I mentioned a couple of posts ago that camp had started. By now, camp is over and done with and, as expected, it was a great experience. Now that doesn't mean it was without challenges and teenage drama, but where can you escape that?
It was great to just allow these kids to be creative. School resources are minimal at best, and while there is "art" class, it depends totally on the teacher if there are going to be resources beyond what a student already brings to school - read: paper and a pen or pencil. So to give the girls the chance to experiment with watercolors, construction paper, yarn, feathers, etc. was great. I had examples for what the intended project of the day was, but as long as the girls were participating I was happy - to me it's more about the exploring, trying new things and being creative than making a copycat project.
And my goal for the sports activities were things that they can do at home without a lot of resources - something to keep them active since there aren't community activities. So we did things like bowling with a soccer ball and pop bottles, relays (balloons, pop bottles, toothpicks, spoons, etc.), and an attempt at kickball and ultimate frisbee (those attempts turned into volleyball, which is their default girls' game). Again, I'm happy when they're participating even if they don't 100% get the game.
The last day was a challenge. Last year the girls asked if there would be camp this year and I could say yes. This year I had to say I don't know or inshallah (God willing). Most likely there will be another Volunteer in Ujar when I leave, but who knows if it will be a guy or girl (kind of hard to lead a camp for girls as a guy) or if they'll be interested in youth activities. But either way, they'll have great memories and experiences to remember, just as I will.
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