1/28/2009 - AFS Panama Family Day

AFS Panama’s Family Day was started in 1999 as part of the 40th Anniversary of AFS Panama, and since then it has become an epic celebration for AFS students, families, volunteers, and community members. At its height, Family Day has boasted had as many as 1,400 participants, and this year AFS Panama celebrated with close to 900 members of the AFS family.

With the general idea of bringing together the AFS family for a day of intercultural sharing and entertainment, Family Day typically takes place on a beach or in any open space near a swimming pool. This is a chance for all exchange students to meet their volunteers and other host families, as well as members of their local community. The invitation is sent out to everyone that is a friend of AFS, and as a result hundreds of people within the extensive AFS network are welcomed.

AFS Panama helps all chapters with transportation costs and provides lunch, fruits and soft drinks during the day, all prepared and served by volunteers. The staff organizes games that are planned so that everyone, regardless of age, can participate

One of the highlights is the talent competition, as the chapters arrange for students to join local community members in different singing or dancing acts. At the end winners are selected. With plenty of laughter and support from the crowd, the competition can take several hours to complete.

AFS Panama Family Day leaves participants energized and reconnected within their AFS Family and their larger community.

To find out more about AFS Panama, please click here