Almost all of our 31 member staff have arrived. By 10:30 this morning, we were already two hours ahead of schedule, having unloaded the trailer and moved all our materials into place. Rob, Joyce (our head teacher), and I are beside ourselves, we're so pleased with how smoothly everything is going. The staff is incredible.
I keep receiving emails from people who want their children, grandchildren, nephews, nieces, and neighbors to come to camp! We're full of campers right now, but hope to call some of our waiting list children on Sunday to let them know spots have opened up for them too.
Keep us in your prayers as we get started with a fairly young leadership team and lots of brand new staff members. It will be a great week!
-Volunteer Camp Director Allison Asay is a member of Christ Church, Lexington, a member of the Reading Camp Steering Committee and an elected deputy to General Convention 2009.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Overnight camp
By far the richest experience of Reading Camp is the overnight camp experience. Reading Camp has been excited to have three overnight camps running this summer. Most recently completed is the first overseas Reading Camp in Grahamstown, South Africa (we are still waiting for pictures!) and the Cathedral Domain Reading Camp (as pictured above). Coming this week is the last overnight camp for the summer, set at the beautiful Pine Mountain Settlement School in Harlan County, Kentucky.
Click on the picture above to see a bigger picture to find someone you know!
Friday, July 11, 2008
Reading is FUNdamental
This is one in a series of posts from the first ever overseas Reading Camp this year in Grahamstown, South Africa. Kate Gillooly has been visiting the camp this week and sent the following reflection.
Today we had a different schedule. Usually the kids visit 6 learning centers each morning to work on specific reading skills. They spend 30 minutes in each so it takes up the entire morning. Today we were going to a game reserve to see the animals so everything had to be rearranged. At breakfast, Brother Timothy asked one young boy if he was excited to go to the game park. "Yes," he said, "but would they still do the centers?" "Well," said Brother Timothy, "they would shorten them and do half beforehand and perhaps the other half after lunch." For a moment no one at the table spoke. Then the boy said he would rather do centers than see the animals!
The kids are having so much fun with everything they are doing. From learning to read to singing, journals, soccer and crafts and hikes, they are having a blast. It's about the reading. But it is also about new worlds being opened up through new friends, books, bedtime stories, wild animals close up, and people who care for you and care about you and show it in lots of ways. Brother Timothy says part of the reason reading camp matters in South Africa is because we have a generation that went from illiteracy to television. This is still an oral/aural culture but now they get their information from tv. So there is no felt need to learn to read. May this week change that for a few.
-Kate Gillooly has been visiting the first overseas Reading Camp in Grahamstown, South Africa. Kate is the Minister for Christian Formation at St. Paul's, Cleveland Heights, Ohio
Today we had a different schedule. Usually the kids visit 6 learning centers each morning to work on specific reading skills. They spend 30 minutes in each so it takes up the entire morning. Today we were going to a game reserve to see the animals so everything had to be rearranged. At breakfast, Brother Timothy asked one young boy if he was excited to go to the game park. "Yes," he said, "but would they still do the centers?" "Well," said Brother Timothy, "they would shorten them and do half beforehand and perhaps the other half after lunch." For a moment no one at the table spoke. Then the boy said he would rather do centers than see the animals!
The kids are having so much fun with everything they are doing. From learning to read to singing, journals, soccer and crafts and hikes, they are having a blast. It's about the reading. But it is also about new worlds being opened up through new friends, books, bedtime stories, wild animals close up, and people who care for you and care about you and show it in lots of ways. Brother Timothy says part of the reason reading camp matters in South Africa is because we have a generation that went from illiteracy to television. This is still an oral/aural culture but now they get their information from tv. So there is no felt need to learn to read. May this week change that for a few.
-Kate Gillooly has been visiting the first overseas Reading Camp in Grahamstown, South Africa. Kate is the Minister for Christian Formation at St. Paul's, Cleveland Heights, Ohio
"On the day you were born, all the angels sang with joy!"
This is one in a series of posts from the six Kentuckians volunteering at the first ever overseas Reading Camp this year in Grahamstown, South Africa. Bishop Stacy Sauls, Ginger Sauls (teacher), Mary Jane Amick (nurse), and three counselors (Drew Eclov, Connor Egan, and Vibh Forsythe) have joined the South Africans on the Reading Camp team for an overnight camp at the Assegaai Trails Conference Center.
All of us are amazed and rather sad that this week has flown by so fast and camp is coming to a close. There is still a busy evening ahead though, with a Braai (Barbeque) and a hike to "Rock Bottom" to have a campfire, songs and skits.
This has been a week of transitions. The Grahamstown Steering Committee, teachers and volunteers have all been able to witness the culmination of their amazing hard work and dedication over the past year. From a vague concept, to spending only two weeks in Kentucky observing a day camp and an overnight camp, they have come home and put together a program that has run flawlessly and both has and will impact the lives of so many children in need of a boost and an opportunity.
Camp Director Kary McConnachie described wonderful excitement and personal satisfaction at seeing some of the changes in the children this week. Having been involved in the interview and selection process she has been able to observe the children both long before camp and certainly during this week. Kary was sitting quietly talking to the children last night, close to bedtime and asked them, "Children, do you think what you've learned this week is going to help you?" She beamed as she described their reaction as not just nods but a loud and resounding "YES!" She is anxious to hear input from the teachers and principals shortly. Unlike at our camps in KY, this is the middle of the school year, and the children are returning to classes Monday after a two week winter break. Thus staff here will have the wonderful opportunity to get feedback very shortly from the schools as to the impact they see in the children.
Clearly, though, we have seen definite transformations. Nolovuyo arrived with a real hesitance to express herself in writing in English. This morning we had a visiting teacher who Nolovuyo had never met. As Kary was showing the teacher around she asked Nolovuyo if she would like to show Rosario her journal. Nolovuyo at first said "No" and Kary thought she was reluctant entirely; she soon realized, though, that Nolovuyo was extremely excited about what she had done in the writing station today and THAT was what she very much wanted to share, enthusiastically, both with Kary and even with someone she had never met. This is an amazing difference in this little girl.
Sivenathi came to us very quiet and uncertain, especially socially. She sustained third degree burns on her entire face and both hands as a very small child, and from the moment we picked her up in the bus on Sunday you could see how tentative she was..."will I fit in?...will I be accepted?" It was such a joy to watch her open up over the week, discovering that only momentarily did anyone even notice her scars, and that everyone was able to accept her exactly as she is and see all of her beauty. Today before lunch she was laughing outloud with her new friends and then joined in with the boys in a game of rugby...and certainly held her own.
Little Siyanda has a face that is full of curiosity, but at the same time, hesitance. I've seen him a number of times this week as he arrived with a serious cut on his foot from stepping on a glass bottle. This had happened over a week ago, but was nowhere near healed. I would imagine 15-20 stitches might well have been used had he been to an Emergency Room. During last night's hike he accidentally stepped in a large (and cold) puddle and walked all the way back without complaint, but was seen crying later. His foot was both cold and the cut was burning; but he hadn't wanted to miss out on anything, so stuck it out, even though it must have hurt badly. I saw the transformation from the saddest little face last night as we cleaned and rebandaged, to one of complete involvement and sheer joy, laughing at the wonderful puppet show put on after lunch today.
We will, of course, know more later as we see how these transformations continue, but there are 18 such stories of the changes in each of the children, and as always, just as much joy and transformation in the adults who have been blessed to be here with them.
I'll close with part of the beautiful story the children were told last night in chapel. They were hearing tales from the Bible from Stacy about God's complete love for and need for all children, each and every one of them. I watched as all the children, even those in big bodies, smile quietly with delight as they envisioned this wonderful truth: 'On the day you were born, all the angels sang with joy!" May all these little ones always have that absolute knowledge and the confidence to continue the tranformations we've seen begun this week.
-Volunteer Mary Jane Amick is a nurse from St. Martha's Episcopal Church in Lexington, KY who is a part of the South African Reading Camp staff and a member of the Reading Camp Steering Committee.
All of us are amazed and rather sad that this week has flown by so fast and camp is coming to a close. There is still a busy evening ahead though, with a Braai (Barbeque) and a hike to "Rock Bottom" to have a campfire, songs and skits.
This has been a week of transitions. The Grahamstown Steering Committee, teachers and volunteers have all been able to witness the culmination of their amazing hard work and dedication over the past year. From a vague concept, to spending only two weeks in Kentucky observing a day camp and an overnight camp, they have come home and put together a program that has run flawlessly and both has and will impact the lives of so many children in need of a boost and an opportunity.
Camp Director Kary McConnachie described wonderful excitement and personal satisfaction at seeing some of the changes in the children this week. Having been involved in the interview and selection process she has been able to observe the children both long before camp and certainly during this week. Kary was sitting quietly talking to the children last night, close to bedtime and asked them, "Children, do you think what you've learned this week is going to help you?" She beamed as she described their reaction as not just nods but a loud and resounding "YES!" She is anxious to hear input from the teachers and principals shortly. Unlike at our camps in KY, this is the middle of the school year, and the children are returning to classes Monday after a two week winter break. Thus staff here will have the wonderful opportunity to get feedback very shortly from the schools as to the impact they see in the children.
Clearly, though, we have seen definite transformations. Nolovuyo arrived with a real hesitance to express herself in writing in English. This morning we had a visiting teacher who Nolovuyo had never met. As Kary was showing the teacher around she asked Nolovuyo if she would like to show Rosario her journal. Nolovuyo at first said "No" and Kary thought she was reluctant entirely; she soon realized, though, that Nolovuyo was extremely excited about what she had done in the writing station today and THAT was what she very much wanted to share, enthusiastically, both with Kary and even with someone she had never met. This is an amazing difference in this little girl.
Sivenathi came to us very quiet and uncertain, especially socially. She sustained third degree burns on her entire face and both hands as a very small child, and from the moment we picked her up in the bus on Sunday you could see how tentative she was..."will I fit in?...will I be accepted?" It was such a joy to watch her open up over the week, discovering that only momentarily did anyone even notice her scars, and that everyone was able to accept her exactly as she is and see all of her beauty. Today before lunch she was laughing outloud with her new friends and then joined in with the boys in a game of rugby...and certainly held her own.
Little Siyanda has a face that is full of curiosity, but at the same time, hesitance. I've seen him a number of times this week as he arrived with a serious cut on his foot from stepping on a glass bottle. This had happened over a week ago, but was nowhere near healed. I would imagine 15-20 stitches might well have been used had he been to an Emergency Room. During last night's hike he accidentally stepped in a large (and cold) puddle and walked all the way back without complaint, but was seen crying later. His foot was both cold and the cut was burning; but he hadn't wanted to miss out on anything, so stuck it out, even though it must have hurt badly. I saw the transformation from the saddest little face last night as we cleaned and rebandaged, to one of complete involvement and sheer joy, laughing at the wonderful puppet show put on after lunch today.
We will, of course, know more later as we see how these transformations continue, but there are 18 such stories of the changes in each of the children, and as always, just as much joy and transformation in the adults who have been blessed to be here with them.
I'll close with part of the beautiful story the children were told last night in chapel. They were hearing tales from the Bible from Stacy about God's complete love for and need for all children, each and every one of them. I watched as all the children, even those in big bodies, smile quietly with delight as they envisioned this wonderful truth: 'On the day you were born, all the angels sang with joy!" May all these little ones always have that absolute knowledge and the confidence to continue the tranformations we've seen begun this week.
-Volunteer Mary Jane Amick is a nurse from St. Martha's Episcopal Church in Lexington, KY who is a part of the South African Reading Camp staff and a member of the Reading Camp Steering Committee.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Perry County Day Three Report
Another beautiful day at Buckhorn Lake, albeit a little cloudy. The kids worked hard in centers all morning, then went to the picnic shelter for lunch and games with the counselors. We had a couple of Red Rover injuries--minor clotheslining. Chris Cory, one of our counselors, was chasing a child and fell down the hill, which was funny. Will, our cutest, blondest, wildest camper, taunted bees. Taleah got a bug in her eye, and Jenny was dispatched from the lodge to convince her that her tears would wash it out. All in all, we had fun, and our injuries were minor and easily taken care of.
After lunch and games, Kentucky author Nancy Kelly Allen visited us to read from her books and talk about writing and reading. Nancy has been to every single Perry County Reading Camp, and many of the other camps as well. When she asked the campers where they thought she got her ideas, Will piped up "From inside your BRAIN." He was, of course, correct. The kids enjoyed hearing and visiting with Nancy, and will be pleasantly surprised to find a signed copy of her book, The Munched Up Flower Garden, in their take-home bags on Friday.
No day at Buckhorn is complete without a trip down to the lake. After hastily changing into swimsuits, the kids ran down the hill and right into the water. They emerged, one by one, to snack on an incredibly sweet watermelon--a watermelon that Will had been eyeing all week! For a little boy, he managed to pack in a lot of melon. The day ended too soon, and campers were loaded onto the bus for the trip home, tired and happy.
-Jenny Williams, Camp Director and Reading Camp Steering Committee member.
After lunch and games, Kentucky author Nancy Kelly Allen visited us to read from her books and talk about writing and reading. Nancy has been to every single Perry County Reading Camp, and many of the other camps as well. When she asked the campers where they thought she got her ideas, Will piped up "From inside your BRAIN." He was, of course, correct. The kids enjoyed hearing and visiting with Nancy, and will be pleasantly surprised to find a signed copy of her book, The Munched Up Flower Garden, in their take-home bags on Friday.
No day at Buckhorn is complete without a trip down to the lake. After hastily changing into swimsuits, the kids ran down the hill and right into the water. They emerged, one by one, to snack on an incredibly sweet watermelon--a watermelon that Will had been eyeing all week! For a little boy, he managed to pack in a lot of melon. The day ended too soon, and campers were loaded onto the bus for the trip home, tired and happy.
-Jenny Williams, Camp Director and Reading Camp Steering Committee member.
"Watermelon seed spitting contest, using raisin-sized hardened pellets of antelope dung instead"
This is one in a series of posts from the six Kentuckians volunteering at the first ever overseas Reading Camp this year in Grahamstown, South Africa. Bishop Stacy Sauls, Ginger Sauls (teacher), Mary Jane Amick (nurse), and three counselors (Drew Eclov, Connor Egan, and Vibh Forsythe) have joined the South Africans on the Reading Camp team for an overnight camp at the Assegaai Trails Conference Center.
Brother Timothy relates a wonderful story today that is another Reading Camp "Alleluia Moment." Greeting all the children as they came in for breakfast, he talked to a little boy named Cheslyn and said "You must be so excited...you get to go to the Game Reserve this morning and see all the animals!" Instead of the happy, anticipatory response he expected, Brother Timothy says Cheslyn instead looked crestfallen and asked glumly
"But what about the centers? Don't we get to read this morning??"
Cheslyn was assured that he would go to some of the centers before we left and the rest when we returned, and that not one moment's reading would be lost. Amen. Alleluia.
The game reserve trip, by the way, was fabulous for all. After a rather cold and blustery day yesterday, it turned out this morning was perfect. It was still a little cool and windy, but all bundled up a bit and, in the brilliant sunshine, none were cold. From our open top vehicles we saw (up close) giraffes, a rhino, deer and antelope of a number of varieties and monkeys swinging in the bushes as we passed by slowly. A special treat was viewing a hippo out of the water munching grass. We were told by the guide that this was a very rare daytime sighting. We gave the hippo a good deal of space, being told that he is actually the most dangerous animal on the reserve, with the ability to easily bite a human in half with one bite. We also spotted several cape buffaloes, at first from a distance, and then, a bit disconcertingly, closer and closer as one followed us and for a time was actually getting rather close to our back bumper. And, finally, the children enjoyed the local version of a watermelon seed spitting contest, using raisin-sized hardened pellets of antelope dung instead. All names will be omitted to protect the guilty (or simply the crazy), but it was an adult who won first prize, and at least one Kentuckian was seen participating.
The progress being made by the children with their English and their reading is amazing, and their determination and willingness to try anything inspiring. They are all beautiful, joyous, generous and amazingly polite.
We all are thinking of you much and thank you for your thoughts and prayers.
-Volunteer Mary Jane Amick is a nurse from St. Martha's Episcopal Church in Lexington, KY who is a part of the South African Reading Camp staff and a member of the Reading Camp Steering Committee.
Brother Timothy relates a wonderful story today that is another Reading Camp "Alleluia Moment." Greeting all the children as they came in for breakfast, he talked to a little boy named Cheslyn and said "You must be so excited...you get to go to the Game Reserve this morning and see all the animals!" Instead of the happy, anticipatory response he expected, Brother Timothy says Cheslyn instead looked crestfallen and asked glumly
"But what about the centers? Don't we get to read this morning??"
Cheslyn was assured that he would go to some of the centers before we left and the rest when we returned, and that not one moment's reading would be lost. Amen. Alleluia.
The game reserve trip, by the way, was fabulous for all. After a rather cold and blustery day yesterday, it turned out this morning was perfect. It was still a little cool and windy, but all bundled up a bit and, in the brilliant sunshine, none were cold. From our open top vehicles we saw (up close) giraffes, a rhino, deer and antelope of a number of varieties and monkeys swinging in the bushes as we passed by slowly. A special treat was viewing a hippo out of the water munching grass. We were told by the guide that this was a very rare daytime sighting. We gave the hippo a good deal of space, being told that he is actually the most dangerous animal on the reserve, with the ability to easily bite a human in half with one bite. We also spotted several cape buffaloes, at first from a distance, and then, a bit disconcertingly, closer and closer as one followed us and for a time was actually getting rather close to our back bumper. And, finally, the children enjoyed the local version of a watermelon seed spitting contest, using raisin-sized hardened pellets of antelope dung instead. All names will be omitted to protect the guilty (or simply the crazy), but it was an adult who won first prize, and at least one Kentuckian was seen participating.
The progress being made by the children with their English and their reading is amazing, and their determination and willingness to try anything inspiring. They are all beautiful, joyous, generous and amazingly polite.
We all are thinking of you much and thank you for your thoughts and prayers.
-Volunteer Mary Jane Amick is a nurse from St. Martha's Episcopal Church in Lexington, KY who is a part of the South African Reading Camp staff and a member of the Reading Camp Steering Committee.
It doesn't need to do everything to do something
This is one in a series of posts from the first ever overseas Reading Camp this year in Grahamstown, South Africa. Kate Gillooly has been visiting the camp this week and sent the following reflection.
Today is the third full day of Reading Camp and my second day here at Assegaai Trails retreat center. We have 18 children campers, several teen and young adult counselors, and 6 teachers. All is going well, and the folks who have worked so hard to make this happen are beginning to talk about next year. We had several observers who wondered about how effective this really is - what happens when these kids go home? Who follows up with them? Is there long term progress? Kary, the coordinator, said with passion that if we make a difference in these kids lives even for just a week, then its worth it. Too often we get paralyzed by the fear that it is not enough- that it doesn't erase poverty or end abuse or change the nation overnight. But as Kary reminds us, it doesn't need to do everything to do something. There is gratification in a child's smile - in a hug or glance or new word learned. That has to be enough to make it worth it. We can make a world of difference in the lives of these 18 children. Sometimes that has to be the measuring stick.
-Kate Gillooly has been visiting the first overseas Reading Camp in Grahamstown, South Africa. Kate is the Minister for Christian Formation at St. Paul's, Cleveland Heights, Ohio
Today is the third full day of Reading Camp and my second day here at Assegaai Trails retreat center. We have 18 children campers, several teen and young adult counselors, and 6 teachers. All is going well, and the folks who have worked so hard to make this happen are beginning to talk about next year. We had several observers who wondered about how effective this really is - what happens when these kids go home? Who follows up with them? Is there long term progress? Kary, the coordinator, said with passion that if we make a difference in these kids lives even for just a week, then its worth it. Too often we get paralyzed by the fear that it is not enough- that it doesn't erase poverty or end abuse or change the nation overnight. But as Kary reminds us, it doesn't need to do everything to do something. There is gratification in a child's smile - in a hug or glance or new word learned. That has to be enough to make it worth it. We can make a world of difference in the lives of these 18 children. Sometimes that has to be the measuring stick.
-Kate Gillooly has been visiting the first overseas Reading Camp in Grahamstown, South Africa. Kate is the Minister for Christian Formation at St. Paul's, Cleveland Heights, Ohio
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Don't judge a book (or a camp) by it's cover
Reading Camp...BORING!! At least, that was my first opinion of this camp. But don't judge a book by its cover! Reading Camp is about much more than just reading. It involves friendships, fun, and food--the three F's! From swimming to singing, from fishing to hiking, we've had a great time. The kids work hard in the mornings, and the teachers and the counselors make reading fun. Work hard, play hard--it's a great week so far. I've had so much fun that I'm going to work as a counselor at Pine Mountain next week!
-Volunteer Jimmie Dunn is a counselor at Perry County Reading Camp this week
Perry County Day Two Report
Perry County Reading Camp
Day Two
Our second day started off with a bang and a visitor. We were happy to greet Bungee, who drove the winding roads from the Domain to Buckhorn to check us out. After a busy morning in the learning centers, we loaded the kids onto the bus and drove to the picnic shelter for lunch.
The kids munched on sandwiches and chips, put together in record time, assembly style, by the awesome counselors. Once the kids were finished eating, it was time for a dance session, with counselors and kids alike getting their groove on.
Our planned afternoon included a pontoon ride, swimming, and fishing. We had a chance to do a little of each before we were driven indoors by thunder and lightening. It was the first time several of the kids had ever been on a boat! I'm always amazed that we live in the middle of the beautiful Appalachian mountains, and yet children don't get outdoors. Some of these kids might as well live in some inner city! So we're glad that in addition to offering the children a chance to become more proficient readers, we're also able to give them a chance to experience the natural environment. Even if the natural environment didn't cooperate with our plans to spend the afternoon on the water yesterday...
Luckily, we had a rain plan in place. The kids worked on their journals a little more and did a craft involving crushed glass from the recycling center. So basically, after exposing the kids to the threat of electrocution by lightening, we placed them at risk of being cut to shreds by broken glass. Luckily, we were electrocuted nor bleeding profusely when we left!!!
-Jenny Williams, Camp Director and Reading Camp Steering Committee member
Day Two
Our second day started off with a bang and a visitor. We were happy to greet Bungee, who drove the winding roads from the Domain to Buckhorn to check us out. After a busy morning in the learning centers, we loaded the kids onto the bus and drove to the picnic shelter for lunch.
The kids munched on sandwiches and chips, put together in record time, assembly style, by the awesome counselors. Once the kids were finished eating, it was time for a dance session, with counselors and kids alike getting their groove on.
Our planned afternoon included a pontoon ride, swimming, and fishing. We had a chance to do a little of each before we were driven indoors by thunder and lightening. It was the first time several of the kids had ever been on a boat! I'm always amazed that we live in the middle of the beautiful Appalachian mountains, and yet children don't get outdoors. Some of these kids might as well live in some inner city! So we're glad that in addition to offering the children a chance to become more proficient readers, we're also able to give them a chance to experience the natural environment. Even if the natural environment didn't cooperate with our plans to spend the afternoon on the water yesterday...
Luckily, we had a rain plan in place. The kids worked on their journals a little more and did a craft involving crushed glass from the recycling center. So basically, after exposing the kids to the threat of electrocution by lightening, we placed them at risk of being cut to shreds by broken glass. Luckily, we were electrocuted nor bleeding profusely when we left!!!
-Jenny Williams, Camp Director and Reading Camp Steering Committee member
"We're ready to go read Connor!"
This is one in a series of posts from the six Kentuckians volunteering at the first ever overseas Reading Camp this year in Grahamstown, South Africa. Bishop Stacy Sauls, Ginger Sauls (teacher), Mary Jane Amick (nurse), and three counselors (Drew Eclov, Connor Egan, and Vibh Forsythe) have joined the South Africans on the Reading Camp team for an overnight camp at the Assegaai Trails Conference Center.
Through Bishop Stacy Sauls has relayed a story of an event that happened at 4:30am this morning at the South African Reading Camp. Usually, when there’s an event at 4:30 in the morning it’s not a good thing, but this one is a little different.
Counselor Connor Egan woke up this morning at 4:30am. He was sleeping in a cabin area with several children and just felt like he needed to wake up. It was a gut feeling that he should wake up, so he did. He turned over and bed and looked and all of his campers were fully dressed and with the light on. Connor asked them what was up and the campers said:
“We’re ready to go read Connor!”
The students were so excited after 2 days of camp to learn to read that they were fully awake and dressed at 4:30 in the morning on the third day of camp.
Stories like these bring tears to the eyes and are just why we do this wonderful thing called Reading Camp.
No word yet on how/if Connor got the boys to go back to bed!
Through Bishop Stacy Sauls has relayed a story of an event that happened at 4:30am this morning at the South African Reading Camp. Usually, when there’s an event at 4:30 in the morning it’s not a good thing, but this one is a little different.
Counselor Connor Egan woke up this morning at 4:30am. He was sleeping in a cabin area with several children and just felt like he needed to wake up. It was a gut feeling that he should wake up, so he did. He turned over and bed and looked and all of his campers were fully dressed and with the light on. Connor asked them what was up and the campers said:
“We’re ready to go read Connor!”
The students were so excited after 2 days of camp to learn to read that they were fully awake and dressed at 4:30 in the morning on the third day of camp.
Stories like these bring tears to the eyes and are just why we do this wonderful thing called Reading Camp.
No word yet on how/if Connor got the boys to go back to bed!
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
"Are you coming? Is it time yet?? You haven't forgotten me???"
This is one in a series of posts from the six Kentuckians volunteering at the first ever overseas Reading Camp this year in Grahamstown, South Africa. Bishop Stacy Sauls, Ginger Sauls (teacher), Mary Jane Amick (nurse), and three counselors (Drew Eclov, Connor Egan, and Vibh Forsythe) have joined the South Africans on the Reading Camp team for an overnight camp at the Assegaai Trails Conference Center.
Sunday morning we awoke bright and early (admittedly with a bit of a start since I'd had to set the alarm on my US cell phone for 1 AM) and there was a buzz of excitement palpable as we gathered for breakfast and passed our our new Holy Cross, Grahamstown Reading Camp shirts. This is real! It's going to happen!
Liturgy in the small beautiful chapel at Assegaai was powerful and touching, particularly when Stacy mentioned that "a little music would be nice" and Bro. Josias immediately broke into a beautiful South African Alleluia hymn that many already knew right away and all were able to join very shortly, with the sound, the enthusiasm and the grace gradually growing as we became one. With eleven official languages in South Africa, when Stacy invited us to recite together the Lord's prayer, each in our native tongue, there was a beautiful combined sense of all our individual histories, yet at the same time our common bond and sense of purpose.
After a quick lunch, Kary, Ntombekaya and I headed back into Grahamstown, met our outdoor adventure leader, Basil Mills, and headed off in two vans to fetch our 18 campers. By the time we were beginning our rounds we had received numerous phone calls from both mamas and children: "Are you coming? Is it time yet?? You haven't forgotten me???"
My first impression in the township, a powerful one, was not only of the level of poverty, beyond the imagination of most of us from the US, but just as much, the richness of spirit that jumped out at us as we traveled through the narrow and deeply pitted dirt roads of the neighborhoods.
Everyone knew that we were there to gather the children chosen for Reading Camp. The closer we came to each child's home, the more people lined the streets, smiling and waving, often pointing us to the correct address. At each house, not only was the child waiting outside, but also mamas, papas, grannies and other family members. Though there were a few expressions of anxiety, the overwhelming spirit was of anticipation and excitement. It was obvious that not only the family, but the entire neighborhoods were invested in the program and the opportunity. I was overwhelmed by the courage, the determination and the huge leap of faith of these mamas and grannies as they sent their children off with us, into something that was largely unknown yet represented a possibility for their child. A couple of tears were wiped away, but mostly there were large smiles, especially after we promised we would take very good care of their little ones. Behind the smiles were hope and excitement about the experiences and opportunities Reading Camp could provide their little one.
The saddest part of the day had been Kary & Ntombekaya having to call the children on the waiting list to inform them they would not be able to attend, because every single child chosen was definitely going to come; no one was possibly going to pass up this opportunity. This is, I believe, without precedent for Reading Camp.
The noise level on the van gradually grew as more children joined us, learned each others' names, and comfort levels increased. Soon they were smiling and giggling at me as I tried to pronounce everyone's name correctly in Xhosa, trying to get those clicks just right. There was also though a quiet look of both proud pleasure and excitement as Kary explained to them that they were making history as the very first Reading Campers in all South Africa. Eyes visibly brightened and each little person sat up a little taller as they pictured themselves as pioneers. What courage. What hope. What a blessing for all of us who get to join in this adventure!
-Volunteer Mary Jane Amick is a nurse from St. Martha's Episcopal Church in Lexington, KY who is a part of the South African Reading Camp staff and a member of the Reading Camp Steering Committee.
Sunday morning we awoke bright and early (admittedly with a bit of a start since I'd had to set the alarm on my US cell phone for 1 AM) and there was a buzz of excitement palpable as we gathered for breakfast and passed our our new Holy Cross, Grahamstown Reading Camp shirts. This is real! It's going to happen!
Liturgy in the small beautiful chapel at Assegaai was powerful and touching, particularly when Stacy mentioned that "a little music would be nice" and Bro. Josias immediately broke into a beautiful South African Alleluia hymn that many already knew right away and all were able to join very shortly, with the sound, the enthusiasm and the grace gradually growing as we became one. With eleven official languages in South Africa, when Stacy invited us to recite together the Lord's prayer, each in our native tongue, there was a beautiful combined sense of all our individual histories, yet at the same time our common bond and sense of purpose.
After a quick lunch, Kary, Ntombekaya and I headed back into Grahamstown, met our outdoor adventure leader, Basil Mills, and headed off in two vans to fetch our 18 campers. By the time we were beginning our rounds we had received numerous phone calls from both mamas and children: "Are you coming? Is it time yet?? You haven't forgotten me???"
My first impression in the township, a powerful one, was not only of the level of poverty, beyond the imagination of most of us from the US, but just as much, the richness of spirit that jumped out at us as we traveled through the narrow and deeply pitted dirt roads of the neighborhoods.
Everyone knew that we were there to gather the children chosen for Reading Camp. The closer we came to each child's home, the more people lined the streets, smiling and waving, often pointing us to the correct address. At each house, not only was the child waiting outside, but also mamas, papas, grannies and other family members. Though there were a few expressions of anxiety, the overwhelming spirit was of anticipation and excitement. It was obvious that not only the family, but the entire neighborhoods were invested in the program and the opportunity. I was overwhelmed by the courage, the determination and the huge leap of faith of these mamas and grannies as they sent their children off with us, into something that was largely unknown yet represented a possibility for their child. A couple of tears were wiped away, but mostly there were large smiles, especially after we promised we would take very good care of their little ones. Behind the smiles were hope and excitement about the experiences and opportunities Reading Camp could provide their little one.
The saddest part of the day had been Kary & Ntombekaya having to call the children on the waiting list to inform them they would not be able to attend, because every single child chosen was definitely going to come; no one was possibly going to pass up this opportunity. This is, I believe, without precedent for Reading Camp.
The noise level on the van gradually grew as more children joined us, learned each others' names, and comfort levels increased. Soon they were smiling and giggling at me as I tried to pronounce everyone's name correctly in Xhosa, trying to get those clicks just right. There was also though a quiet look of both proud pleasure and excitement as Kary explained to them that they were making history as the very first Reading Campers in all South Africa. Eyes visibly brightened and each little person sat up a little taller as they pictured themselves as pioneers. What courage. What hope. What a blessing for all of us who get to join in this adventure!
-Volunteer Mary Jane Amick is a nurse from St. Martha's Episcopal Church in Lexington, KY who is a part of the South African Reading Camp staff and a member of the Reading Camp Steering Committee.
Muhlweni, muhlweni...
This is one in a series of posts from the six Kentuckians volunteering at the first ever overseas Reading Camp this year in Grahamstown, South Africa. Bishop Stacy Sauls, Ginger Sauls (teacher), Mary Jane Amick (nurse), and three counselors (Drew Eclov, Connor Egan, and Vibh Forsythe) have joined the South Africans on the Reading Camp team for an overnight camp at the Assegaai Trails Conference Center.
SATURDAY night we arrived at and were blown away bythe scenery. Like the Domain, the trails are nestled in a clearing on a high point that looks out across mountains valleys and plains. The peace and beauty are almost overwhelming, from experience we can say, this is the perfect place for camp. We spent the evening with the South African counselors teaching and learning games and songs. Drew, Connor, and I were, and still are diligently learning out Xhosa...we still need work. After running ourselves ragged playing the snake game, (which, you'll be happy to know, is one and the same with the Amoeba game) we sat down to enjoy a traditional South African Braai. I am sorry that I cannot leave a sample of the delicious chicken and boerovurst for you to taste over the internet. Sincerest regrets. After much laughing and talking we settled down to sleep and get ready for the day ahead. Amazingly, we stayed asleep all night.
One of the first things we did on Sunday was recieve our Holy Cross Reading Camp Grahamstown South Africa shirts. To our delight, the pine tree remains in the logo, despite the fact that it is most certianly not indigenous to these parts. A little piece of Reading Camp's Kentucky roots will live on in this project forever!
Excitement!
The Children arrived on buses and were greeted with Mulwheni Mulwheni...A welcome song sung in Xhosa by the other counselors. Drew, Connor, and I made do with clapping and humming until we got the hang of it. The children refused to do anything other than smile shyly at us in the beginning. But now thay have learned to tolerate our funny accents and are warming up to us quite nicely. The purpose of this camp is a little bit different that the reading camps we are used to. The children here are among the brightest in their other classes but need help with ENGLISH. Unlike the United States, South Africa has 11 national languages. All of the children here begin to learn English in about the 3rd or 4th grade. Their classes will be taught in English beginning next year for many of them. This reading camp is geared toward those who need help learning. We are still getting used to the fact that sometimes they do not understand the words we speak, and the way they will turn and speak to each other about us or about our direction in Xhosa and we will have no idea which way the debate is going until the outcome. But even with the language barrier we're all getting along quite well. We're helping them with their English and they are humoring our attempts at Xhosa. Lovely!
Yesterday we had the amazing opportunity to hear a story from one of South Africa's well known writers and strorytellers Gcina Mhlope. The children loved her, but it wasn't until today that we had the opportunity to read about all of the wonderful books of South African folk stories she had written, shows she has performed with theatre companies, and the Mother of Books campaign she started to distribute
boxes of no less than 100 books each per year to area schools. I am continuously amazed by the way the activities in which the children are engaged are centered around learning and maintaining their own culture. We went on a nature hike with Basil (imagine a Ben from Pine Mountain Settlement School mix with the Crocodile
Hunter ...eating plants off the trail and so on) who told folk stories about Tikolosh (the akin to the boogeyman) and his soldiers, and the 17 million uses for native Aloe that I did not know. We called to the spirits of the lake before walking past it to prevent hexes and some of the children were worried because their mothers had warned them never to speak to the lake people. It has been evident all the way through how much the children are enculturated continuously to understand and respect their folklore and the environment around them. All in all, good times. More soon.
-Vibh Forsythe (along with Drew Eclov & Connor Egan) is a volunteer counselor from Kentucky at the first overseas Reading Camp in Grahamstown, South Africa
SATURDAY night we arrived at and were blown away bythe scenery. Like the Domain, the trails are nestled in a clearing on a high point that looks out across mountains valleys and plains. The peace and beauty are almost overwhelming, from experience we can say, this is the perfect place for camp. We spent the evening with the South African counselors teaching and learning games and songs. Drew, Connor, and I were, and still are diligently learning out Xhosa...we still need work. After running ourselves ragged playing the snake game, (which, you'll be happy to know, is one and the same with the Amoeba game) we sat down to enjoy a traditional South African Braai. I am sorry that I cannot leave a sample of the delicious chicken and boerovurst for you to taste over the internet. Sincerest regrets. After much laughing and talking we settled down to sleep and get ready for the day ahead. Amazingly, we stayed asleep all night.
One of the first things we did on Sunday was recieve our Holy Cross Reading Camp Grahamstown South Africa shirts. To our delight, the pine tree remains in the logo, despite the fact that it is most certianly not indigenous to these parts. A little piece of Reading Camp's Kentucky roots will live on in this project forever!
Excitement!
The Children arrived on buses and were greeted with Mulwheni Mulwheni...A welcome song sung in Xhosa by the other counselors. Drew, Connor, and I made do with clapping and humming until we got the hang of it. The children refused to do anything other than smile shyly at us in the beginning. But now thay have learned to tolerate our funny accents and are warming up to us quite nicely. The purpose of this camp is a little bit different that the reading camps we are used to. The children here are among the brightest in their other classes but need help with ENGLISH. Unlike the United States, South Africa has 11 national languages. All of the children here begin to learn English in about the 3rd or 4th grade. Their classes will be taught in English beginning next year for many of them. This reading camp is geared toward those who need help learning. We are still getting used to the fact that sometimes they do not understand the words we speak, and the way they will turn and speak to each other about us or about our direction in Xhosa and we will have no idea which way the debate is going until the outcome. But even with the language barrier we're all getting along quite well. We're helping them with their English and they are humoring our attempts at Xhosa. Lovely!
Yesterday we had the amazing opportunity to hear a story from one of South Africa's well known writers and strorytellers Gcina Mhlope. The children loved her, but it wasn't until today that we had the opportunity to read about all of the wonderful books of South African folk stories she had written, shows she has performed with theatre companies, and the Mother of Books campaign she started to distribute
boxes of no less than 100 books each per year to area schools. I am continuously amazed by the way the activities in which the children are engaged are centered around learning and maintaining their own culture. We went on a nature hike with Basil (imagine a Ben from Pine Mountain Settlement School mix with the Crocodile
Hunter ...eating plants off the trail and so on) who told folk stories about Tikolosh (the akin to the boogeyman) and his soldiers, and the 17 million uses for native Aloe that I did not know. We called to the spirits of the lake before walking past it to prevent hexes and some of the children were worried because their mothers had warned them never to speak to the lake people. It has been evident all the way through how much the children are enculturated continuously to understand and respect their folklore and the environment around them. All in all, good times. More soon.
-Vibh Forsythe (along with Drew Eclov & Connor Egan) is a volunteer counselor from Kentucky at the first overseas Reading Camp in Grahamstown, South Africa
Perry County Day One Report
Perry County Reading Camp
Sunday Night Camp Setup
We arrived at Buckhorn State Park after a busy Fourth of July weekend to set up for Reading Camp and get ready for the kids. We lugged the boxes and bins of supplies down the steps to the beautiful conference center. We planned to go light and lean on the decorating—there are floor to ceiling windows overlooking beautiful Buckhorn Lake, so we didn’t want to compete with the view. Still, once we hung up our solar system and stars, the space looked a little…barren. Especially compared to the stellar decorating job the Domain Reading Camp staff pulled off. After hearing Judy Moore explain that current education theory favors a simple uncluttered space for learning so that children aren’t distracted by decorations, I decide to pretend that we didn’t decorate much on purpose. We shut the doors of the conference center and took our kids swimming. Later, I sat on the porch of my hotel room and watched the bats swooping around and the moonlight glistening on the water. This is a beautiful place and we’re blessed to have camp here.
Day One
The day started auspiciously when we spy two deer right under our hotel window. The bus picked up the sixteen kids (by Wednesday we’ll have 18)right on schedule, and when they pulled in, we were ready to roll. After a brief introduction to the One Rule of Reading Camp (Respect—respect each other, the staff, the place, the earth, and ourselves), the kids went to Centers and Reading Camp officially started. Unfortunately, when it was time to switch centers, I completely screwed things up and sent the kids to the wrong centers. Luckily, my wonderful JROTC counselors stepped in and took over, and ably managed to keep time and send the kids to the correct centers for the remainder of the morning. I spent a lot of time doing nothing. This is how leadership should work: surround yourself with wonderful people, wind them up, and let them go. The JROTC kids who help me each year, and their incredible instructor, Major Tim Cory, are amazing. I can’t say enough good things about Major Cory and his kids. They see something that needs to be done and just…do it. With Dwight Vires at the helm, the Perry County Reading Camp is a well-oiled machine. I don’t have to lift a finger once the planning is done. Really, those kids are magical. Jordan Chandler, the Battalion Commander, can even charm animals.
After a delicious lunch in the Buckhorn Lodge Dining Room, we returned to the conference center and played games for a little while. Then it was time to go hiking with Jane and John Dubois of the Division of Forestry. We hiked up a beautiful trail while John and Jane showed us how to identify trees and explained the various uses for timber. We decided that the best use is to adorn these marvelous mountains—this is such an amazingly lovely place. After our hike, we ran down the mountain to the beach for a refreshing swim under a bright blue sky.
Then it was time to decorate journals and eat the cupcakes that our good Reading Camp friend Debra sent as a surprise for my 43rd birthday! Debra was co-director for several years here at the Perry County camp. She’s wonderful and we miss having her around. Finally, and too soon, it was time to go. Glenn, the world’s best bus driver, fired up the bus and we headed down the mountain towards home. All the kids, counselors, and staff were looking forward to tomorrow!
-Jenny Williams, Camp Director and Reading Camp Steering Committee member
South Africa Reading Camp staff
This article and the article below ran in The Grocott's Mail, the local Grahamstown, South Africa newspaper about the first South African Reading Camp that began Sunday, July 6.
Click on the images below to view larger print version of the article.
Monday, July 7, 2008
Beginning of South Africa Reading Camp
This is one in a series of posts from the six Kentuckians volunteering at the first ever overseas Reading Camp this year in Grahamstown, South Africa. Bishop Stacy Sauls, Ginger Sauls (teacher), Mary Jane Amick (nurse), and three counselors (Drew Eclov, Connor Egan, and Vibh Forsythe) have joined the South Africans on the Reading Camp team for an overnight camp at the Assegaai Trails Conference Center.
As you all are snoring in the US, there is a beautiful brilliant sun shining over the Monastery, not a cloud in the sky, and a breeze that is cool but wonderfully refreshing. There's another transformation in that instead of the usual wonderful quiet here there is now a bustle of activity with boxes being loaded into the "Bakkie" (pick up truck) and Brothers and volunteers moving quickly about carrying all our materials.
Our counselor volunteers spent the night in town with Kary's daughter Katherine and went out for an evening of Festival music and meeting her friends. They're due to arrive back momentarily and then we're off to Assegaai Trails for a day of decorating, setting up learning stations and an infirmary and then, this evening, a dinner for all with delicacies off the "barbie."
Tomorrow morning Kary and I head out in one bus and and Basil and Ntombekaya in another to gather all the children from their homes in the townships and head out to Assegaai for the "Grand Opening."
The energy and excitement are flowing and we ask for all to keep us and the children in your thoughts and prayers this week. We will report in as possible on all the adventures ahead.
Gotta go! We're on Africa time and I'm being told it's time to move!
-Volunteer Mary Jane Amick is a nurse from St. Martha's Episcopal Church in Lexington, KY who is a part of the South African Reading Camp staff
As you all are snoring in the US, there is a beautiful brilliant sun shining over the Monastery, not a cloud in the sky, and a breeze that is cool but wonderfully refreshing. There's another transformation in that instead of the usual wonderful quiet here there is now a bustle of activity with boxes being loaded into the "Bakkie" (pick up truck) and Brothers and volunteers moving quickly about carrying all our materials.
Our counselor volunteers spent the night in town with Kary's daughter Katherine and went out for an evening of Festival music and meeting her friends. They're due to arrive back momentarily and then we're off to Assegaai Trails for a day of decorating, setting up learning stations and an infirmary and then, this evening, a dinner for all with delicacies off the "barbie."
Tomorrow morning Kary and I head out in one bus and and Basil and Ntombekaya in another to gather all the children from their homes in the townships and head out to Assegaai for the "Grand Opening."
The energy and excitement are flowing and we ask for all to keep us and the children in your thoughts and prayers this week. We will report in as possible on all the adventures ahead.
Gotta go! We're on Africa time and I'm being told it's time to move!
-Volunteer Mary Jane Amick is a nurse from St. Martha's Episcopal Church in Lexington, KY who is a part of the South African Reading Camp staff
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Domain camp final report
Last Saturday we said goodbye to 36 campers. When leaving, they were asked their favorite thing about camp. Rappelling (for the third year) was the overall favorite. Everything: swimming, archery, learning centers, the Bat Cave hike, writing, eating and magic completed the favorites.
I want to thank the liaisons/recruiters for all their hard work. Finding the campers and getting all the paperwork completed. Thanks to Cissy Collins, Barb Groves and Muffy Stuart for riding the Resurrection bus (THANK YOU) with the campers.
Thank you to Bill and Lucy Cox for helping decorate the Learning Centers. It felt like we were at the circus.
I want to thank all the teachers-Cheryl Coghill, Mary Eclov, Beth Kemp, Terri Koontz, Karl Lietzenmayer, Judy Moore, Michelle Moore,
Paula Ott, Kim Vogel and Campbell Welsh. The campers had fun and
learned a ton!
Thank you to the support staff-Jerry Boaz, CC Johnson (this was the 2nd of 4 camps for her), Jenny Lou Shirley the camp nurse and Allissa Ferguson who did double duty. Allissa handled the music and became a counselor mid-week.
A BIG thank you to the counselors-Michael Buten, Melonie Coghill, Brian Duke, Tyne Grigsby, Brice Marshall, Alex Parker, Hannah Peterson, Liz Alden Pryor, Josh Reynolds, Callie Snowden, Dwight Vires, Brittney and Justin Vogel. You were great and we can't have camp without you!!
Thanks to the others on the leadership team-Pat Allen as a teacher's aide and Dean of the Circus College. Margaret Hill was Head recruiter and teacher. Thanks for all your hard work.
Thanks to Bungee for all his behind the scenes work.
Finally, a HUGE thank you to Andy and Cindy Sigmon and the Domain summer staff. You were there when we needed you and helped make the camp run smoothly.
Having all this help, made my job much easier. Thanks for your help at BIG TOP ON THE MOUNTAIN.
-Volunteer Lynne Evans, Domain Camp Director and Reading Camp Steering Committe member
I want to thank the liaisons/recruiters for all their hard work. Finding the campers and getting all the paperwork completed. Thanks to Cissy Collins, Barb Groves and Muffy Stuart for riding the Resurrection bus (THANK YOU) with the campers.
Thank you to Bill and Lucy Cox for helping decorate the Learning Centers. It felt like we were at the circus.
I want to thank all the teachers-Cheryl Coghill, Mary Eclov, Beth Kemp, Terri Koontz, Karl Lietzenmayer, Judy Moore, Michelle Moore,
Paula Ott, Kim Vogel and Campbell Welsh. The campers had fun and
learned a ton!
Thank you to the support staff-Jerry Boaz, CC Johnson (this was the 2nd of 4 camps for her), Jenny Lou Shirley the camp nurse and Allissa Ferguson who did double duty. Allissa handled the music and became a counselor mid-week.
A BIG thank you to the counselors-Michael Buten, Melonie Coghill, Brian Duke, Tyne Grigsby, Brice Marshall, Alex Parker, Hannah Peterson, Liz Alden Pryor, Josh Reynolds, Callie Snowden, Dwight Vires, Brittney and Justin Vogel. You were great and we can't have camp without you!!
Thanks to the others on the leadership team-Pat Allen as a teacher's aide and Dean of the Circus College. Margaret Hill was Head recruiter and teacher. Thanks for all your hard work.
Thanks to Bungee for all his behind the scenes work.
Finally, a HUGE thank you to Andy and Cindy Sigmon and the Domain summer staff. You were there when we needed you and helped make the camp run smoothly.
Having all this help, made my job much easier. Thanks for your help at BIG TOP ON THE MOUNTAIN.
-Volunteer Lynne Evans, Domain Camp Director and Reading Camp Steering Committe member
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