeland of ours, present situation and inspiration.
The IAMKNYAW team led by social network influencer Wah Fish Paste.
Day Two – Topic Three : Advocacy Training – A good Citizen for a good cause
Youths learned how to write and talk to representatives and advocate for a cause, practicing participating democracy.
Day Two – Career and Life Advice : wisdom from a not-so-old man to the youths.
An industry expert and community member Tee Nya Klo his wisdom and practical knowledge under the topics of financial and habitual matrix to set oneself for success in life.
Day Two – Topic six : What is Karen Identity
Presented with very well organization presentation by Tanaytha, known as little professor. He is a community member and aspiring researcher, currently pursuing pre-law.
Youth. Fun. Energy.
Arrival and Orientation
We are accessible.
Song Practice – Yer Kaw K’Nyaw
The Drive
The scenery of the drive was endless picturesque views of rolling hills in the vicinity of Central Valley which stays true to the state’s name, the Golden State — the land is golden by this season. The valleys has expensive vegetable farms in every direction, the farmers and the soil are working hard together to be the state of the largest exporter of vegetables to the whole United States.
Play hard. Learn Well. Eat Healthy.
Portrait of the Campers and the Camp
Everyone back home safely
This 9th Annual California Karen Youth Forum was successfully concluded and every camper arrived home safely. This event was a collaboration of youth organizers from different cities and everyone volunteered.
Our parents were supporting us three meals a day with early wakeup and late-night stay to get ready home-cooked delicious meal so that no energetic youth go hungry.
Funding
Major funding for this event came from Karen Organization of San Diego. Other funding came from donation of community members and individual contribution without an ask for reimbursement.
May everyone be safe and prosper, excel in their works and studies.
May God bless sons and daughters of Kawthoolei till we meet again, in Kawthoolei.
This 9th Annual Conference story was compiled by Saw Lahkbaw
[Photography by Saw Lah with contribution from Christabelle]
Karen People in California 