Camps, camps and More Camps

February in Paraguay is time for camps. During the past two weeks I had the opportunity to attend three different camps each of which was unique. The first camp was held by the NGO with whom I work on their property. The kids came in groups according to ages and stayed for one night each. On day one they participated in fun camp games and a talent show. And on day two they got to go to a pool if it didn´t rain. For many of the younger kids it was their first opportunity to sleep away from home seeing as sleepovers aren´t nearly as popular here as in the states! The kids really seemed to enjoy themselves and will all have the opportunity to participate again next year.

The second camp was the Urban Youth Development Camp at Campamento Jack Norment in Caacupe. This one was like an American style camp with cabins named after states, a mess hall and a low ropes challenge course. I was able to take two kids with me to participate in the camp and they loved it so much they didn´t want to come back home. There was a pool with a diving board and the 15 year old girl I brought went swimming for the first time! During the day the kids participated in activities focused on improving their communication and teamwork skills as well as leadership abilities. They learned a ton and the kids can´t wait to do the activities again with our youth group.

The third camp was at the biological refuge Tati Jupi which is just north of the Itaipu Dam. It is set on a lake that was actually created by the dam. This camp was a little bit longer, three nights, and was planned by the Gender and Development comitee. I was a primary planner for the camp and am proud to say that it went great! I brought with me four teenagers who turned out to be really outgoing and even wanted to present activities on a regular basis. There were activities that focused on eliminating discrimination and learning about personal identity as well as civic responsibility. There was a teamwork/leadership ability contest in which they raced to complete activities and two trips to the Itaipu Dam. It was my first time seeing the dam and it is amazing. Itaipu is currently the largest dam in the world and produces the most electricity. It is one of the 7 modern wonders of the world and I am happy that I was able to see it!

So now that camps are over summer is coming to a close. School starts this week and with that I hope to have lots of work! Unfortunately the heat hasn´t let up at all... its still over 100 everyday! Yikes!

Its Been Awhile

So as the summer vacation comes to an end and I fill myself with anticipation for a super busy and hopefully very productive school year I realize that I have not written a post in some time. I have not melted away in the heat, I just don´t have much to report. The summer in Paraguay has been somewhat boring and monotonous. Nothing too exciting going on and when the newness of summer wore off so did my creative juices. Luckily this week the ball gets rolling again. I have two summer camps this week in two different cities. I will be taking a total of six kids to learn about leadership and teamwork as well as responsible citizenship. It will be a totally hectic, but hopefully very exciting week for the kids.

It has officially been one year since my arrival in Paraguay, crazy to think that I´ve already been here one year. In some ways it has flown by but in others it seemed to go so slow. I am looking forward to the next year and three months. I think that it will fly by. I also think that I will be able to accomplish a ton. Until next week... when I hope to have more to tell...