"There is no way to peace...peace is the way" I did not truly understand Ghandi's words, but I always liked them. After this three month long journey with 17 amazing people I now understand that peace is a process...it will never be perfect, but as long as we walk the road together it will always remain in our hearts. My journey does not end here...
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Here's to you...
The amazing words our wonderful director Karena left us with before we leave...
Toni from Lebanon: The Gentle Giant in the group who literally has the strength of many men but also has the heart of many men.
Ting (Ting Ting) from China: Ting is the sunshine of the group. She has the ability to change the group’s mood with her positive outlook and happy go lucky attitude.
Lindo from South Africa: Most people notice his great smile and contagious laugh but Lindo also embodies maturity and wisdom and has the capacity to reflect.
Andre from Senegal: Andre is the most kind-hearted person I have ever met. With his kindness, love and strong commitment to his community, Andre will create change in his country.
Elizabeth from Ecuador: Elizabeth has great openness to new experiences and has the amazing ability to break tension in a room with her big smile.
Maru from Argentina: Maru is a peaceful leader who can create calmness just by entering a room.
Erin from USA: Erin is a natural leader whose dynamic energy and strong commitment enables her to lead without effort.
Viki from Nigeria: With her appreciation for knowledge, Viki has a great ability to create new ideas.
Evita from Hong Kong: Evita uses her good humour and positive energy to create unity in a group.
Juleine from Haiti: Juleine is a grounded and self aware person who brings practicality to the group.
Kim from England: Kim is a leader whose creativity creates a natural connection with people.
Nick from Zambia: Nick is a silent leader who leads by example.
Montse from Mexico: Montse, with her contagious smile is someone who would rather take on the burden than to create a conflict.
Marco from Czech Republic: Marco is the philosopher of the group. He is always sensibly calm, especially under trying circumstances.
Chari from Sri Lanka: Chari is one who sees the needs of people who are not normally seen by others.
Iuliia from Ukraine: Iuliia uses her lawyer skills, her heart and youthful energy to educate and advocate for children’s rights. She will make a global impact in this field.
Juliana from Colombia: Underneath her sweet and kind persona is a strong leader who seizes every moment and opportunity to create a positive impact.
If it Weren't for You...
There are some people that are not here who have had a profound impact on my experience that need to be mentioned....
Amanda Moore-My amazing boss and mentor. You put a lot on the line letting me come here. As usual you put others before yourself, and gave me the amazing chance to grow. I know that my absence has not been easy for you this summer, but I plan on making it up to you when I return!
Antonio Merino-We have not met in person yet, but that will change very soon I hope. I do not know how many people applied to be a part of this experience, but the fact that you chose me to represent the YMCA of the USA this summer still humbles me. I promise that I am determined to make sure that this opportunity wasn't wasted and I plan on repaying you and the YMCA of the USA for your faith in me.
Jorge Perez-I met you 6 years ago when I was a student at Butler University. You believed in me then, and you believe in me now, even though we haven't seen each other in over a year. You recommended me for this, and I will never forge that.
All of the staff and members of the YMCA of Greater Indianapolis: It is an honor to represent you, and I hope that I can give you back half of what you have invested in me!
Audrey, Leslie, Melanie, Matt, Kristen, Brittany and many other friends....you talked me through the tough times, and you believed in me even when I couldn't believe in myself.
This summer wasn't about my experience...It's was about all of you. The amazing people who couldn't share it with me. I will never forget what you all have done for me, and as I prepare to come home there are so many things I am excited to share with you all. Thank you for believing in me and I look forward to everything we are going to accomplish together!
Amanda Moore-My amazing boss and mentor. You put a lot on the line letting me come here. As usual you put others before yourself, and gave me the amazing chance to grow. I know that my absence has not been easy for you this summer, but I plan on making it up to you when I return!
Antonio Merino-We have not met in person yet, but that will change very soon I hope. I do not know how many people applied to be a part of this experience, but the fact that you chose me to represent the YMCA of the USA this summer still humbles me. I promise that I am determined to make sure that this opportunity wasn't wasted and I plan on repaying you and the YMCA of the USA for your faith in me.
Jorge Perez-I met you 6 years ago when I was a student at Butler University. You believed in me then, and you believe in me now, even though we haven't seen each other in over a year. You recommended me for this, and I will never forge that.
All of the staff and members of the YMCA of Greater Indianapolis: It is an honor to represent you, and I hope that I can give you back half of what you have invested in me!
Audrey, Leslie, Melanie, Matt, Kristen, Brittany and many other friends....you talked me through the tough times, and you believed in me even when I couldn't believe in myself.
This summer wasn't about my experience...It's was about all of you. The amazing people who couldn't share it with me. I will never forget what you all have done for me, and as I prepare to come home there are so many things I am excited to share with you all. Thank you for believing in me and I look forward to everything we are going to accomplish together!
Taking a Leap of Faith
It's almost over. It's been 3 months. I can not believe it...3 months ago I seriously contemplated not coming because things were so complicated back home. Now I can't imagine my life without this experience...
On our final canoe voyage across to Gambier, Viki came with us. Viki was one of the YPNers who was deathly afraid of the water at the start of the summer. Everyone else was so excited to jump off of the pier, Viki was content just to watch. However when we arrived we forgot about the time of the tides...The water was a good 10 meters below the pier...Many people were hesitant to jump when they caught sight of it. Somehow I was able to make the jump and made quite a SPLASH! But everyone else was still nervous to follow me in. Then from the water I saw Viki climb to edge of the pier....
Of all the YPNers, Viki was the one to take a leap of faith!!!! After that everyone was inspired to join us in the freezing water!
It has been such a long summer, and we spent so much time apart during camp, that I forgot how much these 17 individuals inspire and motivate me. Juliene doing a canoe flip, Maru introducing new games, Marco and Chari motivating their campers, Juliana and Iuliia winning the Trifecta award, Elizabeth improving her English... I remember now why I signed up for this, and I why took a leap of faith in coming here this summer. I left my job (and my poor boss all alone!), my apratment, my family friends and even a boy to be with these amazing people from all over the world. And I would do it all again...Because it's not about what I gave up anymore, but what I can give back when I go back!
On our final canoe voyage across to Gambier, Viki came with us. Viki was one of the YPNers who was deathly afraid of the water at the start of the summer. Everyone else was so excited to jump off of the pier, Viki was content just to watch. However when we arrived we forgot about the time of the tides...The water was a good 10 meters below the pier...Many people were hesitant to jump when they caught sight of it. Somehow I was able to make the jump and made quite a SPLASH! But everyone else was still nervous to follow me in. Then from the water I saw Viki climb to edge of the pier....
Of all the YPNers, Viki was the one to take a leap of faith!!!! After that everyone was inspired to join us in the freezing water!It has been such a long summer, and we spent so much time apart during camp, that I forgot how much these 17 individuals inspire and motivate me. Juliene doing a canoe flip, Maru introducing new games, Marco and Chari motivating their campers, Juliana and Iuliia winning the Trifecta award, Elizabeth improving her English... I remember now why I signed up for this, and I why took a leap of faith in coming here this summer. I left my job (and my poor boss all alone!), my apratment, my family friends and even a boy to be with these amazing people from all over the world. And I would do it all again...Because it's not about what I gave up anymore, but what I can give back when I go back!
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Say What You Need to Say
Imagine NEVER being able to communicate with the people around you. Imagine having all these amazing ideas and no way of saying them. Imagine being in a room full of people laughing and talking and having no idea what is going on.
As usual I am in awe by the amazing people in this fabulous program. Elizabeth is from Ecuador. Her first language is Quichua, a native Inca dialect. Her second language is Spanish which she learned growing up. English is her third language. It was very obvious in the beginning of the program that her English is the weakest of anyone's in the group. I have gotten to spend a lot of time with Elizabeth these past two weeks, acting as her personal translator in a way, and I must say she rivals me in terms of energy. She is ALWAYS smiling, laughing and dancing even if no said anything funny or if there is no music. She never complains, never feels sorry for herself (though she is constantly saying sorry for her English...) and never gets frustrated.
Every time I feel like I'm about to lose it I think of Elizabeth. Whatever is bothering me CAN NOT be as frustrating as what she goes through every day here.
Make a point of finding the people around you everyday who may be new or not fully understand or comprehend what's going on and go out of your way to make them feel at home.
As usual I am in awe by the amazing people in this fabulous program. Elizabeth is from Ecuador. Her first language is Quichua, a native Inca dialect. Her second language is Spanish which she learned growing up. English is her third language. It was very obvious in the beginning of the program that her English is the weakest of anyone's in the group. I have gotten to spend a lot of time with Elizabeth these past two weeks, acting as her personal translator in a way, and I must say she rivals me in terms of energy. She is ALWAYS smiling, laughing and dancing even if no said anything funny or if there is no music. She never complains, never feels sorry for herself (though she is constantly saying sorry for her English...) and never gets frustrated.
Every time I feel like I'm about to lose it I think of Elizabeth. Whatever is bothering me CAN NOT be as frustrating as what she goes through every day here.
Make a point of finding the people around you everyday who may be new or not fully understand or comprehend what's going on and go out of your way to make them feel at home.
Back to Reality
The final week of camp...And Elizabeth and I are in charge of Global Adventures, the heart of the YPN experience. A chance to really showcase your country and culture to Canadian youth. At the beginning of camp Viki asked told me "Culture? The United States doesn't have any culture!" Throughout the summer other counselors have been interested in how I was going to teach campers about issues in the United States.
Elizabeth and I had a different plan. Teach about other global issues and bring the conversation back to life in Canada. That's how we came up with our two biggest activities. "Perceptions" and "Waste Not, Want Not"
"Perceptions" is an activity that I learned from the Peace Learning Center back in Indianapolis. It required me writing 3 very different sets facts about myself on 3 different pieces of paper. Afterward, these facts were taped to the wall and the children were told each set was somebody. The children (and their counselors) had to guess exactly what kind of characteristics each different person had. At the end I would reveal that they were all the same person, and they were actually me. Children and counselors alike were surprised to find out that that someone who has a tattoo can also sleep with a stuffed duck...
"Waste Not, Want Not" is a activity that Elizabeth and I found while browsing through Peace Week binders. It is a stimulation about water conservation that entails team building. Each cabin group was given a bucket of water to do a list of 8 activities that varied from drinking to gardening. There is not enough water in the bucket to do all 8, so some of them have to be done with dirty water or not at all. The group has to decide. It is pretty similar to what children in Africa have to deal with every day. The children are even more amazed to learn that you use 40 liters of water every time you brush your teeth and leave the tap on, and only 2 if you turn it off...
It's probably the teacher in me but my favorite moment this week was when I sat at Marco and Toni' table for lunch. Their cabin invited me to site with them after our global session. Jacob was the one who got the pitcher of water. He very carefully brought it over to the table and placed it in front of and said "This is how much water they get in Africa. We aren't going to waste it!". I was so touched and impressed by how the message sunk in! Learning CAN and SHOULD be fun!
Elizabeth and I had a different plan. Teach about other global issues and bring the conversation back to life in Canada. That's how we came up with our two biggest activities. "Perceptions" and "Waste Not, Want Not"
"Perceptions" is an activity that I learned from the Peace Learning Center back in Indianapolis. It required me writing 3 very different sets facts about myself on 3 different pieces of paper. Afterward, these facts were taped to the wall and the children were told each set was somebody. The children (and their counselors) had to guess exactly what kind of characteristics each different person had. At the end I would reveal that they were all the same person, and they were actually me. Children and counselors alike were surprised to find out that that someone who has a tattoo can also sleep with a stuffed duck...
"Waste Not, Want Not" is a activity that Elizabeth and I found while browsing through Peace Week binders. It is a stimulation about water conservation that entails team building. Each cabin group was given a bucket of water to do a list of 8 activities that varied from drinking to gardening. There is not enough water in the bucket to do all 8, so some of them have to be done with dirty water or not at all. The group has to decide. It is pretty similar to what children in Africa have to deal with every day. The children are even more amazed to learn that you use 40 liters of water every time you brush your teeth and leave the tap on, and only 2 if you turn it off...
It's probably the teacher in me but my favorite moment this week was when I sat at Marco and Toni' table for lunch. Their cabin invited me to site with them after our global session. Jacob was the one who got the pitcher of water. He very carefully brought it over to the table and placed it in front of and said "This is how much water they get in Africa. We aren't going to waste it!". I was so touched and impressed by how the message sunk in! Learning CAN and SHOULD be fun!
Top 5 Learning Week Lessons
If I had to sum Learning Week up in 5 sentences....this would be it.
1) There is a difference between volunTEERism and volunTOURism.
2) Don't send underdeveloped people to underdeveloped countries.
3) Just because an organization is unbiased, does not mean they do not get criticized.
4) The difference between theory and application.
5) Don't do alone what can be done together.
1) There is a difference between volunTEERism and volunTOURism.
2) Don't send underdeveloped people to underdeveloped countries.
3) Just because an organization is unbiased, does not mean they do not get criticized.
4) The difference between theory and application.
5) Don't do alone what can be done together.
Want to learn more?!?!
Check out the amazing organizations I was able to meet with here in Vancouver! Some of them even operate within the United States as well!
CUSO-VSO
We send Canadians and Americans abroad to work on collaborative development projects in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean. We are one of North America’s largest international development non-profits that works through volunteers.
http://www.cuso-vso.org/?setlang=/
AIDS VANCOUVER
At the end of 2010, an estimated 13,000 people in B.C. were living with HIV. Approximately one quarter of them are thought to be unaware of their status....
http://aidsvancouver.org/
THE DR PETER CENTRE
Our community of care is built on acceptance and support, helping people find strength in the face of an illness which to date does not have a cure. We offer respect, dignity and a sense of belonging to people who are most in need.
http://www.drpeter.org/home/
UBC GO GLOBAL
UBC’s International Service Learning (ISL) program allows you to contribute towards important projects led by community partners around the world. By taking part in our program, you connect your academic studies with real-world experience.
UBC STUDENT LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE
The Student Leadership Conference (SLC) will facilitate a collaborative and inclusive educational environment, which will inspire the campus community, provide valuable peer-to-peer learning experiences, and engage students as they share and develop their leadership skills effectively. The SLC will provide delegates the means to expand their individual leadership potential as well as avenues to apply those skills, on individual and group levels, within the global community while embodying social, economical, and environmentally sustainable practices.
http://slc.ubc.ca/
UBC CENTER FOR INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION
The CIC offers programs and services to develop intercultural awareness, understanding and skills for today’s increasingly global academic and business environments. With over 20 years of experience, our highly experienced staff have designed and delivered leading-edge programs and services to help people and companies work more effectively in diverse cultural settings, internationally and domestically.
http://cic.cstudies.ubc.ca/
VANTAGE POINT
At Vantage Point, we inspire and build leadership in the voluntary sector. We make it easier for organizations to lead, plan, govern and work with the right people to deliver their missions.We have been a student of the voluntary sector for 67 years. Our passion is PEOPLE. We work with voluntary sector organizations to strengthen their ability to engage people and develop leaders—at all levels.
http://www.thevantagepoint.ca/content/who-we-are
MOSAIC
MOSAIC is a multilingual non-profit organization dedicated to addressing issues that affect immigrants and refugees in the course of their settlement and integration into Canadian society. MOSAIC's mandate is to support and to empower immigrant and refugee communities, helping them to address critical issues in their neighborhoods and workplace.
http://www.mosaicbc.com/
OXFAM CANADA
Oxfam Canada is a member of Oxfam, a confederation of 15 national Oxfams around the world. This global federation increases the effectiveness of individual Oxfams through collaboration in overseas programming and playing a truly international role in advocacy.
http://www.oxfam.ca/
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL
http://www.amnesty.ca
CUSO-VSO
We send Canadians and Americans abroad to work on collaborative development projects in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean. We are one of North America’s largest international development non-profits that works through volunteers.
http://www.cuso-vso.org/?setlang=/
AIDS VANCOUVER
At the end of 2010, an estimated 13,000 people in B.C. were living with HIV. Approximately one quarter of them are thought to be unaware of their status....
http://aidsvancouver.org/
THE DR PETER CENTRE
Our community of care is built on acceptance and support, helping people find strength in the face of an illness which to date does not have a cure. We offer respect, dignity and a sense of belonging to people who are most in need.
http://www.drpeter.org/home/
UBC GO GLOBAL
UBC’s International Service Learning (ISL) program allows you to contribute towards important projects led by community partners around the world. By taking part in our program, you connect your academic studies with real-world experience.
http://www.students.ubc.ca/global/index.cfm
UBC STUDENT LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE
The Student Leadership Conference (SLC) will facilitate a collaborative and inclusive educational environment, which will inspire the campus community, provide valuable peer-to-peer learning experiences, and engage students as they share and develop their leadership skills effectively. The SLC will provide delegates the means to expand their individual leadership potential as well as avenues to apply those skills, on individual and group levels, within the global community while embodying social, economical, and environmentally sustainable practices.
http://slc.ubc.ca/
UBC CENTER FOR INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION
The CIC offers programs and services to develop intercultural awareness, understanding and skills for today’s increasingly global academic and business environments. With over 20 years of experience, our highly experienced staff have designed and delivered leading-edge programs and services to help people and companies work more effectively in diverse cultural settings, internationally and domestically.
http://cic.cstudies.ubc.ca/
VANTAGE POINT
At Vantage Point, we inspire and build leadership in the voluntary sector. We make it easier for organizations to lead, plan, govern and work with the right people to deliver their missions.We have been a student of the voluntary sector for 67 years. Our passion is PEOPLE. We work with voluntary sector organizations to strengthen their ability to engage people and develop leaders—at all levels.
http://www.thevantagepoint.ca/content/who-we-are
MOSAIC
MOSAIC is a multilingual non-profit organization dedicated to addressing issues that affect immigrants and refugees in the course of their settlement and integration into Canadian society. MOSAIC's mandate is to support and to empower immigrant and refugee communities, helping them to address critical issues in their neighborhoods and workplace.
http://www.mosaicbc.com/
OXFAM CANADA
Oxfam Canada is a member of Oxfam, a confederation of 15 national Oxfams around the world. This global federation increases the effectiveness of individual Oxfams through collaboration in overseas programming and playing a truly international role in advocacy.
http://www.oxfam.ca/
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL
http://www.amnesty.ca
Every Week Should Be a Learning Week
I had been informed about it in the beginning and heard about it from other YPNers all summer long and FINALLY it was my turn! LEARNING WEEK! All summer long other YPN participants had left camp for one week to go back to Vancouver and had a set of meetings scheduled with other non-profits and NGOs. It seemed like forever ago that I filled out my interest form. I was so focused on learning how to better manage and retain volunteers as well as expand global and leadership development programs, as these were the things most relevant to my job. But the thing about learning week is you realize that your interests are just as varied as the number of organizations that you meet with.
Amanda explained a theory by John Maxwell to us at our Leadership Expereince last spring called the "Law of the Lid". This theory operates on the principle that when you are satisfied with your accomplishments and don't strive to see how much further you can go, you put a lid on your leadership potential. A true leader keeps the lid very high. They keep striving and pushing their limits to see what else is possible. They can see the bigger picture and they imagine an even bigger one. Learning week has raised the lid for me. And I intend to blow that lid right off.
As I come to the end of this experience I realize more and more how different my perspective on the YPN program, camp, and Canada as a whole has changed. I joined the YPN thinking I had a lot of things figured out and knew exactly what I wanted to accomplish during my time here. I now look back at the last 2 months and realize that my most eye opening moments had nothing to do with any of the reasons why I came here. But they will stay with me as I go back.
If I could give just one piece of advice to a future YPNer or Butler student or anyone really it would be to keep an open mind. Talk to people you wouldn't normally talk to, go to places you wouldn't normally visit and you will learn things you never knew you wanted to learn. Make every week a learning week by pushing your lid and seeing what else is out there. Be open to new experiences, ideas and points of view and they will open you up to a whole new world.
Amanda explained a theory by John Maxwell to us at our Leadership Expereince last spring called the "Law of the Lid". This theory operates on the principle that when you are satisfied with your accomplishments and don't strive to see how much further you can go, you put a lid on your leadership potential. A true leader keeps the lid very high. They keep striving and pushing their limits to see what else is possible. They can see the bigger picture and they imagine an even bigger one. Learning week has raised the lid for me. And I intend to blow that lid right off.
As I come to the end of this experience I realize more and more how different my perspective on the YPN program, camp, and Canada as a whole has changed. I joined the YPN thinking I had a lot of things figured out and knew exactly what I wanted to accomplish during my time here. I now look back at the last 2 months and realize that my most eye opening moments had nothing to do with any of the reasons why I came here. But they will stay with me as I go back.
If I could give just one piece of advice to a future YPNer or Butler student or anyone really it would be to keep an open mind. Talk to people you wouldn't normally talk to, go to places you wouldn't normally visit and you will learn things you never knew you wanted to learn. Make every week a learning week by pushing your lid and seeing what else is out there. Be open to new experiences, ideas and points of view and they will open you up to a whole new world.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Best Birthday EVER!
Becasue I knew you...
My two weeks with camp Moomba were by far the most trying experience I have had to date. It was also the most enriching and eye opening one. I cried A LOT with this group but I also laughed so hard I would snort, licked ketchup off of a table and ate oreos off of my forehead with them, chased geese up and down the field and stayed up way too late drinking hot chocolate and star gazing with them too. This group pushed me to my limit, but I pushed them as well. They had never sailed before. They each taught their cabin how. They had never played Ga Ga ball. Now its their favorite game. They canoed for three hours and made the most impressive straw tower I have seen from a leadership group so far. I tell them everyday how much I appreciate what they have taught me. And I want to make sure that they continue to inspire their peers to do the same.
Rakiya asked me if I would come back next year. If she had asked me this question a week ago I would probably have said never. Now I feel like it would be wrong not to. Though I can not come back to Canada for a whole summer as a counselor again or as a YPN volunteer, I am surprised to think about reserving one or two weeks out of my summer next year to come back. I have become part of an incredible family. Families fight and bicker and yell and scream. We certainly have done that. But they also stand up for each other and support each other no matter what. There is nothing I wouldn't do for this group, and that doesn't change just because camp is over.
There are no words to describe these past two weeks. And when I am at a loss for words I find that there is a songwriter out there who has the right ones. This one happens to come from Wicked...
"I've heard it said
That people come into our lives for a reason
Bringing something we must learn
And we are led
To those who help us most to grow
If we let them
And we help them in return
Well, I don't know if I believe that's true
But I know I'm who I am today
Because I knew you
Like a comet pulled from orbit
As it passes a sun
Like a stream that meets a boulder
Halfway through the wood
Who can say if I've been changed for the better?
But because I knew you
I have been changed for good"
Rakiya asked me if I would come back next year. If she had asked me this question a week ago I would probably have said never. Now I feel like it would be wrong not to. Though I can not come back to Canada for a whole summer as a counselor again or as a YPN volunteer, I am surprised to think about reserving one or two weeks out of my summer next year to come back. I have become part of an incredible family. Families fight and bicker and yell and scream. We certainly have done that. But they also stand up for each other and support each other no matter what. There is nothing I wouldn't do for this group, and that doesn't change just because camp is over.
There are no words to describe these past two weeks. And when I am at a loss for words I find that there is a songwriter out there who has the right ones. This one happens to come from Wicked...
"I've heard it said
That people come into our lives for a reason
Bringing something we must learn
And we are led
To those who help us most to grow
If we let them
And we help them in return
Well, I don't know if I believe that's true
But I know I'm who I am today
Because I knew you
Like a comet pulled from orbit
As it passes a sun
Like a stream that meets a boulder
Halfway through the wood
Who can say if I've been changed for the better?
But because I knew you
I have been changed for good"
The hardest day of my life...
What goes up must always come down...
After all the amazing things that had been happening at camp for the last month, being a team leader, working with the Leadership Development 1 group, I was really starting to feel quite comfortable at camp. A little too comfortable unfortunately.
Lara told us that Moomba would be different than regular camp at Elphinstone. These kids come from some pretty unique backgrounds and from all over the country. This week is the one time many of them get to see each other. They all understand each other and what they go through at home, and they look forward to this week all year long. Instead of rushing from activity to activity, theses kids find a lot of value in just spending time with each other. I was really impressed with the strong bonds many of our 17 year old leaders had with all the younger kids. After just 2 days I could feel the sense of belonging and family.
Unfortunately after two days that family was ripped apart. One of the problems that Camp Moomba has had to deal with in the past is the use of marijuana on site. Like I said, many of these kids come from some very unstable backgrounds and they find solace in the use of drugs. It is made clear before campers come to Moomba that this is not tolerated while at camp, but for those that have medicinal need alternative arrangements can be made. But these warnings have been ignored in the past, and two of our Moomba leadership boys were caught smoking after lunch after being at camp for two days.
These boys were reported to the director and it was decided that they had to be sent home. Immediately. They had to pack up and leave on the next ferry to Vancouver and the airport. We were instructed not to tell the other campers until the boys had a chance to pack and they would meet up with us on their way out of camp to say goodbye.
We waited at 3. The group was getting extremely anxious and didn't understand why it was so important to meet up with the director when there was so much to do. Half an hour passed. Then an hour. Finally after an hour and a half it became clear that we needed to be straight with out group. I told them the situation. And what happened after brought me to tears....
Kaley* stormed off down the road intermediately in tears while here two best friends in the group ran after her. I wanted to give them space, but didn't want to them to be on their own or miss a chance to say goodbye either. So I followed them. Kaley kept screaming that she wanted to go home and wouldn't talk to either of the girls. Both girls, also very much upset, sat down and began to cry on the porch. When I tried to comfort them they just kept repeating "You don't understand! You don't get it!" I was somehow able to convince them to come back to the group so they could at least say goodbye, even if it was upsetting. The boys were waiting for us when we got their and Caitlin* started screaming at the directors and the bus driver "I hope you're happy! You're breaking up a family!" As the boys went around the group saying tearful goodbyes, they were quickly hustled back in the van, as they were running very late. This did not sit well with the rest of the group. The laid in the middle of the street so the van couldn't pass. At this point in time I was in tears in front of the directors and could not bring myself to make them get up. The program staff did this for me while being cursed at by many of the girls.
As the van drove off the girls ran down the hill again. The other counselors and myself followed after. Caitlin SCREAMED at us to stop following them and used a couple of choice swear words in the process.
I have done summer camp a long time. I have dealt with broken fingers and campers with anger management issues. I have never dealt with anything like this before. And I had never felt so hopeless in my life. I did not see the girls again until dinner. And they made it clear they wanted nothing to do with us. I then saw Rakiya across the dining hall....
I had met Rakiya during staff training. She was the only former Moomba camper to come back as staff this year. She has been speaking on behalf of families affected by HIV since she was 8. Her mother is affected by the disease and this is why she keeps coming back to Moomba. She was also only a year older than my campers and had known them for over a decade. If anyone could help me it was Rakiya. When I told her the situation she was very understanding and thought I could tell she was upset by the situation as well, she offered to help.
After dinner we called an emergency campfire meeting. Rakiya, along with other seasoned Moomba staff (no directors) showed up to talk about the situation with us and our leaders. And I had the most eye opening moment of my life. Caitlin shouted at me "You don't get it!" and she was right. Though they made it clear they understood the rule and that the boys did do something stupid by breaking it and even apologized for the way they spoke to us earlier, our leadership group began to open up and share why it was so hard for them to have to say goodbye to their friends and the struggles they had to deal with at home, and how camp was a place for them to get away from all that. It became clear that even though Jason and myself were good counselors and really did care about these kids, we would never be able to understand where they came from. Only other Moomba kids could do that. So the issue came up. Why was Rakiya the only Moomba kid who became staff? Why were there not more HIV positive staff in general? Why were we told not to talk about these issues?
It became obvious it was time for a change in the way people looked at Moomba. And I saw the true meaning of leadership in our group when they stepped up and accepted the challenge to be that change they wanted to see in their world. And though it was a painful road to travel, I do not beleive we would have had the eye opening conversations that happened that day if it hadn't been the hardest day of my life.
*For confidentiality reasons, all names have been changed
After all the amazing things that had been happening at camp for the last month, being a team leader, working with the Leadership Development 1 group, I was really starting to feel quite comfortable at camp. A little too comfortable unfortunately.
Lara told us that Moomba would be different than regular camp at Elphinstone. These kids come from some pretty unique backgrounds and from all over the country. This week is the one time many of them get to see each other. They all understand each other and what they go through at home, and they look forward to this week all year long. Instead of rushing from activity to activity, theses kids find a lot of value in just spending time with each other. I was really impressed with the strong bonds many of our 17 year old leaders had with all the younger kids. After just 2 days I could feel the sense of belonging and family.
Unfortunately after two days that family was ripped apart. One of the problems that Camp Moomba has had to deal with in the past is the use of marijuana on site. Like I said, many of these kids come from some very unstable backgrounds and they find solace in the use of drugs. It is made clear before campers come to Moomba that this is not tolerated while at camp, but for those that have medicinal need alternative arrangements can be made. But these warnings have been ignored in the past, and two of our Moomba leadership boys were caught smoking after lunch after being at camp for two days.
These boys were reported to the director and it was decided that they had to be sent home. Immediately. They had to pack up and leave on the next ferry to Vancouver and the airport. We were instructed not to tell the other campers until the boys had a chance to pack and they would meet up with us on their way out of camp to say goodbye.
We waited at 3. The group was getting extremely anxious and didn't understand why it was so important to meet up with the director when there was so much to do. Half an hour passed. Then an hour. Finally after an hour and a half it became clear that we needed to be straight with out group. I told them the situation. And what happened after brought me to tears....
Kaley* stormed off down the road intermediately in tears while here two best friends in the group ran after her. I wanted to give them space, but didn't want to them to be on their own or miss a chance to say goodbye either. So I followed them. Kaley kept screaming that she wanted to go home and wouldn't talk to either of the girls. Both girls, also very much upset, sat down and began to cry on the porch. When I tried to comfort them they just kept repeating "You don't understand! You don't get it!" I was somehow able to convince them to come back to the group so they could at least say goodbye, even if it was upsetting. The boys were waiting for us when we got their and Caitlin* started screaming at the directors and the bus driver "I hope you're happy! You're breaking up a family!" As the boys went around the group saying tearful goodbyes, they were quickly hustled back in the van, as they were running very late. This did not sit well with the rest of the group. The laid in the middle of the street so the van couldn't pass. At this point in time I was in tears in front of the directors and could not bring myself to make them get up. The program staff did this for me while being cursed at by many of the girls.
As the van drove off the girls ran down the hill again. The other counselors and myself followed after. Caitlin SCREAMED at us to stop following them and used a couple of choice swear words in the process.
I have done summer camp a long time. I have dealt with broken fingers and campers with anger management issues. I have never dealt with anything like this before. And I had never felt so hopeless in my life. I did not see the girls again until dinner. And they made it clear they wanted nothing to do with us. I then saw Rakiya across the dining hall....
I had met Rakiya during staff training. She was the only former Moomba camper to come back as staff this year. She has been speaking on behalf of families affected by HIV since she was 8. Her mother is affected by the disease and this is why she keeps coming back to Moomba. She was also only a year older than my campers and had known them for over a decade. If anyone could help me it was Rakiya. When I told her the situation she was very understanding and thought I could tell she was upset by the situation as well, she offered to help.
After dinner we called an emergency campfire meeting. Rakiya, along with other seasoned Moomba staff (no directors) showed up to talk about the situation with us and our leaders. And I had the most eye opening moment of my life. Caitlin shouted at me "You don't get it!" and she was right. Though they made it clear they understood the rule and that the boys did do something stupid by breaking it and even apologized for the way they spoke to us earlier, our leadership group began to open up and share why it was so hard for them to have to say goodbye to their friends and the struggles they had to deal with at home, and how camp was a place for them to get away from all that. It became clear that even though Jason and myself were good counselors and really did care about these kids, we would never be able to understand where they came from. Only other Moomba kids could do that. So the issue came up. Why was Rakiya the only Moomba kid who became staff? Why were there not more HIV positive staff in general? Why were we told not to talk about these issues?
It became obvious it was time for a change in the way people looked at Moomba. And I saw the true meaning of leadership in our group when they stepped up and accepted the challenge to be that change they wanted to see in their world. And though it was a painful road to travel, I do not beleive we would have had the eye opening conversations that happened that day if it hadn't been the hardest day of my life.
*For confidentiality reasons, all names have been changed
Hey Hey Camp Moomba!
What comes to mind when you hear the words HIV or AIDS? Drugs? Unprotected sex? Gays? Africa? The stigma that surrounds this disease is immense, and the people affected by it suffer in their daily lives because of other peoples' ignorance. Camp Moomba is a program where kids affected by this disease, either personally themselves or through their families, can get away from that stigma. Their tagline is "Friends together having fun" but trust me when I say Moomba is much more than that. Moomba is a family.
When Lara first approached me two weeks ago and I asked if I wanted to lead the Leadership Development 2 group for Moomba I was yet again very humbled. This group is the oldest group of campers who are in their training to become counselors. It is a lot like the CIT program in the states, but it is VERY popular at Elphinstone and there is a pretty competitive selection process for campers. The counselors chosen to lead these groups usually have loads of experience so I was pretty shocked to be considered for this when it was my first summer at camp, especially with a group as unique as Moomba.
I have many stories to tell after working with Moomba, but before I continue it might be helpful to have some background information on what this camp is and why it is so important. Check out some of the information below!
http://www.campmoomba.com/
When Lara first approached me two weeks ago and I asked if I wanted to lead the Leadership Development 2 group for Moomba I was yet again very humbled. This group is the oldest group of campers who are in their training to become counselors. It is a lot like the CIT program in the states, but it is VERY popular at Elphinstone and there is a pretty competitive selection process for campers. The counselors chosen to lead these groups usually have loads of experience so I was pretty shocked to be considered for this when it was my first summer at camp, especially with a group as unique as Moomba.
I have many stories to tell after working with Moomba, but before I continue it might be helpful to have some background information on what this camp is and why it is so important. Check out some of the information below!
http://www.campmoomba.com/
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Baz Luhrmann gave me the best advice...
"Wear Sunscreen"
-A commencement address given by Baz Luhrmann
If I could offer you only one tip for the future, sunscreen would be
it. The long term benefits of sunscreen have been proved by
scientists whereas the rest of my advice has no basis more reliable
than my own meandering
experience…I will dispense this advice now.
-A commencement address given by Baz Luhrmann
If I could offer you only one tip for the future, sunscreen would be
it. The long term benefits of sunscreen have been proved by
scientists whereas the rest of my advice has no basis more reliable
than my own meandering
experience…I will dispense this advice now.
Enjoy the power and beauty of your youth; oh nevermind; you will not
understand the power and beauty of your youth until they have faded.
But trust me, in 20 years you’ll look back at photos of yourself and
recall in a way you can’t grasp now how much possibility lay before
you and how fabulous you really looked….You’re not as fat as you
imagine.
Don’t worry about the future; or worry, but know that worrying is as
effective as trying to solve an algebra equation by chewing
bubblegum. The real troubles in your life are apt to be things that
never crossed your worried mind; the kind that blindside you at 4pm
on some idle Tuesday.
Do one thing everyday that scares you
Sing
Don’t be reckless with other people’s hearts, don’t put up with
people who are reckless with yours.
Floss
Don’t waste your time on jealousy; sometimes you’re ahead, sometimes
you’re behind…the race is long, and in the end, it’s only with
yourself.
Remember the compliments you receive, forget the insults; if you
succeed in doing this, tell me how.
Keep your old love letters, throw away your old bank statements.
Stretch
Don’t feel guilty if you don’t know what you want to do with your
life…the most interesting people I know didn’t know at 22 what they
wanted to do with their lives, some of the most interesting 40 year
olds I know still don’t.
Get plenty of calcium.
Be kind to your knees, you’ll miss them when they’re gone.
Maybe you’ll marry, maybe you won’t, maybe you’ll have children,maybe
you won’t, maybe you’ll divorce at 40, maybe you’ll dance the funky
chicken on your 75th wedding anniversary…what ever you do, don’t
congratulate yourself too much or berate yourself either – your
choices are half chance, so are everybody else’s. Enjoy your body,
use it every way you can…don’t be afraid of it, or what other people
think of it, it’s the greatest instrument you’ll ever
own..
Dance…even if you have nowhere to do it but in your own living room.
Read the directions, even if you don’t follow them.
Do NOT read beauty magazines, they will only make you feel ugly.
Get to know your parents, you never know when they’ll be gone for
good.
Be nice to your siblings; they are the best link to your past and the
people most likely to stick with you in the future.
Understand that friends come and go,but for the precious few you
should hold on. Work hard to bridge the gaps in geography and
lifestyle because the older you get, the more you need the people you
knew when you were young.
Live in New York City once, but leave before it makes you hard; live
in Northern California once, but leave before it makes you soft.
Travel.
Accept certain inalienable truths, prices will rise, politicians will
philander, you too will get old, and when you do you’ll fantasize
that when you were young prices were reasonable, politicians were
noble and children respected their elders.
Respect your elders.
Don’t expect anyone else to support you. Maybe you have a trust fund,
maybe you have a wealthy spouse; but you never know when either one
might run out.
Don’t mess too much with your hair, or by the time you're 40, it will
look 85.
Be careful whose advice you buy, but, be patient with those who
supply it. Advice is a form of nostalgia, dispensing it is a way of
fishing the past from the disposal, wiping it off, painting over the
ugly parts and recycling it for more than
it’s worth.
But trust me on the sunscreen…
Life is measured in the moments that take your breath away...
When was the last time you woke up just to watch the sunrise?
It's called Utopia for a reason
Sometimes you just need to get away...check out where the Leadership Development group spent 4 days! Utopia, Doug Bay and Gambier Lake. Well worth a 3 hour canoe trip!
"A boy and girl in a little canoe..."
When was the last time you spent 3 hours just talking to someone about your lives, dreams, quirks, and goals? During my 4 day out trip to Gambier Island with the Leadership Development campers I got to do just that. It was a 3 hour paddle to and from the island. That could either be the longest canoe ride of your life or the shortest.
I had never talked to Caleb before we became co counselors for Leadership development. He seemed like a nice guy but other than that I didn't really know anything about him. Now I would say he is one of the most amazing people I have ever met. He is going to spend 8 months after camp backpacking through Chile and next summer in Toronot doing a 30 day out tripping camp with at risk youth. He regrets nopt taking theatre and would live in Norway if he could go anywhere. He would want the super power of being able to understand every language and loves the smell of bookshops. He has his grandfather's medal of Honor and would describe himself as sorbet ice cream.
The next time you find yourself on a bus, elevator, in line or just around someone you never get the chance to talk to, ask them a random question. You will be amazed at what you might learn.
I had never talked to Caleb before we became co counselors for Leadership development. He seemed like a nice guy but other than that I didn't really know anything about him. Now I would say he is one of the most amazing people I have ever met. He is going to spend 8 months after camp backpacking through Chile and next summer in Toronot doing a 30 day out tripping camp with at risk youth. He regrets nopt taking theatre and would live in Norway if he could go anywhere. He would want the super power of being able to understand every language and loves the smell of bookshops. He has his grandfather's medal of Honor and would describe himself as sorbet ice cream.
The next time you find yourself on a bus, elevator, in line or just around someone you never get the chance to talk to, ask them a random question. You will be amazed at what you might learn.
Where a kid can be a kid
Isn't it incredible what can happen around a fire? I recently had the chance to spend some time with our friends from the visiting Canadian Diabetes Association camp. A group of girls needed an extra counselor on their out trip. I very gladly went with them to help prepare their fire and meal and s'mores. But I actually ended up staying the whole night because of one of the best fireside conversations I've ever had with a group of campers or anyone. What started as talking about boys ended up being about living with diabetes. As someone who hasn't had a lot of direct experience with the disease I didn't really think much of it. I just saw these kids run around camp with a lot of extra snacks, including peanut butter, which always made other campers quite jealous. They also had to leave games and events frequently to go get tested. But I didn't realize how much people with diabetes have to alter their lifestyle. The girls made it clear that they were looking for friends (and of course boyfriends) who could realte to their disease and not look at it like a disability.
I heard story after story about how family, friends and teachers would treat these girls differently after their diagnosis and assume that they were these weak frail creatures that might fall apart at any minute. But these girls play volleyball, rugby and a variety of other sports. I had to ask them if they felt this way at camp. Their responses were eye opening. They all felt camp was the one place they felt understood and had real friends who could relate to them and they didn't have to worry about explaining things. There were counselors who were overprotective who thought they would have a seizure at any minute and their were counselors that they loved who just treated them like any other camper.
The more I look at camp here and camp in the United States I fee like there is a critical lesson to be learned here. Yes, safety is our main priority as camp staff. But not at the expense of a life changing meaningful experience for the camper. Those kids with special needs that challenge us everyday? This is the one place that they can feel normal. Let them. Don't worry so much about incident and accident reports and focus on the overall experience instead. Because that is what will keep them coming back.
I heard story after story about how family, friends and teachers would treat these girls differently after their diagnosis and assume that they were these weak frail creatures that might fall apart at any minute. But these girls play volleyball, rugby and a variety of other sports. I had to ask them if they felt this way at camp. Their responses were eye opening. They all felt camp was the one place they felt understood and had real friends who could relate to them and they didn't have to worry about explaining things. There were counselors who were overprotective who thought they would have a seizure at any minute and their were counselors that they loved who just treated them like any other camper.
The more I look at camp here and camp in the United States I fee like there is a critical lesson to be learned here. Yes, safety is our main priority as camp staff. But not at the expense of a life changing meaningful experience for the camper. Those kids with special needs that challenge us everyday? This is the one place that they can feel normal. Let them. Don't worry so much about incident and accident reports and focus on the overall experience instead. Because that is what will keep them coming back.
Call to Leadership
I was so excited in Week 2 of camp to have my first ever cabin group! I found out I was going to be working with girls ages 9-11 with Molly from Australia and Kim who I got to work with last week! I could not ask for a better first cabin! The girls and my co counselors made my job so easy! We had Cabin 16 decorations and cheers, date nights with another boy cabin, won the awards for cleanest cabin and Sun Safety and had really great debriefing sessions at the end of each night along with character bracelets.
However I was still struggling with some of the more technical aspects of camp. I couldn't ever seem to get my paperwork in order, lost my scratch kit, and didn't realize my girls weren't allowed in the bathroom at a certain time which really frustrated one of the janitors. Though I was really enjoying my time with the girls I couldn't help but berate myself and getting frustrated with my mistakes.
Then something happened that I didn't quite understand, and certainly never expected....
Every two weeks there is a camp wide theme day. The camp is divided into two teams and they spend the day doing activities and challenges to earn points I vaguely recalled this information from our pre camp training. Everyone was getting excited about who would be chosen as the first team leaders. A male and a female counsleor who really stood out were chosen for each team. Their job during he day is to lead their team in cheers, games and spirit. It is honestly one of the biggest honors the camp can give to a counsleor. So at the end of the talent show on Wednesday night when the emcess came on stage I was pretty intrigued to see who would be selected as well. And then I heard, "For team Jackson, we present Jason and ERIN FROM THE YPN!!!!!" I was speechless and very confused. I did not know ANYTHING about this camp's theme days or what a team leader was supposed to do. My whole cabin was ecstatic and pushed me onstage to receive my instructions. I was to lead Team Jackson (the blue team) to defeat the miners who came to camp trying to destroy Big Tree during 'Tiber Days" which is a long standing lumber jack theme day tradition (something very new to a farm girl from Indiana mind you!!!)
When all the commotion calmed down i had countless staff and counselors come to congratulate me on the honor. I apparently was the first YPNer ever to be selected as a team leader! And all leaders' names are engraved on a plaque in the office as a commemoration. Though theme day turned out to be rainy I don't think I ever had so much fun! I completely lost my voice during the traditional "Cheer off show down" and was absolutely floored when at campfire it was revealed that Jackson had won Timber Days!!! All of my doubts completely disappeared and my confidence was completely restored and I have never felt so honored to be part of something.
In life it is important to keep things in perspective. Yes, we are going to make mistakes. But don't let those mistakes make you blind to your accomplishments and successes. Focus on what's truly important, don't sweat the small stuff, and you will be amazed at what opportunities come your way!
However I was still struggling with some of the more technical aspects of camp. I couldn't ever seem to get my paperwork in order, lost my scratch kit, and didn't realize my girls weren't allowed in the bathroom at a certain time which really frustrated one of the janitors. Though I was really enjoying my time with the girls I couldn't help but berate myself and getting frustrated with my mistakes.
Then something happened that I didn't quite understand, and certainly never expected....
Every two weeks there is a camp wide theme day. The camp is divided into two teams and they spend the day doing activities and challenges to earn points I vaguely recalled this information from our pre camp training. Everyone was getting excited about who would be chosen as the first team leaders. A male and a female counsleor who really stood out were chosen for each team. Their job during he day is to lead their team in cheers, games and spirit. It is honestly one of the biggest honors the camp can give to a counsleor. So at the end of the talent show on Wednesday night when the emcess came on stage I was pretty intrigued to see who would be selected as well. And then I heard, "For team Jackson, we present Jason and ERIN FROM THE YPN!!!!!" I was speechless and very confused. I did not know ANYTHING about this camp's theme days or what a team leader was supposed to do. My whole cabin was ecstatic and pushed me onstage to receive my instructions. I was to lead Team Jackson (the blue team) to defeat the miners who came to camp trying to destroy Big Tree during 'Tiber Days" which is a long standing lumber jack theme day tradition (something very new to a farm girl from Indiana mind you!!!)
When all the commotion calmed down i had countless staff and counselors come to congratulate me on the honor. I apparently was the first YPNer ever to be selected as a team leader! And all leaders' names are engraved on a plaque in the office as a commemoration. Though theme day turned out to be rainy I don't think I ever had so much fun! I completely lost my voice during the traditional "Cheer off show down" and was absolutely floored when at campfire it was revealed that Jackson had won Timber Days!!! All of my doubts completely disappeared and my confidence was completely restored and I have never felt so honored to be part of something.
In life it is important to keep things in perspective. Yes, we are going to make mistakes. But don't let those mistakes make you blind to your accomplishments and successes. Focus on what's truly important, don't sweat the small stuff, and you will be amazed at what opportunities come your way!
In the beginning...
First days are the most exciting and frightening times. I have not been as nervous as I was for the first day of camp Elphinstone since I was in grade school! No matter how much training we could have been given, there really isn't anything that can prepare you for the crazy reality that is camp.
It became very clear that I was camp person from the moment we arrived at Elphinstone. But there is quite a long distance between Elphinstone and Indiana, and there are plenty of differences that span that difference. Being here is like being in another country almost. Every camp has its own unique traditions, songs and events. Learning them takes awhile. I though the camp part of this summer would be the easy part since I had so much previous experience. Now I am beginning to think it will be the most eye opening experience of all for me.
Week 1 of camp I was on Program Staff. I was kind of relieved not to be a cabin leader for the first week, just because I really wanted the chance to observe how things like cabin groups operated in this strange new world. However I found a whole new set of challenges to overcome. The Directing staff at Elphinstone come from a variety of different backgrounds. Because of the recent closing of Camp Howdy ( a sister camp that was bought by another group) many Directors were transferred here to Elphinstone as well as completely net directors as well. This made planning things like evening activities really difficult because everyone had a different way of running things. It was even further complicated by the fact that there were 4 other YpN participants on Program Staff that were still uncomfortable with their English and adjustings to life in Canada and camp.
I really discovered what it means to be a mediator during the first week. Listening and incorporating the opinions of so many different people is quite a challenge! And it is even more difficult to make a point of making sure everyone's voice is heard, especially those who might be too nervous to use it like some of my fellow YPNers.
It is very east to dismiss quiet people off as uninterested or inexperienced. But I challenge you...the next time you are in a meeting or a discussion make a point of asking the quietest people for their opinion. You may be surprised what they come up with! I know I was! one of the girls from Argentina, Maru, has actually had a lot of experience with camp, and has some amazing original ideas. But because of her English she was nervous to share these with the group. But once we specifically asked her if she had any games from Argentina she wanted to share with us, she immediately opened up! Because of her great idea, and some extra creativity from other staff, we now have a new game called "Royal Flush" that was a HUGE success!
What new ideas can you discover from those around you?
It became very clear that I was camp person from the moment we arrived at Elphinstone. But there is quite a long distance between Elphinstone and Indiana, and there are plenty of differences that span that difference. Being here is like being in another country almost. Every camp has its own unique traditions, songs and events. Learning them takes awhile. I though the camp part of this summer would be the easy part since I had so much previous experience. Now I am beginning to think it will be the most eye opening experience of all for me.
Week 1 of camp I was on Program Staff. I was kind of relieved not to be a cabin leader for the first week, just because I really wanted the chance to observe how things like cabin groups operated in this strange new world. However I found a whole new set of challenges to overcome. The Directing staff at Elphinstone come from a variety of different backgrounds. Because of the recent closing of Camp Howdy ( a sister camp that was bought by another group) many Directors were transferred here to Elphinstone as well as completely net directors as well. This made planning things like evening activities really difficult because everyone had a different way of running things. It was even further complicated by the fact that there were 4 other YpN participants on Program Staff that were still uncomfortable with their English and adjustings to life in Canada and camp.
I really discovered what it means to be a mediator during the first week. Listening and incorporating the opinions of so many different people is quite a challenge! And it is even more difficult to make a point of making sure everyone's voice is heard, especially those who might be too nervous to use it like some of my fellow YPNers.
It is very east to dismiss quiet people off as uninterested or inexperienced. But I challenge you...the next time you are in a meeting or a discussion make a point of asking the quietest people for their opinion. You may be surprised what they come up with! I know I was! one of the girls from Argentina, Maru, has actually had a lot of experience with camp, and has some amazing original ideas. But because of her English she was nervous to share these with the group. But once we specifically asked her if she had any games from Argentina she wanted to share with us, she immediately opened up! Because of her great idea, and some extra creativity from other staff, we now have a new game called "Royal Flush" that was a HUGE success!
What new ideas can you discover from those around you?
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Sometimes You Lead...
"Life's a dance you learn as you go"
John Michael Montgomery
When I was fourteen I was falling fast
For a blue eyed girl in my homeroom class
Trying to find the courage to ask her out
Was like trying to get oil from a waterspout
What she would have said I can't say
I never did ask and she moved away
But I learned something from my blue eyed girl
Sink or swim you gotta give it a whirl
Life's a dance you learn as you go
Sometimes you lead, sometimes you follow
Don't worry about what you don't know
Life's a dance you learn as you go
The longer I live the more I believe
You do have to give if you wanna receive
There's a time to listen, a time to talk
And you might have to crawl even after you walk
Had sure things blow up in my face
Seen the longshot, win the race
Been knocked down by the slamming door
Picked myself up and came back for more
Life's a dance you learn as you go
Sometimes you lead, sometimes you follow
Don't worry about what you don't know
Life's a dance you learn as you go
Life's a dance you learn as you go
Sometimes you lead, sometimes you follow
Don't worry about what you don't know
Life's a dance you learn as you go
Life's a dance you learn as you go
Sometimes you lead, sometimes you follow
Don't worry about what you don't know
Life's a dance you learn as you go
Life's a dance
Life's a dance
Life's a dance
Take a chance on love
Life's a dance
You learn as you go
John Michael Montgomery
When I was fourteen I was falling fast
For a blue eyed girl in my homeroom class
Trying to find the courage to ask her out
Was like trying to get oil from a waterspout
What she would have said I can't say
I never did ask and she moved away
But I learned something from my blue eyed girl
Sink or swim you gotta give it a whirl
Life's a dance you learn as you go
Sometimes you lead, sometimes you follow
Don't worry about what you don't know
Life's a dance you learn as you go
The longer I live the more I believe
You do have to give if you wanna receive
There's a time to listen, a time to talk
And you might have to crawl even after you walk
Had sure things blow up in my face
Seen the longshot, win the race
Been knocked down by the slamming door
Picked myself up and came back for more
Life's a dance you learn as you go
Sometimes you lead, sometimes you follow
Don't worry about what you don't know
Life's a dance you learn as you go
Life's a dance you learn as you go
Sometimes you lead, sometimes you follow
Don't worry about what you don't know
Life's a dance you learn as you go
Life's a dance you learn as you go
Sometimes you lead, sometimes you follow
Don't worry about what you don't know
Life's a dance you learn as you go
Life's a dance
Life's a dance
Life's a dance
Take a chance on love
Life's a dance
You learn as you go
Everything I need to know...
A few lessons about communication....
1) Just because we speak the same language does not mean we understand each other.
2) We do not see thing as they are but as we are.
3) Do not always believe everything you think.
4) Jokes are only funny if you explain them.
5) Speak slowly and clearly. If they don't understand, clarify, don't jut repeat yourself. This one is my favorite as it applies to cross cultural communication AND communication with children.
Communication is:
7% verbal
55% non verbal (touch/proximity)
38% para-verbal (tone, pace, volume)
And finally the 'Platinum' rule....
Treat others as (you have learned) THEY want to be treated.
1) Just because we speak the same language does not mean we understand each other.
2) We do not see thing as they are but as we are.
3) Do not always believe everything you think.
4) Jokes are only funny if you explain them.
5) Speak slowly and clearly. If they don't understand, clarify, don't jut repeat yourself. This one is my favorite as it applies to cross cultural communication AND communication with children.
Communication is:
7% verbal
55% non verbal (touch/proximity)
38% para-verbal (tone, pace, volume)
And finally the 'Platinum' rule....
Treat others as (you have learned) THEY want to be treated.
Saturday, July 9, 2011
We are family!
In an effort to get to know eachother the staff at Camp Elphinstone participate in Speed Dating!
Culture Shock!
Camp Staff Training week is probably the most intense experience known to man. Early mornings, late evenings, lectures, workshops, loads of games, songs, clapping, yelling, swim testing and canoe tipping (in the rain!) and hundreds of new people crammed into tiny cabins. This is an exhausting experiencing for even the most veteran camp staff. Imagine what it must be like for people who do not speak English as their first language, or have even experienced summer camp!
Julien is from Haiti. I have not had much of a chance to talk to her yet. Her english is pretty limited and she is shy, but she has an amazing voice. The first day of camp we were told we had to swim test. Juliene came up to me in the cabin with her eyes full of tears and her voice shaking. "Erin, I can not go in the water. It makes me scared." I assured her no one would make her do anything she didn't want to do, but so that she didn't feel alone she could come down to the dock and watch. It started out as a sunny day, and we started out by kayaking and canoeing. Juliene became intrigued when she found out she wouldn't have to get inb the water so she asked if she could try it. She LOVED it! But when it was time to dunk the canoe to practice rescues, she was very adamant about not getting in the water. And at that very moment the sky opened up and rain POURED down!
Now I don't know how many of you have swam in the pacific ocean, but let me assure you it is COLD!!! it is even colder in the rain. I could barley feel my hands when our canoe was dunked. Icame out of the water shivering but exhilarated. As I hobbled up the stairs to go shower before lunch, Juliene came up to me. "Erin, I want to do that!!!" she said while pointing at the overturned canoes in the water. "Are you sure?" I asked her. "YES!" she said with a big grin on her face. I watched her scream with fear and glee as her canoe was flipped and it was her smile as she climbed onto the dock that warmed me to the bone.
Challenge by choice...and succeed!
Julien is from Haiti. I have not had much of a chance to talk to her yet. Her english is pretty limited and she is shy, but she has an amazing voice. The first day of camp we were told we had to swim test. Juliene came up to me in the cabin with her eyes full of tears and her voice shaking. "Erin, I can not go in the water. It makes me scared." I assured her no one would make her do anything she didn't want to do, but so that she didn't feel alone she could come down to the dock and watch. It started out as a sunny day, and we started out by kayaking and canoeing. Juliene became intrigued when she found out she wouldn't have to get inb the water so she asked if she could try it. She LOVED it! But when it was time to dunk the canoe to practice rescues, she was very adamant about not getting in the water. And at that very moment the sky opened up and rain POURED down!
Now I don't know how many of you have swam in the pacific ocean, but let me assure you it is COLD!!! it is even colder in the rain. I could barley feel my hands when our canoe was dunked. Icame out of the water shivering but exhilarated. As I hobbled up the stairs to go shower before lunch, Juliene came up to me. "Erin, I want to do that!!!" she said while pointing at the overturned canoes in the water. "Are you sure?" I asked her. "YES!" she said with a big grin on her face. I watched her scream with fear and glee as her canoe was flipped and it was her smile as she climbed onto the dock that warmed me to the bone.
Challenge by choice...and succeed!
Cultural Welcome Event!
The YPNers got to show off their cultures and meet their home stay families! A wonderful weekend before heading off to camp Elphinstone!
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