Day 5 Camp... Last Day, Graduation and PARTY

 

This year's camp's slogan "Come Let's Grow" has had significant meaning, and as the week has progressed, it has become more meaningful to all of us.  Within one week's time the kids have grown, as well as the rest of us.  

 

Today, that literal significance was reflected in the kids taking their seeds that were planted in a cup on the first day and transferring them to the garden we have in the back yard.  It will be fun and interesting for the kids to see how those seeds grow.  A tree was also painted on the wall in the centre, and each child, volunteer and translator put a green hand print on the tree for "leaves."  The afternoon was taken up with the Hope Shine's traditional dance-off competition between the groups, as well as a "graduation" of signed camper certificates, best camper in each group awards, and goodie bags and the cake and Fanta party with music and dancing at the end of the day.  That was a blast, and the mamas who made our daily lunches even joined in the festivities.  

 

The day ended with Expo, my favorite day, which is a big event of vendors, music, and lots of people, including a number of our "old" campers we bumped in to and were thrilled to see all grown up!

 

This week and experience really has been one of healthy challenge and growth, for both us and the kids.  We've gotten to know and bond with them well very quickly.  It's been challenging and emotional for them and us, but so rewarding and meaningful, and I wouldn't trade it for the world.  As the week progressed, the kids' morning welcome got closer and closer to the road we arrived on in the van, to the point where they were running up to the van smiling and shouting to greet us as we rounded the corner... The hugs and the love showered upon us in pure gratitude and joy made us all realize that yes, this was worth it, and yes, this is why we went into this, and for some of us to see that impact and happiness, why we return year after year.  

 

Michael Stromme 

Board Member

4th Year Volunteer

 

Day 3 Camp - Bakery, Germs and TEETH

Muraho! I'm Jessica, the Fundraising Coordinator for Hope Shines and first year volunteer! I'm from Tulsa, Oklahoma, live in Denver, Colorado, and this is my first time visiting Africa!

Although I can't speak for the rest of Africa, Rwanda is amazing! I am blown away by the positive vibes here, and even more blown away by the strength and unity of the community. Also, this place is gorgeous! "Land of a thousand hills" means there are great views from literally everywhere you stand! Pictures do not do this place justice.

 

Day three of camp was a success! 

We started our morning with a nutrition lesson from The Women's Bakery, an education-centric social enterprise serving Rwanda and Tanzania. The lesson ended with getting to sample yummy bread from the bakery!

 

We then ate a well-balanced lunch, which was prepared and served by the "Camp Mamas." Each day, mothers of the children spend their morning preparing our lunches in the backyard of the Learning Centre. Every day the food is different and every day the food is DELICIOUS!

 

After lunch, we learned the next steps to the dance for the dance competition and, of course, practiced practiced practiced all of our moves!

In the afternoon, we had a health and hygiene lesson, which consisted of learning about how to properly wash our hands and care for our mouths. 

To teach the children the importance of washing our hands properly, we used a product called Glo Germ. One kid from each group applied the product to their hands, and then washed their hands the way they regularly do. We then used a blacklight to show them all the yuckiness that was left behind as a result of how they did not properly wash their hands. We then reviewed the correct way to wash hands: water, soap, wash thoroughly for no less than 20 seconds, rinse, dry. The kids loved the Glo Germ demonstration!

 

To demonstrate how to properly care for our mouths, each kid got to use a similar product to the Glo Germ, whereas they chewed a red tablet and all the yuckiness in their mouths turned bright red. Before doing so, we reviewed the correct way to brush our teeth: softly, in horizontal circles, at an angle. We also discussed the importance of brushing our tongues and gums. 

 

Yet another successful camp day in the books!

Day 2 Hope Shines Summer Camp

Greetings from the Tiger Monkey volunteer leader of Hope Shines’ Summer Camp! I’m also a first year volunteer at camp and Hope Shines’ Board member. Here’s my take on Day 2!

Our 35 campers are spending much of the day in small groups – the Sharks, Rabbits, Tiger Angels, Gorillas, Lions, and Tiger Monkeys!

 

The day started off with a bang, of happy campers anxious to start the day singing the ABC’s with Hannah #2’s amazing ukulele.  As part of our “Let’s Grow” camp theme, each of the groups then got to plant a bean seed in a plastic cup, so they can watch it grow into a fully fledged plant. We talked about how the water and sunlight are its food, and it will put down roots in its home which is its soil.  

 

Today was also SOCCER DAY!! There is a great athletic field just up the street from the Hope Shines Learning Center where we had a couple of hours on the pitch to warm up, do some passing drills (while spelling English words… pass 1 – “B”!, pass 2 – “A”, pass 3 – “L”, pass 4 – “L”), and then get into a full-on rowdy game of soccer! Watch our blog in the coming months for news on our up and coming star athletes!

 

 

After lunch we learned about first aid for cuts and burns, and ended our busy day with a little dancing  - getting ready for the dance competition on Friday…. Who will win?? The Tiger Monkeys of course!! :-)

 

These days are a little crazy, and the kids’ excitement grows each day. Yesterday’s quiet & shy munchkins launched a full-on 9am hug-attack at the gate this morning. What a difference a day makes! I can’t imagine how tomorrow will be … I know which 8 yr old Tiger Monkey I’ll be chasing around; but, who is going to surprise us with their courage, compassion, humor, wisdom, or dance moves? I can’t wait to see!

With love from Kigali,

Joanne

"Hannah #2" Come Let's Grow!

Hi! 

I'm Hannah Carlson, also known as "Hannah #2" in our Hope Shines group. This is my first year working with the program and traveling to Africa, and I'm the youngest volunteer at 18. I'm a Music Therapy major at Shenandoah University, and I love working with children and bringing music into their lives. 

Today we were on the road by 7:30 to get prepared for our campers. I was extremely nervous to meet all the kids, especially because the language barrier makes it difficult to learn names and make bonds- but as they arrived we put on music and danced with them, and I could already tell that we would have a good time this week. 

We passed out Hope Shines T-shirts and water bottles and split all the kids into six groups; my group of kids decided they wanted to be called the Lions.

 

I had the responsibility of teaching a quick music lesson today, and despite my nerves I think it went well and the kids enjoyed it! First we made shakers out of two plastic cups, duct tape, and beads which the kids created rhythms with and took home. I also taught them a game/ chant called Choo Choo Ka to help them learn their vocab word "tempo." 

Throughout the day I used my ukulele to help fill any extra time- we played lots of games incorporating music such as freeze dance, and the campers loved taking turns playing the uke whenever possible. We taught the kids the beginning of our "Let it Go" dance and told them about the life cycle of plants, encouraging them to practice English. 

 

After an exhausting day at camp and lots of dancing to Frozen, we celebrated by going to a local market and eating dinner at a Rwandan version of Chipotle. 

 

The first day of camp left me drained, but I can't wait to go back tomorrow!