We decided to run an activity to get the kids to tell us about themselves. Having difficulty in remembering all the kid’s names and trying to pronounce them all correctly! – we gave the task of creating a family tree’.
It was a chance to get the know the kids better and was really great to hear them all introducing all their family members.
Monthly Archives for September 2009
Family tree
Henry
Meet Henry. Our wonderfully freaky but beautiful visitor.
Compleanos de Nina!!!
Friday of Children’s camp fell on Nina’s birthday! She had many renditions of ‘Happy Birthday’ in Spanish and English sung to her throughout the day. In the evening she had a cake presented to her from Juconi staff, which she was very surprised and touched to receive (she also had the pleasure of receiving cake smeared across her face – A south American tradition done to people on their birthday. Very strange for us British folk!)
Later we both received another surprise in our tent. Feeing something furry against our hand, we soon discovered to be our 6 legged and hairy friend that had snuck into a hole in the tent whilst we were sleeping!
So, this is nothing like your average house spider from the UK! It measured just under the size of a hand, hairy with huge pincers! We have tried to find out what type of spider it is but all we know is that the security guards of the camp have since said that it is definitely poisonous!
Campemento!
Juconi run two camps once a year; an adolescent’s Camp and a camp for younger kids. Each run for 2 days and both give a chance for the kids and young people to go away with their friends whilst also being in a creative and learning environment.
This year the adolescent’s camp evolved around the theme of Sexual health and sexuality. The young people were involved in a variety of activities that illustrated the topic. Activities ranged from short plays, discussions and presenting ideas to groups (as well as much games, dancing and fun!)
The teenagers had to cook breakfast, lunch and dinner together in their groups. It was very impressive to see that nearly all the young people helped to cook and make the fires. We were taken aback at the cooking skills and knowledge teenagers have when it comes to preparing food (on a camp fire) for up to 20 people! – a far cry when compared to an average 13 year old in the UK!
After 2 days we were thoroughly exhausted and even though it had been fun we were looking forward to a shower and a well-deserved beer!
The children’s camp was pitched around the theme of nature. The camp began with a play, in which most of the educators played different animals and creatures – including Nina! She got the part of a frog but got to wear a cool mask! (only one of the many amazing costumes the educators made) Although Nina was unable to see a thing through her frog mask, people have since informed her that the children looked like they thoroughly enjoyed it!
On both camps it was so uplifting to see how hard the educators all work. Even though everyone was totally worn out, all remained enthusiastic till the very end of camp. It’s amazing to see how dedicated they all are.
Dangers in Fertissa
There has been an increase in crime within the sector of Fertissa (one of the areas where Art Club is run). The area is now in discussion with Juconi on whether it is safe to travel into this sector. Sadly there have been a number of muggings involved with Juconi staff – including Anna (who was amazingly brave!)
We are now running workshops within a medical area that has very high security. Unfortunately due to the change of venue it has decreased the number of children being able to travel to the workshops but we are hoping the number will start to increase again.