SUMMER CAMP-LAS CABRAS

                  SUMMER CAMP-LAS CABRAS
During my week at Summer Camp, I kept a detailed journal. I couldn't pick small details to post so here is the whole thing! Enjoy!!
1.10.11

What an amazing experience I have been having here at the winter camp in Las Cabras! Before coming, I had been praying for these students and that, regardless of the opportunity I had to share the gospel, these kids would see Christ through me. The drive down happened to be nothing less than interesting. I sat in the front with 3 bags below me and my legs crossed on top. The scenery was absolutely breathtaking as we escaped the smog and dirty air of Santiago and could see the endless mountain surrounding us. As hard as I fought, I could not keep my eyes open the whole drive, but that siesta proved to be quite helpful when we didn’t get to bed until around 1 a.m. I don’t want to get ahead of myself though.

We arrived in Las Cabras, a town with about 2,000 people in it around 3 p.m. With at least 3 hours to spare, we decided to go to the center of the town and walk around and take pictures. With stores like Bling Bling (electronics) and Supermarcados Lagos (Supermarket Legs) and very few people walking around in the heat, we knew that we were in for a growing and wonderful experience unlike any we might get at home. The air here is cleaner than any I’ve ever breathed.

We came back to the school to begin meeting the students and to get settled in. At first, I felt awkward and uncomfortable not being able to understand what anyone was saying and unsure of what to say, but after the students tried their best to use English, I knew I owed it to them to at least try to use the little Spanish I remember from many years back. Sometimes they would look at me like I came from outer space, but I guess that makes sense with me being one of the very few Americans they will likely ever meet.

Many of the students are returning from other camps, so they knew better than I did what to expect. Being placed with Ryan, Fred, Silvana, and Natalia has been incredible! They are all so helpful with me trying to learn and use my Spanish.

The camp began with announcements, rules, and introductions, much like other summer camps. When they heard that I’m from Southern California, I felt like I had told them I was neighbors with Katy Perry or something.

With all of the rooming arrangements worked out, we were able to leave for dinner, which was served to us in a home. A beautiful Chilean family treated us like royalty as we dined on some of the most fabulous meet, rice, veggies and fruit. Although, I try to avoid eating that much so late at night (9 p.m.), I could not help myself!

Upon arriving back at camp, we attended to making a lesson plan for the first few days of camp and then finally getting to sleep around 1 a.m.

Promptly at around 6 a.m., the girls were all wide awake and very loud. Unable to distinguish any words that were being said and feeling groggy from little sleep, I attempted to crawl farther into bed until 7, when I finally hopped in the shower to wake up.

With a few hours to spare before the Mayor and several representatives from the Chilean Ministry of Education arrived, Ryan and I put our Improv training to good use and taught the kids to play Freeze & Justify in order to help them use their English. Aside from a few dogs crashing our game and trying to attack Fred, the game went extremely well. The students were very creative and silly with the game. I enjoyed seeing them work through situations that they were unfamiliar with in order to figure out the correct English to use.

When the game was finished, it was time for the speeches. After singing/listening to the national anthem and two songs sung by an accapella group, we had group pictures taken with the ministry representatives and all of our students.

It was then time to separate our group of 49 students into 3 groups for some fun activities. With the three Americans each holding a number, each student was blindfolded and told to walk until they found one. My group quickly filled up, so we had some time to wait as the other students separated themselves. One boy turned to me and said “Canta!”, and then it became a chant. I was handed an MP3 player and expected to sing acapella…so I did. Then I remembered that I had my portable speaker in my bag. We put on Billionaire, Telephone, Don’t Stop Believing, and several other songs that were covered by Glee, and I did my best to entertain and have them sing with me. I don’t think I have ever had that much fun singing, EVER!

These students have already stolen my heart and made me feel like I can actually make a difference in their lives. I will continue to pray for opportunities to share my heart with them and try to let Jesus shine through me.


1.11.11

After we broke up into groups, I had to quickly adapt to a leadership role. We had to create a name, poster, and team chant. For a while, it felt like pulling teeth to get the students to participate, so we used the Mad Libs strategy to come up with The Crazy Green Horses. Aside from my kids turning into warriors with the paint, the poster turned out incredible. I ended up writing a chant for them and teaching it to them because we ran out of time.

The kids were given a chance to talk about the group and perform their chant. We need practice before Saturday! Haha! The last part of the camp day was Reflections in which we had the opportunity to tell the kids what we thought about the day and how we felt. I used that time to let them know how excited I was to be here and that they are the reason I came. Natalia told me that it meant a great deal to them because I’m considered a “rockstar” here. The tears almost started then. They have already captured my heart and taught me so much more than just the Spanish I struggle to learn.

After dinner, the kids were given a chance to teach us about their culture. I immediately became thankful that this isn’t just a day camp, but we get to spend all hours from 7am-11pm together. I learned the basic form of Cueca, a traditional Chilean dance. I was awful, but they all had quite a good time watching me try. I was then put into a “Spanish class” as a few students became my teachers. Trying to correctly pronounce their tongue twisters gave me a new understanding and appreciation for speaking slowly! Lastly, we spent some time on a blanket in the grass looking at my pictures. They could not believe I had black hair or that I had been all over Europe. I told them that I hoped they were all able to travel some day, too. (Hopefully come visit me in California!)

Today (Tuesday) we are going to Pichilemu, a beach town about an hour and a half away from Las Cabras. The kids are all very excited and can’t wait to get there. Buster, our camp dog, tried to get on the bus, too!

We had such a great time in Pichilemu! The students were given until lunch to enjoy laying on the beach and playing around. I was the first of the counselors to get thrown into the icy water by Stitch & Malcolm…too bad I’m not much heavier or a faster runner!

I played music that they knew for a while and we all were singing on the beach. We were given lunch at a school nearby and separated into groups in order to take pictures for the National Project, “Urban Art”. I loved walking around the craft fair and watching the kids interact with each other and the shop owners. They point out ever dog now because they know that I love them. I found a beautiful purse that the kids helped me pick out, and Javier bought me a small cloth flower to put in my hair.

We continued walking and taking pictures. I wish I could never leave these kids 7 this week. I can’t imagine a better life than this right here. I’ve never felt so loved or wanted than I do by these kids.


1/12/11

Longest day of camp so far, but soooooo good!! We began by playing Simon Says with words like karate chop, blink, flick, jumping jack, poke, etc. they had a blast! Then we played Catch Phrase. My team’s words ended up being a little too easy for the other team, but we all had fun anyways.

After a short but glorious and much needed nap, I woke up to screaming students being drenched by the hose. I immediately changed into my bathing suit to avoid getting any more of my clothes dirty. Of course, upon walking out the door, I was chased and carried into the water! After a bit more playing, it was time to begin working on the picture project again.

A few of my students really stepped up and worked really hard on putting together the powerpoint, but others decided to mess around and do other things like laundry. We dealt with that at Reflection though and everything worked out. Turns out, when you have a group of 16 students and only one computer, it’s hard to keep on track.

For dinner, we had tomaticán, a delicious tomato based Chilean dish with a baked potato. Afterwards, we tried to get a game going of “If you know it, Sing it!” It was very fun, but after a few songs, it became a massive spontaneous dance party. I learned that reggaeton is the same as grinding in the States, but not as bad. I love these kids so much and they have taught me so much about wearing my heart on my sleeve and being true to myself.


1/13/11

I can’t believe it is already Thursday! Every day, I learn more about this country, my students, and the language. We began by playing “Guess Who” with jobs taped on their backs. They were so funny as they thought up questions to ask and tried to guess their occupations. The volunteers even received jobs and had to guess.

Next, we played “The Dating Game”. After asking 5 questions like favorite color, free time activities, or music, the bachelor/bachelorette chose who they’d like on their date. They definitely enjoyed all of it, even being the audience! After some begging, we had a volunteer round where Fred was the bachelor and Nats, Silvana, and I were the bachelorettes. We switched voices, chairs, and roles to throw him off. It was hilarious! I think Natalia & Fred make a lovely couple! ;)

Then, they had some time to plan their talent show groups and ideas. Between the 20 kids singing Jason Mraz, “I’m Yours”, the girls dancing to “Pump It”/Spice Girls, & the camp parody in which I was originally to be played by Andy…I believe it will be a very entertaining show!!

I’m fighting exhaustion today. This is not very surprising, but frustrating to not have my normal high energy. I will push through it though because these kids deserve my best! We worked on the picture PPT again. It was difficult to get some of them to participate, but I know it will come out really good.

The students were given the task of organizing groups for the talent show on Saturday. One group is doing a parody of the camp including having the students play counselors. We got a taste of it at the Reflection time. Coni is playing me and she does a very amazing job with the “Oh no you didn’t!!” (head spin and all from Clueless) & calling Buster over =D. they included “Nats” translating for me, too!!

We finished off the evening with karaoke. With my super scratchy voice & sore throat, I stayed off the microphone as much as possible except for singing “Barbie Girl” with Ryan. Watching the entire camp sing songs like “Hey, Soul Sister,” “Barbie Girl”, “My Humps”, & “Only Exception” was one of those experiences I hope to never forget!!


1/14/11

I can’t believe today is Friday!!! We began by playing the “Human Knot” which forced team work to get out of a very sticky situation. I ended up getting caught in the middle under all of the hands a few times which definitely entertained and worried them. =D

Then we spent time preparing for our presentation of our Pichilemu powerpoint in the city library. I gave them direction and then got to watch them interview each other for ideas to talk about. Hearing them all talk about their reasons for coming, some for the first time and others for their third, brought tears to my eyes. Their passion for learning and having experiences like the one they are having this summer surprised and excited me. Again, I was dumbfounded with their desire to learn from me. At the end, I got a chance to share with them how much I’ve learned from them and that leaving here, I will never be the same. They have shown me a love that is so pure and unassuming. As we all sat in a circle, hugging and crying (even my boys), I began to dread tomorrow’s goodbyes. I pray that someday, when I have children, I can teach them to be as loving, welcoming, appreciative, and passionate about life as the kids here.

At 8pm, we went to the town library to do the presentations for the city. I was so impressed by all of their work and performance. Each group was a little bit different but all were very special. I felt like a proud mother as I teared up watching my group tell everyone about their experience. I could not ask for more amazing students!


When we got back to camp, we had a huge bonfire, complete with a guitar, lots of singers, and marshmallows (oh and don’t forget el pan…i.e. the bread). Together, they all sang multiple Spanish songs that, even though I didn’t catch the full translation, still made complete sense through the emotions on their faces. As we all sat hugging and holding one another, trying not to think about saying goodbye, the tears began to freely flow down the faces of everyone present. I have never seen such a large group of high school students become a family in the span of one week. I love them all so dearly and want only the best things in life for them.

We had a time of Reflection in which we were each able to say our final words about how much we loved the students and the impressions that they had made on us. I couldn’t believe how hard it was for me to think of life without them. It may have only been one week, but I have been changed for the rest of my life. I believe that they taught me a few important secrets to life: to give and receive love without any expectation, to allow people into your life before they let you into theirs, and to be open to any and all experiences that may come your way.

As they went around and had the opportunity to share their experiences and opinions of the camp, I began to see the kind of impression I was able to make on these kids. Several of them said that I have forever changed their opinions of “Gringos” or Americans. They hadn’t met any before that were so loving and that wanted so badly to create real relationships with them. Over and over, they told me how much they loved me and how my smile always made them happy. I thank God for the ability to have anything to offer them; I know that I am nothing without Him.

Silvana, Natalia, and I also had a chance to talk about the relationship that we had built by spending this week together. I feel like they are my sisters and I am very sad that I will not be seeing them every day any more. The fact is, everything happens for a reason, and we are all excited to see where life takes us in the future and hope that someday, we will be together again.


1.15.2011

Last day of camp. The students were all very excited for the performances and presentations for their parents. After signing 49 books and trying to write a special note in each one (which took me back to signing yearbooks in high school), we began the presentations and the talent show. The first group sang Jason Mraz “I’m Yours”. They did a very good job and held up a sign that said “WE LOVE SUMMER CAMP” at the end. The second group did a choreographed dance to Spice Girls’ “If you wanna be my lover”. I loved it so much! It’s funny though because they weren’t even alive when the song first came out! The third group had a mix of different components: Carlos on the guitar and everyone singing, Xika (pronounced Chika) doing a beautiful interpretive dance, Andy acting like a rapper, Xika and Yerko dancing hip hop, and then the entire group performing an interpretation of the camp. I felt like I was on an emotional rollercoaster as I laughed and cried throughout the performances. They all did such an amazing job and it was so fantastic to share that with them and their families.

The goodbyes lasted for about an hour as all of the students hugged each other and us and we all cried. They all wrote in my notebook and several of them gave me little souvenirs to remember them by. I can’t believe how thoughtful they all were. I was especially blown away by the boys who gave me several hugs and kisses on the cheek telling me how much they love me and how they would miss me. You don’t find that anywhere from the boys in the US. My heart is full of love and joy as I leave this experience forever changed.

Thank you for taking the time to read about my journey in the past week. I feel so blessed to have had this experience and will always carry the memories of these kids with me.