Creating an experiential playground for young people

After the merger of commune-level administrative units, the scope of communes and wards has been expanded, leading to a significant increase in the number of young people and Youth Union members in each unit. In this context, organizing healthy playgrounds that attract young people is essential.

Youth Union members, young people, and students take part in game stations during the Brilliant Journey organized by the Trang Bom Life Skills Club. Photo: Nga Son

These spaces not only provide an environment for young people and Youth Union members to connect and engage, but also help bridge geographical and psychological gaps between former localities. They also offer opportunities for personal development, deeper attachment, and continued collaboration with the Youth Union and Youth Associations.

A playground full of youthful energy

By actively engaging in challenge stations and utilizing their intelligence, skills, physical strength, and teamwork to tackle the tasks set by the organizers, the 3rd Brilliant Journey, hosted by the Trang Bom Life Skills Club (Trang Bom Commune, Dong Nai Province), drew nearly 400 Youth Union members, young individuals, and students.

Invited by friends, Ly Bui Gia Yen, a student at the College of Mechanics and Irrigation (Long Binh Ward, Dong Nai Province), eagerly joined the challenge. Yen shared that the first station her team encountered was called "The Declaration of Independence." At this station, team members had their hands and feet tied together in a circle, facing outward, and had to work together to overcome a series of obstacles. After completing the course, their legs were untied, and the team collaborated to find the correct quote from the Declaration of Independence hidden in a bowl of flour mixed with many other quotes.

In addition to the Declaration of Independence challenge station, teams taking part in the 3rd Brilliant Journey also experienced challenge stations named: Successful August Revolution, Sleepless nights in the heart of Hanoi, The Provisional Government of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, Drafting the Declaration of Independence, Uncle Ho reading the Declaration of Independence, and Declaration's imprint - timeless value.

Aiming to strengthen solidarity and foster exchange and learning among grassroots Youth Union branches and their members, the Trang Dai Ward Youth Union in Dong Nai Province organized the 2025 Trang Dai Dynamic teambuilding program in mid-August. Nearly 90 officials, Youth Union members, and local youth took part in the event, participating in game stations such as Pioneering in Action, Lifelong Learning, Pure Ethics, Endless Creativity, and Aspiration to Rise.

Vice Chairwoman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of the ward and Secretary of the Trang Dai Ward Youth Union, Tran Thi Tham, said: "This was a new initiative of the ward's Youth Union since the merger. Our aim in organizing the program was to create opportunities for officials, Youth Union members, and young people from various branches to meet, connect, and foster solidarity, establishing a foundation for more effective collaboration in executing the work of the Youth Union and youth movements in the locality and unit. That's why the game stations in the Trang Dai Dynamic Teambuilding program were primarily designed to enhance solidarity and coordination among members."

Helping Youth Union members and youth connect and experience

Beyond merely establishing playgrounds, the initiatives organized by Youth Union branches in Dong Nai since the administrative merger have also helped to strengthen connections and offer opportunities for officials, Youth Union members, and young people to acquire valuable experiences.

After a tentative first year, Bui Gia Loc, a student at Thong Nhat A High School (Trang Bom Commune), felt more confident registering for this year's Brilliant Journey. Loc shared: "2025 marks my second year participating. Each time I join, I gain new experiences and have the chance to review historical knowledge while sharpening my skills, especially in teamwork, presentation, and communication."

To establish a practical and meaningful playground for Youth Union members, young people, and students to exchange, learn, and share experiences, effective models, and innovative approaches in Youth Union work and the School Youth Movement, the Dong Nai Provincial Youth Union recently collaborated with the Department of Education and Training to organize the 2025 Training Camp for high school students throughout Dong Nai Province.

The Youth Union and Youth Association should continue to maintain these meaningful playgrounds and further expand activities, giving Youth Union members and young people more opportunities to gain experience.

BUI GIA LOC, a student of Thong Nhat A High School (Trang Bom Commune, Dong Nai Province)

As one of the campers in the Training Camp, Vo Thi Thanh Nhu, a student at Minh Hung Secondary and High School (Minh Hung Ward, Dong Nai Province), shared: "Thanks to the Training Camp, I had the opportunity to interact and connect with students from various high schools in the province through campfire activities and team games. Additionally, the campers received training in manners, discipline, and collective living habits, while also being nurtured in leadership skills, teamwork, problem-solving, and organizing branch and thematic activities. Participants also gained insights into digital transformation and digital applications that support learning, communication, and the execution of Youth Union activities. Although the Training Camp lasted only three days, it transformed campers from strangers into close friends who understood one another."

By: Nga Son

Translated by: Huyen Trang - Minho