We discussed many topics including HIV/AIDS, STIs, alcohol & substance abuse, relationships and peer pressure, communication skills, health and nutrition, importance of volunteering, money management, and gender roles....just to name a few.
In between, there was plenty of time for fun (including but not limited to) campfire, dancing, jump rope, movie night, s'mores, and arts and crafts.
We were so active at the beginning of camp that some girls said they wanted to rest because when camp was over they would have to go back home and work, doing their normal chores and daily schedules. We eventually found a balance between fun, leisure, and relaxation. For a group of kids who have limited resources in terms of materials and time, they had the opportunity to really experience the magic of camp life.
Julia teaching a session
meal time!
Britt leading an awesome condom demonstration. She let me help! You might be thinking, wow, these kids are young to get condom demonstrations. Let me assure you, this is some of the most valuable pieces of information they received. You'd be surprised how many people don't know how to use a condom and how many people are not willing to teach others.
Craft time!
My group of girls from Mosielele Primary on the first night of camp, after their introductory performance. Apparently they decided to all wear heels for the occasion?!
Making friendship bracelets. You share a bead with someone as you exchange a piece of information about yourself.
The shirts before tie-dye.
Enjoying those latex gloves for tie-dye
Rachel and Theresa were troopers, outside all day facilitating this.
Paper mache piggy banks! (partnered with a session on money management)
The last night of camp a few Volunteers made an "American" meal- haha, spaghetti...
...and served each of the campers. This is a rare occasion where the female youth is served first.
One of my girls, Boiketlo, after making her necklace with Mothers for All
Happy girls
The last day of camp before departing.
All the PCVs that made it happen!
Dancing and prep
S'MORES! They LOVED them!
Snack time, and the apples were the LARGEST things I've seen since America.
Camper loving on Bontle, middle with braids, one of the Mostwana counterparts present at the camp. She is an amazing woman, volunteering in her community and being an excellent role model to the girls
More paper mache piggy banks...and Che Guevara
Do you see the pig?
Diligently working with her beads during the time with Mothers for All
Probably taking a post test so we can evaluate what they learned
The lovely ladies serving biscuits and chocolates for MOVIE NIGHT!
One of the Mothers doing helping with beads
They LOVE photos!
I hope you enjoyed seeing the craziness that was GLOW Camp! It was an amazing experience to foster an atmosphere where these few girls could learn such important information and discover learning can be FUN! They tried new things like s'mores, taught us a few dances and even schooled us in jump rope. To see them so engaged and making new friends throughout the camp was such a beautiful experience for me. To see this project through to fruition and witness the sadness in departing as a testament to their good time...it was worth every second.
Many of these photos are from different Volunteers involved with the event so I cannot give proper credit.
