We spent today training and preparing for participation in PLAY camp that begins tomorrow. The location of our training at a campground/ retreat site was in a rural area outside of Pretoria on the shores of a reservoir and was very pleasant (even if a bit cold - why didn't I pack that extra sweater?!).
This morning the team (including Roli, Lisa's four month old puppy) went over the schedule, responsibilities and expectations for our next week spent with 50 children from grade 7 at an outdoor adventure camp two hours from Pretoria.
The 50 kids are coming from two different schools, one from a township (all black kids) and another from a desegregated school but from a poor area. These kids were selected by their teachers to come to the camp (for free) because they were identified as leaders. Many of these kids have never been away from home, let alone had a chance to go swimming, do an obstacle course or ride a zipline.
Lisa Poll, founder of PLAY, went over the comprehensive curriculum that she has developed based on the Purpose Driven Life and explained the numerous other games and activities we will be coordinating with the kids each day that reinforce the core message that they are loved, have great worth and have a purpose.
The schedule seems a bit daunting, and I am uncertain what to expect with my interactions with the kids. Yet I am oddly okay with being uncomfortable. I expect to feel awkward, not know how to react to some situations and be exhausted at the end of each day. Yet I am hoping to challenge and broaden my perceptions and excited to be a part of something that affects change in a very complicated society.
We will be without internet or cell phones until July 4th - so look for the next update then.
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