What a Kid Does on Guam?
Children in Guam experience a unique blend of modern life and Chamorro traditions. Here's what shapes their daily lives:
- Cultural Values: Kids grow up learning inafa'maolek (harmony), respetu (respect), and chenchule' (reciprocal giving) through family gatherings and community events.
- Community Activities: Village fiestas, like the Malesso' Gupot Chamoru (Crab Festival) and May Mango Festival, bring families together for food, games, and cultural celebrations.
- Hands-On Heritage: Kids learn traditional crafts, like weaving and coconut candy-making, at cultural centers like Gef Pa'go Chamorro Village and Sagan Kotturan Chamoru.
- Language and Games: Activities like Chongka' tournaments and Chamorro Bingo help kids connect with their heritage while learning the Chamorro language.
- Outdoor Adventures: Guam’s beaches, hiking trails, and parks offer endless opportunities for snorkeling, hiking, and exploring nature.
From participating in festivals to learning ancient crafts, Guam’s children grow up surrounded by family, history, and a deep connection to their roots.
Daily Life and Family Customs
Family and Community Involvement
In Guam, children grow up surrounded by an extended family, or familia, that goes far beyond their immediate relatives. This close-knit structure provides a strong sense of identity and support, shaping every aspect of a child's upbringing.
A key concept in this nurturing environment is ninana, which symbolizes motherhood and the act of caregiving. Importantly, this role isn’t confined to biological mothers - it extends to other family members who actively nurture and guide children.
From a young age, children are taught to respect their elders and embrace roles defined by age and gender. These lessons help preserve traditions, even as modern nuclear family dynamics become more common. The traditional practice of chenchule', or reciprocal giving, further reinforces the idea that family relationships thrive on mutual support and cooperation. This practice creates a safety net that allows children to grow up with confidence and security.
This strong family foundation seamlessly extends into community life and celebrations.
Family Gatherings and Fiestas
Village fiestas in Guam serve as vibrant cultural hubs where heritage and values are passed down through generations. These lively events, often hosting anywhere from twenty to several hundred guests, are more than just celebrations - they’re opportunities for children to learn about community, teamwork, and tradition.
Children actively participate in these gatherings by taking on age-appropriate roles. Girls often assist with preparing traditional dishes, while boys handle outdoor arrangements. These responsibilities help instill a sense of teamwork and accountability.
"These activities help children to learn and understand their roles for this important event that celebrates their Catholic religion and the Chamorro value of inafa'maolek: family togetherness, cooperation and interdependence."
- Tanya M. Champaco Mendiola
Through preparing and serving traditional foods, children not only learn the recipes and techniques but also the history and meaning behind Guam’s cuisine. The practice of yo'ase', or warmly welcoming guests, further emphasizes the importance of hospitality and community.
Fiestas beautifully blend Catholic faith with Chamorro traditions, weaving together influences from Spanish colonial rule and indigenous customs to create a unique cultural identity.
These regular family and community gatherings allow traditions and values to be passed down naturally. Instead of formal lessons, children absorb these cherished practices through participation, growing up with a profound sense of belonging and connection that defines their identity.
Heritage Activities and Customs
From an early age, children in Guam are immersed in their heritage through creative activities, language-based games, and community celebrations that tie them to their cultural roots.
Chamorro Arts and Crafts
Children in Guam experience traditional Chamorro craftsmanship through hands-on learning. At Gef Pa'go Chamorro Cultural Village, they are taught to weave ropes and craft hats and bowls using natural fibers. They also engage in weaving projects and make coconut candy, guided by elder Chamorros who pass down their knowledge.
Another hub for these experiences is Sagan Kotturan Chamoru, a community art and cultural center. Here, young visitors can try basic Chamorro weaving and enjoy live demonstrations of carving and painting.
Neni & Me, an organization blending art with cultural education, hosts unique workshops for kids. For example, their "Fa'tinas Yan Eyak!" workshop in March 2025 encouraged children to read Chamorro books and create art inspired by their heritage at Sagua Mañagu. Co-founder Laura Nelson-Cepeda highlighted the value of such activities:
"Young children learn best when learning involves their senses, and art is a very sensory and hands-on experience. It also stimulates both sides of the brain and helps develop creative thinking and problem-solving abilities."
These creative experiences naturally pave the way for children to explore the Chamorro language through engaging games.
Learning Chamorro Language Through Games
Traditional games offer a fun and interactive way for children to learn the Chamorro language, helping them connect with their cultural identity. One example is the game Chongka', a staple in Chamorro culture. The Guam Museum celebrates this heritage with weekly Chongka' tournaments during Mes Chamorro, encouraging family participation. Darlene Sanchez, the museum's admissions lead, shared how playing Chongka' with her Chamorro-speaking grandmother helped bridge their language gap.
Nicole Duenas, the museum's education and programs manager, explained the cultural significance:
"We wanted to do these chongka' tournaments because it's so embedded in Chamorro identity. It connects us with other cultures and people whom we share a similar history with."
Other activities, like Chamorro Bingo, help children link words to images and sounds, while board games and songs teach vocabulary and pronunciation. Singing Chamorro songs, in particular, introduces kids to the rhythm, stories, and traditions of their heritage.
Festivals and Events for Kids
Guam’s vibrant calendar of cultural celebrations provides children with immersive opportunities to experience their heritage. The Chamorro Village Night Market, held every Wednesday, is a lively event where families can enjoy traditional Chamorro dancing, shop at local vendor stalls, take carabao rides, and savor Chamorro BBQ.
Liberation Day, celebrated annually on July 21, honors Guam’s liberation by American forces during World War II. Featuring parades, fireworks, and cultural exhibits, this event offers children a meaningful way to learn about Guam’s history.
Throughout the year, additional festivals and cultural shows further enrich children’s understanding of their roots. Events like the Guam Micronesia Island Fair expand their perspective by showcasing the traditions of neighboring Pacific islands, connecting them to a broader regional heritage.
Fun Activities and Learning Programs
Guam is brimming with opportunities for kids to stay active and engaged, blending fun with interactive learning experiences.
Outdoor and Physical Activities
Guam's tropical paradise makes outdoor adventures irresistible. The island's beaches double as natural playgrounds where kids can swim, snorkel, and explore tidepools teeming with marine life. A great example is Gab Gab Beach, known for its safe swimming conditions and easy ladder access for young snorkelers looking to spot colorful fish and coral reefs.
For families seeking a bit more adventure, Mount Lam Lam offers hiking trails near the Marianas Trench, promising stunning views and a sense of accomplishment. To ensure safety, parents can connect with local Facebook hiking groups for trail recommendations. Another must-visit is Talo'fo'fo Falls, featuring rides and a scenic cable car lift. For a mix of adventure and learning, the Valley of the Latte Adventure Park offers river cruises paired with hands-on workshops that highlight Guam’s traditions and natural beauty.
Before heading to the water, it’s essential for families to familiarize themselves with Guam's sea life and beach hazard flag systems to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Creative and Educational Workshops
For structured learning, Guam offers a variety of workshops that spark curiosity and creativity. The Guam Museum stands out with its engaging programs. In May 2025, it hosted "Archaeology for Famagu'on", a hands-on workshop for kids aged 7–12. Led by archaeology technician Chloe Calvo, participants got to examine artifacts and try their hand at simulated excavations, diving into Guam’s rich history.
For teens, Junior Achievement of Guam in Chamoru Village focuses on developing business skills, empowering high school students to think entrepreneurially. Younger children can benefit from the PBS Guam Kids Club, which offers interactive resources to enhance learning outside the classroom. Across the island, youth programs emphasize building self-esteem, fostering friendships, supporting academic goals, and encouraging healthy lifestyle choices through sports and recreational activities. Meanwhile, the Guam Early Childhood & Caregivers Academy provides training for childcare professionals, ensuring high-quality early education for the island’s youngest learners.
Museums and Historical Sites
Guam’s museums and historical sites bring the island’s past to life in ways that captivate young minds. The Guam Museum in Hagåtña is a family favorite, offering a cool, air-conditioned space where kids can explore Guam’s history through interactive exhibits. It also offers student discounts for school-aged children. In May 2025, the museum showcased the "Famagu'on-ta: Growing Up on Guam" exhibit, which celebrated childhood memories with photographs, immersive displays, and student art from Maria Ulloa Elementary School.
At the War in the Pacific National Historical Park Visitor Center, families can dive into Guam’s World War II history through its interactive exhibits and gift shop. The center also hosts monthly storytime sessions featuring local authors and activities that highlight Guam’s unique heritage. For a glimpse into ancient Chamorro culture, Latte Stone Park offers a fascinating look at Guam’s historical roots, while the broader War in the Pacific National Historical Park combines natural beauty with historical significance.
For those planning educational outings, the Guam Museum provides contact details to help organize visits.
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Bringing Guam's Heritage Home
You can bring Guam's Chamorro traditions into your home to deepen your family's connection to this rich heritage.
Incorporating Chamorro Practices into Everyday Life
Chamorro culture thrives on family bonds, respect, and community. These values can be woven into daily life, starting with simple gestures like using Chamorro greetings. Saying "Håfa Adai" (hello) or "Si Yu'os Ma'åse'" (thank you) in conversations is an easy way to introduce the language to your family.
"If you ever need a native friend or a helping hand along the way. Wear a friendly smile and talk CHamoru style, and say Håfa Adai." – Johnny Sablan
Food often brings people together, and Chamorro recipes are no exception. Cooking dishes like red rice, kelaguen, and finadene as a family not only strengthens bonds but also provides a chance to share stories about Guam's history and traditions.
Storytelling is another meaningful way to celebrate Chamorro culture. Sharing legends like the tale of Two Lovers’ Point or the story of Sirena can make bedtime a magical experience while teaching values such as love, loyalty, and respect for nature.
For families looking for more structured resources, The Guam Bus, created by brothers Michael and Jack Lujan Bevacqua, offers engaging tools for learning Chamorro. Their Guam Bus Bingo game, which raised $3,000 through a Kickstarter campaign (with $2,000 raised on the first day alone), encourages families to use the Chamorro language together in a fun and interactive way.
"The goal isn't that we get people playing bingo alone, but the goal is that families can then start to use more CHamoru together." – Michael Bevacqua
Respect for elders is a cornerstone of Chamorro culture. Families can practice "manngingi", the traditional gesture of sniffing an elder's hand, as a way to show respect and spark conversations about honoring family and cultural traditions.
Music and dance also bring Chamorro culture to life. Listening to Kantan Chamorro music or learning traditional dances like Bailan Uritao and Bailan Lina'la' can turn a regular evening into a joyful celebration of heritage.
For families seeking a more guided approach, curated cultural kits offer a convenient way to explore Guam’s traditions.
Exploring Global Sprouts Subscription Boxes
If you’re looking for an easy way to introduce Chamorro culture to young children, Global Sprouts offers a Guam-themed subscription box for kids aged 2–6. Priced at $29.99, this box provides an immersive experience that engages multiple senses and learning styles.
The box includes the "Good Night Guam Book" for bedtime reading and Chamoru flashcards to make language learning enjoyable. A coconut bowl and a stuffed sea turtle connect children to Guam’s natural beauty, while hands-on crafts like weaving and wooden boat building teach traditional skills and enhance motor development. These activities mirror the experiences offered at places like Gef Pa'go Chamorro Cultural Village, where elder Chamorros demonstrate traditional arts.
Children can also explore Guam’s identity through a flag included in the box, while handwriting activities reinforce learning. The Chamoru Titiyas recipe transforms the kitchen into a classroom, allowing kids to prepare traditional flatbread and learn about Chamorro food traditions.
To deepen the experience, the box comes with a learning booklet that provides context and background information, ensuring families gain a meaningful understanding of Chamorro culture - not just the crafts and recipes.
For those eager to continue the journey, Global Sprouts offers monthly subscription plans featuring new cultural themes. This approach allows families to expand their knowledge of Guam while exploring other cultures as well.
Conclusion: Building Global Awareness Through Guam's Heritage
In Guam, children are immersed in a variety of cultural activities that deepen their connection to heritage and community. Whether it's joining in village fiestas, mastering traditional Chamorro dances, or learning ancient crafts like basket weaving, these experiences help young islanders honor their roots while gaining skills they'll carry through life.
Programs like those at Valley of the Latte take this cultural education to another level. Through hands-on activities such as guided tours, fire-starting demonstrations, and traditional craft showcases, students step into the world of ancient Chamorro life. As Valley of the Latte explains:
"School Charters provide our island's youth with an immersive and fun-filled experience that shares our deeply appreciated cultural heritage in interactive and educational ways."
These interactive lessons go beyond crafts - they help children develop critical interpersonal skills. By engaging with their heritage in such meaningful ways, kids cultivate emotional stability and resilience. Research backs this up: The Australian Journal of Early Childhood notes that exposure to diverse cultural practices enhances social abilities like communication, cooperation, and empathy. When children join Chamorro language circles or sing traditional songs, they’re not just preserving history - they’re building the tools to navigate an increasingly interconnected world.
Guam’s community-focused approach to raising children offers insights for families everywhere. Events like family fiestas and initiatives such as Famagu'on I Fino'ta - neighborhood language circles where generations come together to share Chamorro through storytelling, cooking, and crafts - show how culture flourishes when shared. These gatherings highlight the power of community in passing down traditions and fostering practical life skills.
For families outside Guam, these practices can inspire ways to nurture cultural connections. Cooking traditional meals, learning greetings in another language, or sharing folktales are simple but powerful ways to bring heritage into everyday life.
Guam’s example proves that culture thrives when woven into daily routines. By celebrating unique traditions, communities everywhere can help raise globally aware individuals who appreciate the beauty of diversity.
FAQs
How do village fiestas in Guam teach kids about Chamorro culture and values?
Village fiestas in Guam are lively events that give children a chance to engage deeply with Chamorro culture and values. Through traditional music, dance, and shared meals, kids learn about inafa’maolek - the idea of harmony and mutual respect - and experience the warmth of Chamorro hospitality firsthand. These celebrations also serve as a way to teach children the importance of family bonds, respecting elders, and cherishing their cultural roots.
By taking part in rituals, listening to storytelling, and helping prepare local dishes, children gain practical insights into traditions that have been passed down for generations. Fiestas also highlight the role of community and spirituality, often honoring patron saints, which strengthens both cultural and spiritual connections. These gatherings are not just fun but also an enriching way for kids to dive into Guam’s heritage and carry its legacy forward.
How does learning the Chamorro language help children connect with their heritage on Guam?
Learning the Chamorro language offers children in Guam a meaningful way to connect with their roots. It ties them to the traditions and wisdom of their ancestors, helping them engage with local customs, communicate with elders, and carry forward the stories and lessons passed down through generations.
The language also embodies the island’s distinct history and values, fostering a deeper sense of identity and belonging within the community. By incorporating Chamorro into homes and classrooms, families and educators ensure that this rich piece of Guam’s heritage continues to thrive for generations to come.
What outdoor activities can kids enjoy in Guam, and how do these activities help their development?
Kids in Guam have plenty of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors, with activities that are not only entertaining but also support their development. From hiking scenic trails to snorkeling in clear, turquoise waters or simply enjoying the island's stunning beaches, there's no shortage of adventures. These experiences promote physical fitness while helping kids develop skills like balance, coordination, and an appreciation for nature. For instance, snorkeling offers a chance to discover vibrant marine life up close, while hiking challenges their endurance and sense of exploration.
Spending time outside also nurtures emotional and social growth. Outdoor play helps children build self-confidence, enhance their social interactions, and sharpen problem-solving skills as they engage with their environment. On top of that, being in nature sparks creativity and contributes to overall happiness and health, making outdoor activities a vital part of growing up.