Week 2: Camp Begins!

This week was very tiring but rewarding. I am writing this update as the first week of camp comes to an official end! I spent very little time at my desk this week! I thankfully was not cold this week but next week I will be more at my desk working on the inner life of non-profits.

We did have an incident this week with one of the campers I was working with. The camper due to lack of listening, cut themselves with a knife on Taco Tuesday. Thankfully one of the camp leads was able to use his first aid skills and bandage the kid’s finger.

On Wednesday it was “Outdoor Adventure Day” so we spent the day at a local park kayaking and biking. It was my first time kayaking! It wasn’t very difficult, the getting and out of the boat is the hardest part (I pulled a shoulder muscle doing so). I recommend sunscreen and a good pair of sunglasses. Also purchasing lip balm with SPF (the sun is not very nice sometimes). I learned that the word Scioto is adapted from the Wyandot word “deer”. On our bike tour, we were able to see several “deer” that pays tribute to the Wyandot people.

By Thursday, it was Self Care day and we spent time thinking and reflecting on healthy and safe relationships. Most campers were able to identify good relationships, I hope this insight continues as they grow older. Friday, we ended the long week with ice cream from Graters and saying bye to some campers.

Despite all the fun, I was able to work on a bit of programming for “Kids for Peace” one of the programs Martin de Porres provides to middle school-age youths. Kids for Peace will be holding an evening event the upcoming Tuesday on Costa Rica.

What I loved the most was that I got to speak and sometimes yell in Spanish! Even though the camp is meant to serve Latinx youth, we had other communities participate. Overall, everyone was having fun and are excited to come back the following week. I will definitely rest up and prepare for more of an administrator meeting next week!

Until next week,