Spring Camp

Spring camp 2013: The 6 days of mind numbing noise, frequent confusion and misunderstanding, panic and improvisation were also 6 days of learning, bonding with great Moroccan staff and volunteers, successful lessons and games, connecting with kids and youth, cheeks hurting from laughing, hands hurting from clapping, heart bursting from loving FUN.

This was our first event in our new site in cooperation with the Ministry of Youth and Sports, and it was arguably the most important thing we have done since coming to Morocco. A first impression is important, and it is the case that all of our first impressions have to happen at the time that we know the least. Language was difficult, which made planning difficult, understanding expectations difficult, collaborating difficult, and facilitating difficult. But, for the 80 youth, staff, and volunteers in attendance at the camp, we were able to show who we are, an idea of what we do, and that we are here to stay, something that generally produces surprise.

Weeks leading up to the camp, we had meetings that stretched our ideas of meetings without decisions or plans. The first week was canceled, and there was a possibility that it would be the same for the second week. The afternoon before camp started, we got the call that is was happening. We showed up on Monday without at an idea of how many kids, what help we would have, and no resources to teach. On Tuesday, the number of kids doubled. On the final day there were tears as we hugged, swayed, and sang songs of thanks and parting. It hasn't ceased to amaze me the success and achievement of goals that comes amidst the chaos and confusion. Once again we looked at each other when all was said and done to say, "wow, it worked out."

We cannot understate the patience and helpfulness of those we worked with, the goodness of the youth that participated, and the support we received to make it happen. They had all of the chaos in addition to two generally clueless volunteers, but this camp was invaluable to our work moving forward here.

So, boom-chicka-boom.