Camp Colhue, Session 2

The second session of Camp Colhue was incredible! I really felt like an instructor this time and I was able to do much more for the kids. Since I had been at the camp for the 1st session, I had a much better understanding of ´flow´ of camp; the schedule, activities, customs, songs, etc. Immediately I was able to step up into a bigger leadership position than before and take on more serious responsibilties. It felt really good inside to see my improvement so rapidly and so clearly.This time we also had twice as many kids and more instructors! Although it was more challenging to get to know each child individually, more people meant more laughs, more friends, and much more goodnight hugs & kisses.
Highlights from second session inlcude:
-My birthday! My day was filled with constant ¨Happy Birthday¨ songs in about 5 different languages. My girls in the cabin planned a surprise party for me with tons of candy and at night we had a massive bonfire with jokes, music, dancing all under a big full moon. It was magical.
- I learned how to lasso horses and sheep with Pipe, a fellow instructor and a role model to me
- Won Camp Olympics again (Go Green Bees!) & the Female Soccer Tournament (Awesome Azul!)
- The area around the camp caught fire during our camping expedition so we returned to helicopters, firemen, and sadly a charred landscape. (No one was injured and we were never in any danger, don´t worry Mom)
- Zorro! One camp tradition is that every night some counselors sneak into the rooms and draw Zs on the faces of the campers. If the campers get evidence of who it was that night, the counselor is sent to ¨Al Pilon!¨ aka they are thrown in the horses´ water troth. I am sad to announce that I was caught! :(
-On the final night, the campers gave me the special Colhue Spirit award. I was touched that they felt that I, Gringa Loca, carried the spirit of camp in my heart.

My hardest moment so far in this venture happened the final day of camp. While the campers and instructors packed up to go home and see their families, I was packing up to leave my family. I really bonded to the camp & staff and it was hard to say goodbye. In front of me I have 2 weeks of solo travel to explore the northern half of Chile. For the first time in my life, I am going to be on my own. No safety net, no one there it help me if I make a mistake. As I said goodbye to the family of camp that had taken me in, I will admit that some doubts floated through my head. Why I am putting myself through this again? I could be sitting in a small dorm room with a group of friends at college but instead I am throwing myself out into the world without a lifeline. But in reality, I am extemely enjoying what I am doing with my time right now. Although it is difficult, the many rewards and experiences make it all worth it.

Leaving Colhue also made me think about my family and friends back home. I hope that all of you know how important your love and support has been to me. The relationships that I have with people at home are so valuable and important to me. To feel that there are people who care for you even if they are not nearby, is unexplainable and goes a long way on this journey. I cannot thank you enough.

!!Camping!!

Camp Olympic Winners...Again!

Relaxing by the beach