The second edition of the Camp des Élites 2024 kicked off on Saturday 3 August 2024 at the Abobo Akeikoi Methodist School. The Camp des Élites is an initiative of the NGO ELIM EXCELLENCE. Created in 2023, the programme aims to offer children from disadvantaged backgrounds an enriching holiday and open up new perspectives, encouraging them to dream big and aspire to excellence.

At 7.30 a.m., the school playground came alive with the arrival of the campers and their parents. After registering at the welcome table, the camp manager gave instructions to ensure that the programme ran smoothly. She then officially launched the day by handing out badges and camp kits.

The children line up to check-in.

To break the ice and put everyone at ease, the coach organised a warm-up activity to music. Each child was able to reveal their inner dancer, creating a happy, relaxed atmosphere.

The children were then divided into two age groups: 9-11 year olds and 11-14 year olds. In each group, the English coaches took over. The younger children were given an introduction to the letters of the English alphabet, while the older children took part in an English text study session. At the end of the session, the children received their first well-deserved snack.

At around 10 a.m., the campers began learning songs in English: "ABC Song" for the little ones and "Heal the World" for the older ones. It was a fun and friendly time, followed by a session of board games. Divided into sub-groups, the aim was to collect as many identical images as possible in order to win, and our youngsters proved once again that they were worthy of the title of elite.

After these activities, it was time for lunch, a particularly popular moment. On the menu: rice pudding with chicken, accompanied by sweets and water.

After a 15-minute break, all the campers gathered in a room for a screening of the film "Akeelah and the Bee". The aim of the film was to inspire them to work hard and succeed, regardless of their social background. The film was unanimously appreciated and motivated the children.

The first session of the Camp des Élites came to an end at around 2.30pm, after a clean-up and the traditional family photo, in the presence of 41 campers and 10 coaches.