The summer camp opened Wednesday at the Special National Site Safety Zone (ATK) Dinh Hoa in Thai Nguyen province and will wrap up in Ninh Thuan in Binh Thuan province. Activities will take place at 10 different localities. The participants, aged 16 to 24, will visit a series of cultural and historical sites across Vietnam. The activities are designed to teach them about Vietnam’s history and social and economic achievements. The camp also fosters connections between young overseas Vietnamese around the world and young people in Vietnam, according to Luong Thanh Nghi, Deputy Head of the State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese Affairs, the camp’s organizer.

"We chose to begin the journey with the safety zone in Thai Nguyen, a historical and cultural site closely associated with the government’s revolutionary activities that led to Vietnam’s great victory in winning its independence. I think this is a great opportunity for young overseas Vietnamese to learn about Vietnam’s glorious past and pay tribute to those who fell for national independence and reunification," said Nghi.

Initiated in 2004, the Vietnam Summer Camp has attracted some 2,000 young Vietnamese from 30 countries and territories.  Each camp has had a specific theme and events designed to introduce Vietnamese culture and history to the participants, who may have had little exposure in their home country.

 "After 15 years of running this camp, we’ve noticed positive changes and better connection between young Vietnamese at home and abroad. After they return home, many of them organize activities to promote Vietnam’s image abroad," said Nghi.

The camp aims to help the young expats understand more about Vietnam and improve their Vietnamese skill.