Osman Aşkın Bak: ‘Record applications for GSB youth camps’

Minister of Youth and Sports Dr. Osman Aşkın Bak announced that they have received a record number of applications for GSB Youth Camps to be held in 25 provinces, stating that 131,168 young people registered for participation in the first period. Minister Bak also stated that applications for the second period are still ongoing. The Ministry of Youth and Sports, under the Directorate General of Youth Services, will organize free Youth Camps in 2024 as usual. As the intensive academic year comes to an end, the first period applications for Youth Camps, which started on May 15, ended on June 7. GSB Youth Camps, which will be organized free of charge in 38 different areas including 11 sea and 27 nature sites in 25 different provinces between June 24 and September 23, received great interest from the youth. Minister of Youth and Sports Dr. Osman Aşkın Bak expressed that they have received a record number of applications for GSB Youth Camps to be held in 25 provinces, with 131,168 young people registering for participation in the first period. Minister Bak stated that applications for the second period, covering the last 6 weeks, are ongoing. Minister Bak expressed his satisfaction with the interest of the youth, saying, ‘We have received a record number of applications for our camps this year. Applications will be evaluated digitally based on criteria such as academic success and family income status. Children of martyrs and relatives of veterans will have the right to participate in the camps directly. Families sending their children to the camp can rest assured. Every child coming to the camp is now our child. As the Ministry, we attach great importance to the satisfaction of our youth. Security cameras operate 24/7 at our camp areas, security personnel and camp leaders are on duty. Ministry staff accompany the youth as group leaders before, during, and after the camp. Doctors, first aid personnel, and ambulance services are also provided at our Youth Camps.’ Minister Osman Aşkın Bak, stating that new friendships and friendships are formed at the camps, said, ‘Cultural transfer takes place among our young people coming from different cities. In our camps, we raise awareness among our young people about harmful habits to contribute to the development of our country’s future generations. In addition, we organize artistic, social, cultural, and educational activities, historical and cultural trips, and sports activities in our camps. I believe that our camps have a great contribution to the youth in terms of sports and education. We will continue to provide opportunities for young people to discover and bring out the gem within themselves.’ GSB Youth Camps are organized free of charge. Under the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Youth Camps, which have been welcoming thousands of young people since 2002 in National Camp and Thematic Camp periods, continue their activities in 38 different camp areas, including 11 sea and 27 nature sites in 25 provinces. The youth, escorted by the Youth and Sports Provincial Directorates of the province they participate in, are taken to the gathering points announced in advance in the province. The camp group meeting at the gathering points is transported to the camp area by buses. Special travel and health insurance is also provided to the young guests in the camps. GSB Youth Camps, which bring together dozens of activities from transportation to accommodation, meals to activities, not only provide rest, entertainment, but also create unforgettable friendships, are completely free of charge. Youth camps, under the coordination of camp supervisors and volunteer camp leaders, stand out with fun, adventure, adrenaline-filled activities and events to develop a sense of positive competition among young people and effectively utilize their free time through recreation areas. Youth Camps offer a unique opportunity with station trainings aimed at expanding competency areas such as time management, planning, implementation, and basic life skills, and raising awareness of individual duties and responsibilities in adapting to social life. ‘Sea and nature camps await their guests. Summer Youth Camps are divided into two categories: sea and nature camps. While 12-13 and 14-15 age groups are hosted in sea camps, 16-17, 18-22, and 23-25 age groups are accommodated in nature camps. Young people who apply for National Period Youth Camps can participate in nature and sea camps only once to allow more young people to benefit. Sea Camps include swimming, boat trips, various sports activities, street games, folk dances, theater, music, handicrafts, and cultural activities. In nature camps, besides climbing walls, trail games, flyfox, adventure course, paintball, mountain biking, canoeing, orienteering, archery, and various sports activities, there are also plenty of tours, social and cultural activities taking place.