Las Galeras Camp: InThe Books

So, we came down to Las Galeras with few expectations. We had a couple of contacts that we had only conversed with online. And figured that we would be able to work something out once we got here but we’re never really sure if we were going to have any campers until they actually arrived. Given all of that in my view this camp was a huge success. Some thoughts.

* Literacy level of the campers in general is quite low. Lower than in Madre Vieja. Not sure why. We noticed that on Day 1 of the camp and backed off on some of the literacy activities we had planned. We've already talked about doing some intense reading work with some of the students at next year's camp.

* We took all campers who came every day. We even had one new camper on the last day. We figured we needed to allow word to spread to capture as many campers as possible. This inconsistency made it more challenging to connect with the campers on a daily basis. I think next year we need to limit it to those who show up on the first day.

* We played softball once. We need to figure out the logistics to make that part of the daily routine because the campers loved that activity. We just can’t let them traipse clay all over the classrooms after playing. (I’ll keep to myself the drama that resulted. No use burning bridges.)

You know I always wonder if we’re making a difference with these camps. I mean, can a week of literacy, STEM, art, and community development really improve these students’ lives. Then I think about it this way. Seeing all of us come from so far away in our free time (Is there such a thing?) to spend even just a week here I think would make at least some of the campers feel special. And that feeling goes a long way. So, Campamento #7 is now complete. Camp #8 starts Monday in San Cristobal.