The Italian Red Cross organized the second edition of International Clown Camp from the 23 to 30 August 2008 in Sicily, Italy. The aim of these camps is the sharing this kind of activity with young members of other National Societies. The Italian Red Cross youth has been making steps in this direction for some time: currently, youth members work with hospitalized children in hospital paediatric units. So far five national clownerie courses have been organized in Italy: over hundred boys and girls, coming from all regions of the country have been trained. After the great success of the first international camp, Italian Red Cross youth decided to continue the “crazy idea” of having new clowns in Red Cross, with the aim of helping vulnerable everywhere, in hospitals such as in refugee camps, in Italy as well as abroad. Henry Dunant’s idea to take care and help the injured enemies also seemed “crazy”, but made it no less important!
Twenty one Red Cross and Red Crescent youth members, coming from Mediterranean area (Palestine, Tunis, Egypt, Syria, Greece and Italy) and other European countries (Germany, Switzerland, Sweden, Belarus, Georgia) participated in this international camp. The principal aim of the camp was to give participants a new method to help vulnerable people. Participants signed an agreement, in which they respect other cultures, to work in team, to be active, to have new friends and fun, and especially to make vulnerable laugh.
The clown is “special”: he or she can help in many situations Children and adults who are living in difficult situations, those living with a disability, and old people who live in clinics, migrants staying in “welcome centres” as well as those affected by natural calamities or conflict. In these situations, the clown’s smile is considered a message of peace and humanity. The experience of the clownerie courses changes the life-style of the person who becomes more sensitive to the vulnerable people and their needs. In children’s hospitals, the fantastic improvisations and magic of the clown make their stay in easier and happier. The clowns’ wicked smiles and antics show children that their hearts are full of humanity. These clowns can save someone else from fear, melancholy and pain with laughter and amusement. The clown wears only a “red nose”, a very small mask. Using their smile and a funny language, the clown can talk to children and adults of all ages, in any social-cultural context. It is important that after the meeting with the clown patients and their relatives assume a different way of expression in sad circumstances, finding the courage to overcome these difficult moments and discovering in the clown a lost delight.
Every participant of the camp had the opportunity to follow a training course through very original type of lessons (for example “micromagic”), but also to visit Sicily and to know more about other countries and National Societies, thanks to activities like the evening of nations” and the international market. At the camp the Solferino flag, which is travelling throughout Europe to remind Solferino 2009 celebrations was presented. The camp was also an opportunity to promote stronger cooperation between National Societies in the Mediterranean region to grow together.
Dr. Massimo Barra, President of Italian Red Cross, visited the camp and meet with participants, trainers and leaders of Red Cross in Sicily. Participants and trainers worked together very hard: at the end of the camp, everybody went back home with a new friend standing beside them – his or her clown and its effects!
If you want to meet this challenge, you now have a great opportunity! The Italian Red Cross youth is waiting to hear from you, all wearing a red nose as a welcome to the start of this amusing adventure! As the camp motto says, “every crazy idea can be realized”. Please feel free to express your opinion and give us any ideas you may think of on our challenge by visiting our website www.pioniericlowncamp.it.
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Clown Polpetta (Fabio) and Clown Pisolina (Silvia) / Italian Red Cross
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Participants with the activity of the Seven Principles in different languages / Italian Red Cross
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Group picture of all international clown camp 2008 participants / Italian Red Cross
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| Participants during one the icebreaking activities / Italian Red Cross |
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Flags of the nations of participating National Societies / Italian Red Cross
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