The Episcopal Diocese of Lexington, the Anglican Diocese of Grahamstown and the brothers at the Mariya uMama weThemba Monastery (OHC) partnered together for the first overseas Reading Camp this past July in Grahamstown, South Africa. This is a series of follow-up blog posts from Kary McConnachie, one of the volunteer directors of that camp. Four Kentuckian experienced Reading Camp volunteers joined Bishop Stacy Sauls and his wife, Ginger Sauls, joined with the Grahamstownians to make a Reading Rock in Grahamstown this past July and a second camp is planned for this July. Kary and other volunteers are continuing their enthusiasm for Reading Camp year round. Other posts with South African Reading Camp news are available here.
Reading Camp Report: Hobbiton at Fairwood Overnight Camp
20/21 March 2009
This was our first overnight mini Reading Camp. It was an all round success and everyone felt that we should make it a 2 night camp and end it on a Sunday at lunch time.
Matt Kellen joined the steering committee and with his contact to all the primary schools in Grahamstown through his Moteno reading project, he has brought with him much needed information. It was decided to target two schools that took part last year and then bring in one new school. We chose Fikizolo Primary, Tantyi Primary and newcomer Makana Primary. After a short presentation to the Makana staff we found enthusiastic new participants in the project. Each school was asked to select 6 pupils who they felt had the most potential to gain from a Reading Camp, and the two previous participants were asked to send along their pupils who had attended last year.
I did my usual phone around and got a commitment from all the parents to have their children ready on time and was able to discuss any questions they had. (Sadly Noluvuyo from Tantyi seems to have left town and was not there.)
Our staff consisted of: Marian, Matt, Elisma, Di, Cortney, Lindsay, Linda, Zinzi, Ntsika, Basil, Warren, Josh and myself (ably assisted by Elisma’s son James). Our DSG counselors were: Noxi, Chloe, Joy, Khanya, Khanyisa, Alex, Tawanda, and Sondy.
On the 21st March Elisma and myself collected the Kuyasa School buses and set off to collect all the campers. We were all back at the camp by 4pm and were met by our enthusiastic DSG counselor team. Marian had snacks ready, every child was issued with a name tag and the fun began. Josh Paton (the director of Hobbiton) and his wonderful helpers Chalkie and Pumba gave us the rules of the camp and some environmental awareness and then the children were taken on their first hike. In the meantime Marian prepared a delicious supper which was enjoyed by all. Josh then took the children on an exciting night hike to give staff a chance to clean up and put out the mattresses. On their return the children were the first to use Basil’s new, very long marshmallow holders. That was fun! And a very new experience. The wind was too strong and so we all went inside to do some journal writing on the beds. Every child had someone to help them with the writing. Then it was shower time – what a lot of giggles! Smelling of Dawn cream and looking sleepy everyone got into bed in time for a bedtime story. The clever Little Jackal was a good choice and as soon as good nights were said every camper fell asleep. What a pleasure!!! Our DSG counselors soon followed suit and soon everyone was asleep. And then the cold crept in and nabbed us. Ntsika had not found a sleeping bag, Matt slept on the porch and some children started coughing. The children got sorted out, but the other two were not so lucky.
Saturday dawned bright and sunny. Chalkie was persuaded to take the children on a short walk to look at the buck. (Only later we found that some did not want to miss out and had sneaked off in their pyjamas). Marian’s oatmeal porridge, bread and fruit was a welcome breakfast and this was followed by singing and exercises to get the brains going. By 8 o’clock all the stations were busy and the children were absorbed in their activities.
By 11:30 stations were done and happy children let off excess energy in the garden. Lunch was at 12noon and then children relaxed with a book, or sat chatting to friends. One camper had started to cry during the morning and it turned out he had a bad throat infection but had not wanted to tell his mom because he did not want to miss out on the camp. With lots of TLC and some throat lozengers he was soon sleeping quietly in the phonics station (he must have absorbed a lot of knowledge there).
Josh and Basil then got us going with the afternoon activities. The children were split into two groups: one went to learn how to abseil while the other did some artistic drawing and painting (where Warren was again particularly inspiring to the children.) Basil then brought out his pet leguaan called Pap-tyres – much consternation at first, but then really lovely art emerged. With Basil’s artistic eye to guide them the children painted some wonderful pictures (I am hoping to enter them for the upcoming Eisteddfod in May).
Our day ended with more snacks and a chance to hold Monty the Python (who was shedding her skin). Most children picked up enough courage to approach the python, but some were just too terrified and kept a very respectful distance.
By 4:15pm the tired campers climbed into the buses and were dropped off at home. Only one little girl refused to stay with the neighbours her parents had arranged for her to be left with and ended up at my home until a family member could fetch her – I got the most special hug from her when she left me …… I think she did not want to have to share her camp “goodies” with any person outside her family!!
Three parents phoned me and thanked us all for what we had done for their children. The were especially thankful for the kindness and love shown towards their children.
Our two “veteran” campers Sivenathi and Zimi were great helpers and you could see how they just fitted into the routine again! Both are quiet little leaders.
Generally the feeling was that it was quite challenging dealing with mixed ability groups and for a short camp that was OK but for a long camp the screening is vital. The contribution of the DSG counselors was invaluable and very much appreciated by all. Their help at the reading stations, their uncomplaining help and efficiency in the kitchen were all superb. We hope this can become an ongoing association as everyone benefits from the project: the campers love having “older sisters” and the counselors feel how rewarding it is to give to those who are less fortunate (especially if the gift is one of love rather than something material)
I am so grateful for all the support that I got from everyone – it makes all the hard work so worthwhile.
- Kary McConnachie, Kary is a member of the Grahamstown Reading Camp Steering Committee.
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