Sharjah Social Services Department has launched the “Kishta” Winter Camp in its first edition. The camp began on December 8 and continues until December 31. The annual “Kishta” camp is dedicated to senior members of the department aged 60 and above, from the parents category.

Maryam Al Mehiri, Director of the Social Education Department, explained that the camp aims to enhance the psychological and physical well-being of senior participants, break social isolation, and increase social interaction with individuals and community institutions. It also provides opportunities to learn new skills—manual, artistic, and cognitive—helps change daily routines to renew their life rhythm, and develops cultural and heritage awareness among seniors and those who participate in accompanying activities, especially children. In addition, the camp offers activities suited to the varying physical energy levels of participants.

Al Mehiri added that through the “Kishta” camp, an environment is provided that combines comfort, activity, entertainment, social interaction, recreation, renewal of energy, and the learning of skills and experiences for seniors.

She further noted that the camp program is organized at Al Suyoh Family Park – Cultural Forum. The program includes several components, starting with the physical activity component, which features exercises that help stimulate blood circulation, improve physical fitness, and strengthen joints and muscles, while taking into account individual differences in health conditions and physical abilities among seniors.

The camp also includes the “Katatib” component, which aims to enhance spiritual, mental, technical, and simplified educational aspects, as well as digital empowerment in line with the interests and needs of seniors. This component includes Qur’an sessions, religious lectures, awareness and educational talks, and technology programs.

In addition, the “Macintosh” component provides a creative space for artistic workshops and handicrafts such as crochet, handmade accessories, pottery shaping, handbag design, and more.

The “Kishta” component represents the entertainment aspect of the camp, as it includes cooking activities, outdoor gatherings, and recreational trips to parks, rest areas, and farms, among other activities.