English Camp!!!
This last week, I completed one of the daunting Peace Corps tasks: I organized and ran a camp—all on my own! This camp, which I just called English camp, I invited 21 of the best students and had three days of learning! I invited two good health volunteers who are also my good friends, Messay and Deirdre. They hosted session on health and helped me control my class and plan this amazing time.
Day 1, arrived at 8 am
The class started off with some energizers and English songs and jumped into asking introduction questions. Students answered their names, ages, hometowns, and what they wanted to be when they grew up. Then, we had the students introduce their friends next to them. So, we made sure to know each student's name well. Then, my counterpart Kouanan and I opened a discussion with the students about what being a good student means. We finished this by asking if they are a good student and asking them to explain what they do to be a good student.
Next Messay and Deirdre talked about reproductive health and anatomy involving all the students. We ate delicious spaghetti with eggs that were so spicy.
This evening was also the Journee Cultural, which meant the school was canceled, and students worked on skits, dances, and comedy sketches. We watched over 4 hours of student presentations and laughed and danced. It was a great first day of camp.
Day 2
When arriving at school, all 21 students were on time and ready. We sang Happy and What a Wonderful World. I had students write and sing a song they created themselves! I divided them into teams, and we let the magic happen. After hearing the songs they wrote to the tune of Frere Jaque, I was so proud! Then, my students played a very intense game of Health Jeopardy.
This evening was the cultural fair, and I brought my big camera and took over 300 photos. Each class chose a matching tissue and cooked food. If teachers entered the classroom, they were given huge plates of food. I had the equivalent of 2 whole day's world of food in 2 hours. Then we danced with students (right after eating, I was on the verge of vomiting). The music went from traditional dances to afro beats, and my students were so happy that I joined in.
Day 3
We brought crayons and paper and asked students to draw self-portraits, asking them to put words around it like "I like....I want to become.... I am" to describe themselves. The kids took this very seriously and made the cutest self-portraits. We presented them and ended with a yummy sandwich and pictures.
Overall, my first camp was a success, and I know what I want to do better next year, but I am so happy with how it went. I was so anxious before it happened that when it was finally over, it was a huge relief. My friends Messay and Deirdre helped me so much and made it a great memory.
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