During February 20-25, 2022, the Karakol American Corner conduced the next Winter Sports Camp for school students at the Karakol Ski Resort. For more than ten years, the Karakol American Corner has been organizing a Winter Sports Camp for teenagers from rural villages in the Issyk-Kul region. Students with limited access to educational resources in their own communities gathered for a week of sports and education opportunities to get skills to become leaders in their communities. Due to the pandemic, the camp was not offered in 2021. This year the U.S. Embassy provided 15,000 USD to the Issyk-Kul Oblast Library to support the Karakol American Corner’s 2022 Winter Sports Camp.
Twenty camp participants ages 13-17 were chosen from villages to join the American Corner’s week-long sports camp. U.S. government program alumni, local subject matter experts, and U.S. Embassy representatives facilitated programming to build interpersonal relationships, develop leadership skills, share American culture and values, and introduce campers to opportunities to visit or study in the United States. American Corner resources and programs were also highlighted, especially STEM programs and resources. Participants learned how to ski or snowboard during their week at the Karakol Ski Resort.
The American Spaces Program was launched in the Kyrgyz Republic in 2003 as a partnership between the U.S. Embassy Bishkek and local institutions. American Corners are information resource centers modeled in the American style with the purpose of providing comprehensive and up-to-date information about the United States, and thus promoting mutual understanding between the American and Kyrgyz people. American Corners hold regular programs, such as English language clubs, movie screenings, cultural programs, book launches, and master classes led by U.S. Fulbright students, English language specialists, U.S. government program alumni, and Peace Corps Volunteers.
