Tales from Camp
Well, I survived my week long camp out in the Chaco. Since I arrived I had been dreading this week since I knew it would be very tiring and I've had some negative camp experiences in the past, so it's not something I look forward to. But, truthfully, I had a good time, but at the same time am glad it's over. I was also a bit frustrated the first day since my digital camera broke (the lighting is all messed up now), so I'll be looking for a new one soon. I got it in 2004 though, so it's time for a new one. Fortunately all of my friends took pictures so I'll just make sure I get theirs.
We left Monday afternoon in "flotas" (long distance buses) and made the 30 min drive to the "Chaco". The weather started out warm, but that night dropped significantly. The next day we received a cold front and the wind was blowing all day. That night, the Trinidad area had the coldest temperatures it had received in 30 years, in the low 50's (high 40's with windchill). Keep in mind the average temperature here is in the high 80's/low 90's. Needless to say, the Bolivians were FREEZING. Myself and the other volunteers were a bit cold as well and we made a fire every night. I have spent about 7 1/2 months in Bolivia now and this is the coldest night I can ever remember in the Trinidad area.
The camp itself was great. The theme for this year was "Cultivating Character" and we focused on loyalty, integrity and kindness (1 day on each) - things the Bolivian culture does not exemplify well. Each day started out with exercises at 7 am sharp on the soccer field (with exercise music accompanying). During this time I could usually see lots of parrots flying around in the distance. Other events at camp included a ropes course (with the obstacles focusing on teamwork), worship, soccer/volleyball, and evening presentations.
We also had the theme of military for camp, so each of the kids were "soldiers" and the leaders were "Sergeants". If the leaders felt the kids were doing well and participating, they could be promoted to Lieutenant or Corporal. Ademar, who organized the camp was the "Major" and Lucho was the "General". The idea behind this was to instill discipline in the kids.
I'm now back in Trinidad and will get some rest this weekend. Next week is the camp for the younger kids, but it will be held at the school, so I'll get to sleep inside, maybe even in my bed :-).
We left Monday afternoon in "flotas" (long distance buses) and made the 30 min drive to the "Chaco". The weather started out warm, but that night dropped significantly. The next day we received a cold front and the wind was blowing all day. That night, the Trinidad area had the coldest temperatures it had received in 30 years, in the low 50's (high 40's with windchill). Keep in mind the average temperature here is in the high 80's/low 90's. Needless to say, the Bolivians were FREEZING. Myself and the other volunteers were a bit cold as well and we made a fire every night. I have spent about 7 1/2 months in Bolivia now and this is the coldest night I can ever remember in the Trinidad area.
The camp itself was great. The theme for this year was "Cultivating Character" and we focused on loyalty, integrity and kindness (1 day on each) - things the Bolivian culture does not exemplify well. Each day started out with exercises at 7 am sharp on the soccer field (with exercise music accompanying). During this time I could usually see lots of parrots flying around in the distance. Other events at camp included a ropes course (with the obstacles focusing on teamwork), worship, soccer/volleyball, and evening presentations.
We also had the theme of military for camp, so each of the kids were "soldiers" and the leaders were "Sergeants". If the leaders felt the kids were doing well and participating, they could be promoted to Lieutenant or Corporal. Ademar, who organized the camp was the "Major" and Lucho was the "General". The idea behind this was to instill discipline in the kids.
I'm now back in Trinidad and will get some rest this weekend. Next week is the camp for the younger kids, but it will be held at the school, so I'll get to sleep inside, maybe even in my bed :-).
posted by Jimmy Bollinger at
2:02 PM
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