Mission:
To provide orphans and vulnerable children (OVCs) with knowledge in HIV/AIDS prevention and basic empowerment skills to improve their livelihood, as well as their individual and family status in society. The campers will be trained in both interpersonal and communication skills, so that they will be able to pass on the information learned to their friends and families as a way of increasing sustainability of the HIV/AIDS awareness campaign.

Target population:
The Camp will attract a total of 200 girls OVCs from Rakai and Kamuli districts with an equal representation from both districtions, both in-school and out-of-school young people. The two districts chosen for camp activities are among those districts worst hit by the HIV/AIDS pandemic and in particular Rakai where the first HIV/AIDS case was clinically diagnosed in the region. Those to attend the camp will be between twelve and eighteen years old. Half of the campers will be girls OVCs from Kamuli district in Easter Uganda and Rakai district in South Western Uganda. Each camper has to demonstrate the ability to become HIV/AIDS ambassadors, child/youth peer educators and role models in society in regard to behavioral change for HIV/AIDS prevention. Campers should also demonstrate interest to participate in HIV/AIDS prevention and sharing the knowledge and skills acquired with others. The campers will be selected by a committee of 5 members: a teacher, community leaders plus a Resident parish Mobiliser (RPM). Priority will be given to orphans most hit and with need. The children will be collected in one center in their respective district where shuttle buses will get them and transport to the camping center- Namugongo - Uganda Martyrs Shrine to get involved in various camp activities and it will be same after the camp.

Location, Duration, Venue and Dates:
Camp begins with an educational bus ride from the children's home regions, across their country’s capital city (which most have never seen) and to Wakiso. The camp will take place at the historical; Namugongo - Uganda Martyrs Shrine. This place has an excellent conducive learning atmosphere; electricity, water, food and accommodation are within the vicinity. The camp will be held in June 2011 starting on the 26th as reporting date at 4.00pm, and will end on 1st July, 2011.This will be a school holiday period in Uganda and will thus provide an opportunity for the facilitators some of whom are school teachers, and as well students to fully participate in the camp activities.

Staff:
There will be a total of about 24 camp facilitators and presenters, 4 International Ambassadors and volunteer advisors, and 2 Camp directors. 20 Resident parish Mobilisers (RPM)-10 from each district and 4 Healthcare Volunteer Uganda Staff will be trained/mentored prior to the camp, in different camp aspects like basics in Counseling, HIV/AIDS knowledge, games and other activities that will enhance community team work, life skills and relationship building and this will help to impart relevant knowledge required to the campers. The Camp Director is Ponny Bukenya, who has 9 years experience, in communities Diagnosis, implementing HIV/AIDS Vulnerable Children projects at both urban and rural levels and over 3 years experience as a Trainer/ Provider of Clinical Mentoring skills to local Healthcare providers in resource poor Countries. All Camp programs will be overseen by Sarah Richardson, Director of International Programs-Healthcare Volunteer-USA, who has over 8 years experience in coordinating and running charities both locally, nationally and internationally.

Camp Goals:
Our goal for 2011 is to have 200 campers in each of the two districts mentored and equipped with HIV/AIDS knowledge and basic skills to become peer educators, HIV/AIDS Ambassadors, and role models in their Communities.

• To foster a cadre of young women leaders empowered to promote social justice and transform their communities.
• To educate orphans and OVCs (future mothers) with different survival skills and to let them communicate their knowledge to friends and family in their communities.
• To give girls the confidence to say “NO TO SEX” and be able to continue with education as means for a brighter future.

Camp Activities:

• Basic skills study in (knowledge of HIV/AIDS, problems/effects of HIV/AIDS, prevention strategies, psycho-social support, care and counseling, and treatment).
• Training in livelihood skills and career development plans (campers will be divided into two groups for in-school and out of school respectively).
• Communication skills.
• Story telling and poems.
• Art and craft study.
• Sports and games.
• Knowing how to Care for an HIV/AIDS patients.
• Feeding an HIV/AIDS patient.
• Clubs formation.
• Open up and public speaking.
• Cultural exchange.
• Music, Dance and Drama –theatre.
• Storytelling and singing.
• Camp clean-up.
• Camp fire.

Collaborative Partnerships:
HealthCare Volunteer Uganda is a registered not-for-profit local organization and sister/branch of Healthcare Volunteer – USA. Our primary objective to provide volunteering opportunities to anyone interested in health care, whether a doctor, dentist, student or lay person.

Future Plans for the Campers after the Camp:

• Formation of clubs: Campers organize clubs within their communities and schools to educate their peers in health and child development issues. The campers impart knowledge acquired during the camp to others and as well as mobilize other members of the community towards health, social and economic development.
• Peer Education work: Campers will be trained to work as peer educators in both schools and community promoting health by educating their peers on HIV/AIDS prevention methods, avoiding risky sexual behaviors and emphasizing the value of education.
• Building partnerships: Camper will build critical partnerships among peers, leaders and organizations that share similar values within the community and across the globe. This will help children and HVU to build strong links that will help them share experiences, resources and moral.
• Building social safety nets for other disadvantaged children: Former OVCs campers will be engaged in activities to support fellow OVCs in form of psychosocial counseling, friendship building, and material support, such cleaning their homes, physically participate in building houses for them using available local construction materials.