House of Wisdom’s camps blend heritage and innovation

As part of its commitment to transforming summer into a season of learning, inspiration, and joy, House of Wisdom (HoW) in Sharjah is preparing to unveil an exciting new edition of its annual summer camp this July and August.

Following the overwhelming response and strong turnout witnessed last year, this year’s programme is set to deliver three dynamic camp experiences that seamlessly weave together technology, arts, and creative thinking within an environment designed to spark curiosity and encourage exploration.

Each of the three camps is thoughtfully tailored to suit different age groups, offering a rich tapestry of activities that blend interactive storytelling, hands-on experiments, arts and crafts, and engaging educational games. The goal is to create memorable experiences where learning and play go hand in hand.

Marwa Al Aqroubi, Executive Director of HoW, shared her enthusiasm for this yearly tradition, emphasising that it has become a signature part of HoW’s cultural and educational mission. She remarked: “Our Arab heritage is a treasure trove of timeless stories and cultural symbols that continue to inspire and influence generation after generation. Bringing these narratives to life through contemporary methods and technology gives today’s children the chance to connect with their roots in ways that feel fresh, relevant, and accessible.”

Children and parents poses for a photograph during a workshop hosted by House of Wisdom in Sharjah.

She continued: “At a time when screens increasingly isolate our children, we are committed to creating spaces that reintroduce the wonder of real-world connection. These camps are designed to nurture essential skills, cultivate collaboration and initiative, and build a generation that knows how to balance knowledge with joy, and heritage with innovation.”

The first camp, Kalila wa Dimna, will run from 7 to 31 July and is open to children aged 6 to 12. Inspired by the legendary fables brought into Arabic by Ibn al-Muqaffa’, the camp reimagines these stories in fresh, captivating ways. Participants can look forward to lively theatre performances such as The Lion and the Ox and Dimna’s Trial, alongside imaginative shadow plays inspired by The Monkey and the Turtle and The Merchant and the Parrot. The experience is further enriched with musical performances and puppet theatre, all designed to ignite young imaginations.

Running in parallel, How’s Al Jazari FabLab will offer children and teens aged 6 to 15 an immersive educational adventure that fuses storytelling with technology. A series of innovative workshops will equip participants with systematic thinking and practical skills. From recreating the tales of Kalila wa Dimna using AI-powered tools, to exploring the intersection of ethics, science, and art through design thinking, the camp opens up a world of creative possibilities. Participants will also have the chance to get hands-on experience in electronics and coding with Arduino Rapid Prototyping, while the Maker Tales workshop will invite them to blend narrative with 3D printing and laser cutting, crafting their own unique ‘Story Box’.

The third offering, simply titled Youth Camp, will unfold across July and August for those aged 12 and above. This holistic programme brings together art, innovation, and life skills in an engaging setting aimed at encouraging self-expression and discovery. Among the highlights are The Art of Qalam, a workshop exploring the foundations of classical and contemporary Arabic calligraphy, and Unleash Your Charisma, which empowers participants to strengthen their communication and leadership abilities. Another session, Focus to Achieve... From Mental Chaos to Meaningful Progress, focuses on building mental clarity and focus. The camp also includes creative baking experiences, a dedicated AI Studio for cutting-edge digital projects, and expressive art and craft workshops that nurture both imagination and practical skills.

Registration for all three camps is now open via the House of Wisdom’s official social media channels (@howsharjah), where families can find full details about each programme and age group. Flexible registration options are available, including daily and weekly passes, along with exclusive discounts for HoW members.