By: Arden Pettit
I have been a camp counselor for many kids’ camps during my lifetime but the camp this past week in a village just outside of Shangri La is something I have never experienced before. The camp produced feelings of joy as well as times of challenge along the way due to the fact that we could not communicate with the kids using the typical spoken language. Ultimately, the smiles on the kids faces made it all worth it.
When planning for a five day sports and English skills camp we started off with a pretty ambitious lesson plan. After meeting the kids we refocused our ambitious lesson plan to emphasize having fun over becoming fluent in English or mastering a sport. We made sure to start every session with our catchy theme song to get the kids up and dancing to ensure they were excited about what was to come that day.
I have been a camp counselor for many kids’ camps during my lifetime but the camp this past week in a village just outside of Shangri La is something I have never experienced before. The camp produced feelings of joy as well as times of challenge along the way due to the fact that we could not communicate with the kids using the typical spoken language. Ultimately, the smiles on the kids faces made it all worth it.
When planning for a five day sports and English skills camp we started off with a pretty ambitious lesson plan. After meeting the kids we refocused our ambitious lesson plan to emphasize having fun over becoming fluent in English or mastering a sport. We made sure to start every session with our catchy theme song to get the kids up and dancing to ensure they were excited about what was to come that day.
One of our big emphases of the camp was to engrain the numbers 1-5 in the kids. We made use of hand signals, repetition, and games to help the kids learn the numbers. One of their favorite games was a white board race. We divided the kids up into two teams and would call out a number 1 through 5. The first kid to write the correct number on the board earned a point for their team. Throughout the camp we gave out small prizes to reward the kids for working hard on their English skills.
During our sports sessions we played a variety of games from tigers and yaks (our Shangri La version of shark and minnows) to soccer. We would end every sports session with some free time for the kids to play whatever game they wanted. Although we couldn’t speak their language we were able to connect with the kids through sports and have a great time.
In addition to English lessons and sports sessions we also wanted to educate the kids on environmental conversation in their local area. One afternoon we went to the local Napahai Wetlands where we lead the kids in a trash pick up. They absolutely loved it. Later in the week we also helped them clean up their local basketball court, which is the main play area for the kids in the village.
On the last day of camp we ended with a talent show and “graduation” ceremony where each kid received a unique award. This is a picture of Gina doing a local dance taught in the schools. The talents were very impressive and ranged from dance, song, cartwheels, and even an attempted comedy skit. It was very refreshing to see kids proud to show off their culture.
During our sports sessions we played a variety of games from tigers and yaks (our Shangri La version of shark and minnows) to soccer. We would end every sports session with some free time for the kids to play whatever game they wanted. Although we couldn’t speak their language we were able to connect with the kids through sports and have a great time.
In addition to English lessons and sports sessions we also wanted to educate the kids on environmental conversation in their local area. One afternoon we went to the local Napahai Wetlands where we lead the kids in a trash pick up. They absolutely loved it. Later in the week we also helped them clean up their local basketball court, which is the main play area for the kids in the village.
On the last day of camp we ended with a talent show and “graduation” ceremony where each kid received a unique award. This is a picture of Gina doing a local dance taught in the schools. The talents were very impressive and ranged from dance, song, cartwheels, and even an attempted comedy skit. It was very refreshing to see kids proud to show off their culture.
It was difficult to say goodbye to the kids but it was all smiles as we concluded our graduation ceremony by visiting some of the kids’ houses in the village. They were so excited to show us their homes and a share part of their life with us. Every afternoon some of the girls in the camp would pick flower bouquets for the counselors. The warm and caring hearts of the kids will stick with me forever. Although I was technically the one teaching them English and sports, these kids taught me more than I could have ever imagined. It is an experience I will never forget.