Young Overseas Vietnamese individuals delve into their homeland's traditional gong music practices
The Vietnam Summer Camp 2025, themed "Together, We Write the Next Chapter of Peace", is an exciting cultural and educational event for overseas Vietnamese youth, taking place from July 13 to 26 across various regions of Vietnam, including HCM City, Da Nang, Hanoi, and more [2][4]. This year's camp, organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' State Commission for Overseas Vietnamese (SCOV), brings together over 100 young participants from 31 countries and territories [2].
The camp's activities are designed to bridge Vietnam's historical legacy with its dynamic present, offering a unique opportunity for participants to explore the region's rich culture, history, and economic potential [2][4]. The program includes a variety of age-specific sub-camps focusing on themes such as technology, social innovation, leadership, diplomacy, and STEAM education, catering to participants aged 8 to 17 [1][3].
Cultural and historical experiences are at the heart of the camp. Participants engage in visits to significant historical sites, such as the Cu Chi Tunnels, symbolising Vietnamese intelligence and determination during wars, and the Kon Tum Prison Relic Site, Thong Nhat Hall, and Nha Rong Wharf, where revolutionary leader Ho Chi Minh began his journey for national independence [2]. The camp also includes "back-to-the-roots" programs that immerse participants in Vietnam’s cultural traditions and historical struggles, fostering a strong connection with their ancestry [2][4].
In addition to cultural and historical experiences, the camp offers economic and educational opportunities. The Young Technopreneur Camp 2025, for instance, teaches business planning, coding, AI, and business English to teens (12-16 years), combined with hands-on industry exposure [3]. Younger children attend camps like the Brave Adventurers Camp, which encourages creativity, problem-solving, and confidence-building through interactive learning and teamwork [1]. There are also STEAM camps where participants explore robotics, IoT, and participate in hackathons to cultivate innovation skills along with social impact learning [1][3].
The overall objective of the camp is to act as a bridge for overseas Vietnamese youth to learn about Vietnam’s cultural legacy, history of resilience, and rapidly developing economy. It also encourages them to carry forward values of peace and national pride, while equipping them with tech-savvy and leadership skills to contribute globally and locally [2][4].
In Da Nang, activities include incense offering at Ho Chi Minh Square, charitable work supporting ethnic minorities, cultural exchanges focused on gong traditions, and a visit to the World Coffee Museum. In Hanoi, participants will experience a closing ceremony filled with traditional performances and a chance to witness the city's vibrant cultural scene [2].
Vilatda Moungkhounsin, a 22-year-old participant from Laos, expressed enthusiasm about playing the T'rưng musical instrument during the camp [2]. The camp offers participants a chance to discover the homeland's regions, culture, and history, and witness current economic development opportunities and the nation's overall progress.
The official opening ceremony of the camp was held in Da Lat on July 16 night, and the closing ceremony is planned for July 25 in Hanoi [2]. SCOV Vice Chairwoman Ngo Thi Thanh Mai stated that the summer camp is a call and invitation for the young OVs to carry forward the homeland's values of peace, compassion, tolerance, and aspiration for development [2]. The evening immersion in Da Lat included hands-on experience with traditional musical instruments, highlands folk songs, and coffee culture.
- Despite the ongoing pandemic, the Vietnam Summer Camp 2025 seeks to foster cultural connections by offering a unique blend of historical, economic, and educational experiences for overseas Vietnamese youth.
- The camp's activities extend beyond historical sites, incorporating a variety of themed sub-camps that focus on technology, social innovation, leadership, diplomacy, and STEAM education, catering to participants aged 8 to 17.
- Cultural experiences are integrated into the camp, allowing participants to learn about Vietnam's rich traditions, such as experiencing the T'rưng musical instrument, gong traditions, and visiting the World Coffee Museum.
- The camp offers travellers a chance to witness Vietnam's current economic development and overall progress, while also encouraging participants to carry forward the homeland's values of peace, compassion, tolerance, and aspiration for development.
