Last week, our team in Uganda brought together 85 Samaritan Scholars, ages 7 to 23, for a three-day boot camp under the theme, “Growing Through Life – Learning, Reflecting, and Connecting.”

From the moment the scholars arrived, there was an air of excitement. We kicked things off with creative name tags and energizing activities that got everyone laughing and connecting. Then came a moment that changed everything—Life Maps. Each scholar created a visual story of their journey, marking the highs, the lows, the turning points, the dreams ahead, and the values. When they shared these maps within their age groups, something beautiful happened: walls came down, empathy grew, and deep connections formed.

Throughout all sessions, we used Bible scriptures as a foundation, anchoring every topic—whether about purpose, emotions, or relationships—in God’s truth. It was deeply moving to see how confidently our scholars reflected, asked questions, and shared how the Word speaks into their lives. The level of maturity they are developing is truly inspiring.

We then split into age brackets to go deeper. The 7–12-year-olds explored kindness, decision-making, and respect through fun, interactive stories and activities. The 13–17 group delved into communication skills, emotional regulation, and goal setting, learning how to manage their time, express themselves effectively, and stay grounded. The 18–23-year-olds got real about career readiness, financial literacy, and healthy relationships—from writing CVs to setting boundaries and budgeting wisely.

Then came the grand finale—a day that felt like stepping into a living storybook. We took the entire group to the Uganda Wildlife Education Centre in Entebbe, a place where Uganda’s incredible wildlife comes to life. For many of our scholars, it was their first opportunity to see animals like lions, giraffes, chimpanzees, and rhinos up close.

Their eyes sparkled with excitement as they watched these majestic creatures, and their conversations buzzed with questions and wonder. Walking through the centre, surrounded by nature and the sounds of wildlife, offered a peaceful space for reflection. It was the perfect moment to reflect on everything they had learned during the camp. This visit wasn’t just fun—it deepened their connection to the world around them and reminded them of the beauty and responsibility of caring for God’s creation. It was the perfect ending to an unforgettable camp.

International Samaritan is a Christ-centered organization built on Catholic Social Teaching. Our mission is to walk hand-in-hand with people who live and work in the garbage dumps of developing nations to help them break out of poverty.

We provide holistic scholarships for students from kindergarten through college, and we’re currently supporting 950 scholars in Central America, the Caribbean, and East Africa.

Would your church or school group like to partner and travel with us? Learn about our Learn, Serve, Grow program.

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David Kafambe, Uganda Country Director

David has more than 15 years of leadership experience and a deep knowledge of East Africa. He specializes in managing and developing organizations in development and humanitarian contexts. He has degrees in Community Development, Business Administration, and an M.B.A.