I cannot put my finger on it. It is more than just the beautiful scenery, or the fun activities. It is more than the never-ending love of the campers or the energy and passion of the staff. But after working at Camp Colhue for only a session, I feel a strong connection to it.
Olympic teams
The second half of camp was incredibly rewarding for me. I am really starting to see my progress here. My relationships with campers really grew and I have started to gain a much better understanding of the ins and outs about how this camp works. Some highlights from this last week include winning Camp Olympics. As a proud member of the Blue Team, we milked cows the fastest and roped the most sheep. Along with more traditional competitions like a mini triathalon and tug-o-war, we mixed in Colhue tests like the cow pie toss or horse slolem. The other memorable moment was when I along with all the new campers were officially welcomed into the camp family during a baptizing ceremony. Many kind words were shared around the fire and we all received a small gift. I´ll admit it. I cried a bit. I really felt part of the community here.
I do not think that I really realized how much of an impact I was having with the kids until we started to say goodbye. Until that point, I felt more like a camper rather than an instructor. Yet the things they said to me as we parted helped me see that they really looked up to me. It was hard to see them drive off into the night suddenly realizing how close I had grown to the campers. Today is a new day and a fresh, larger group of campers are coming. With my new insight, I hope to be an even better counselor for the 2nd session.
A national park is not where I have ended up for my free days between sessions. Instead I am using my time to go to Concepcion, epicenter of the 2010 earthquake, on the coast. One of my fellow counselors, Jaico, and his family has so kindly taken me in for my time here. Unfortunately I only have a day here so Jaico´s mother and aunt gave me a tour of the city. It was jarring to see buildings that were damaged in the earthquake still scattered throughout the city. They are kind of like shadows looming overhead as a reminder of the catastrophe that impacted everyone here. Jaico and his family just moved into this house 3 weeks after they lost everything over 10 monthes ago.
Tomorrow I am heading south a bit to a town called Lota. The small coastal town use to be a major mining hub. One of the old mines is now a museum that takes people in the mines that lie deep beneath the sea. I am excited! I can not imagine what it will be like.
I heard about the ridiculous amount of snow that continues to fall up north. I hope that the skiing and snowboarding has been terrific for everyone and that you are enjoying the winter wonderland.
Charlotte
