Upendo Art Camp

by Seth Luchemos IA Kenya Director

The Upendo Art Camp took place in Kakamega, Kenya from December 14-19, bringing together students and Artist Mentors for a week of creative learning, skill development, and personal growth. The team traveled from Nairobi on December 14th, officially began the camp on December 15th, and concluded with a showcase on December 19th before traveling home. The camp was guided by the theme “Grateful Hands, Gifted Hands,” encouraging participants to appreciate their God-given talents and use them purposefully and creatively. 

Program Highlights: Music students learned to play the guitar, keyboard, and “boomwhackers” and collaboratively wrote and recorded an original song aligned with the camp theme. Photography & Video students gained hands-on experience in studio photography and video shooting, editing, and equipment care and maintenance. Hairdressing students advanced their skills in hairdressing and nail polishing, strengthening both technique and confidence. Fashion Design students deepened learning in designing, cutting, and sewing garments, turning creative concepts into tangible outcomes. Art & Craft students excelled in drawing, painting, and crocheting, expressing creativity while building artistic skill. Dance students developed a choreographed performance that told a story of life and hope, reflecting resilience and purpose. 

Devotions: Each day began with guided devotions rooted in Scripture, connecting faith with creativity and daily life. The devotions were anchored on 1 Thessalonians 5:18, reminding participants to “give thanks in all circumstances.” These moments of reflection helped the children understand gratitude not only as a feeling, but as a daily practice expressed through their talents, attitudes, and actions. 

Challenges & Resilience: The camp faced a major challenge due to power outages, affecting several classes that rely on electricity. Despite this, facilitators and students made full use of the limited periods when power was available. With no power on December 18th—the originally planned showcase day—the showcase was postponed to December 19th, and travel back to Nairobi was delayed until after the successful event. 

Outcome & Impact: The final showcase celebrated creativity, perseverance, teamwork, and growth. The camp nurtured practical skills, confidence, and hope, reinforcing the importance of gratitude in all circumstances. 

We are deeply grateful to Madam Eveline for the warm welcome and generous hospitality during our stay. We also extend sincere thanks to Beyond Our Door Global and Inverted Arts for their faithful partnership and financial support, which made the Upendo Art Camp possible.