Elementary school students in Dobong-gu spent their summer vacation building teamwork and leadership skills through two nights and three days of outdoor challenges and hands-on activities.
Seoul's Dobong-gu, led by District Mayor Kim Dong-wook, ran the "2026 Dobong-gu Youth Future Leaders Camp" from Tuesday through Thursday at the National Pyeongchang Youth Training Center, bringing together 30 fifth- and sixth-graders from schools across the district.
The camp was designed to help young participants develop problem-solving and collaborative skills through peer interaction in a natural setting, with the broader goal of nurturing them into confident, well-rounded members of society.
The program centered on activities that encouraged participants to strengthen bonds and communicate with their peers.
On the first day, students began with a safety briefing before moving on to relationship-building activities and a stargazing session, laying the groundwork for camaraderie and an appreciation of teamwork.
The second day pushed participants further with physical challenges including artificial rock-wall climbing, alongside team projects and recreational activities aimed at sharpening problem-solving, leadership and collaboration skills.
On the final day, students took part in a photo-orienteering exercise — completing tasks using photographs — to reflect on the full three-day experience and create lasting memories together.
One participant said the camp exceeded expectations. "At first I was worried because there were so many people I didn't know and it felt awkward, but as we worked through missions together and climbed the wall, we became close really quickly," the student said. "It turned out to be the best experience of this summer vacation — the one I'll remember most."
District Mayor Kim said he hoped the camp gave participants a meaningful boost. "I hope this was a time when young people gained confidence and grew through the experience of taking on challenges and working together with their peers," he said. "We will continue to expand solid youth policies and programs that support the healthy development of young people in our community."
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