Through this initiative, the country's first academic center aims to connect San Juan residents with community offerings through workshops on urban mobility, cycling, crafts, art and music
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Imagine dropping your child off at a camp that connects them with the roots of a community with more than 201 years of history and tradition.
That is the purpose of "Río Piedras nos conecta", the holiday program organized by the División de Educación Continua y Estudios Profesionales (DECEP) of the Universidad de Puerto Rico, Recinto de Río Piedras. Designed for children ages 7 to 13 and young people ages 13 to 17, the camp aims to teach Puerto Rican culture and strengthen ties with the Río Piedras community.
"The goal is for them to see the greatness of the campus and its resources, to get involved in the culture and to enjoy a variety of activities," said Lara López de Jesús, special projects coordinator at DECEP, describing what they hope to achieve with the camp.
She also pointed out the importance of improving communication between the historic downtown and the university campus.
"It's essential that people know that in Río Piedras there isn't just a university for studying; there are also businesses, entrepreneurships, projects and many community initiatives. We need to show that there is a centuries-old life that is resurging."
-Lara López de Jesús
López de Jesús also said that through these activities they hope "for it to be an experience that encompasses different ways of learning and meeting new people."
Education, urbanism and community
The program for children, which will take place on the Río Piedras campus, will include a cycling workshop and a tour to teach bicycle culture. It will also offer instruction on Puerto Rican art and history through the creation of Río Piedras Creole houses decorated for Christmas.
In addition to the crafts, participants will learn about the origins of the Christmas tree traditionally used on the Island, compared with the one used today, and will make one. The program will also include musical components such as creating a choreography, bomba dancing and a Christmas songs workshop.
The camp for young people will be held at La Casa Cultura Ruth, where they will have bomba workshops and can attend a discussion on transportation and urban safety. The program will end with a group bike ride and a visit to the historic Cine Teatro Paradise, a cinema founded in 1945 that now serves as a cultural center.
As part of the effort to connect participants with their roots, the activities will be led by community and university resources.
"The university does not serve only university students and is not an employment center; it belongs to all of Puerto Rico. Our resources must be available to everyone at the university. We have a duty to provide for children and young people. They are not the future, they are the present," said López de Jesús on the importance of including staff from the institution and the historic downtown.
Local business owners in the historic downtown will also be an integral part of the program.
"We invite young people ages 13 to 17 to take part in the mini camp. We will be offering a workshop about our bakery, how to start a business in Río Piedras and how to make bread," said Alejo Bobet, owner of Bobet's Bakehouse.
Schedule and registration opportunities
Children will begin the camp on Friday, Dec. 20, and finish on Monday, Dec. 23. Young people, meanwhile, will start on Thursday, Dec. 19, and finish on Sunday, Dec. 22.
Each program has a capacity of 30 participants and a cost of $125, which will go toward workshop materials and snacks provided to participants.
Those interested in the program still have time to register children and young people. They can also call (787) 763-4240 to complete registration with an assistant.
"I urge you not to miss the opportunity to have a magical, quality experience. Take the time to do your shopping and get work done while your children are given a safe space to learn," said the DECEP representative.
This content was translated with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
