Today
was very rewarding, as all other days have been this week. The day picked right back
up where it left of yesterday. All of the children were thrilled to spend
another day at camp, rushing in to get their tie-dye shirts they had designed
yesterday, then they returned outside to play with other campers and all of the
teens. After taking our massive group picture, of 93 people (64 campers, 24
teens, and 5 adults), we split up and toured the iguana zoo and petting
zoo/ranch with Miguel while the other group painted their picture frames to
hold their group photo we print for them.
During
the tours, I got the pleasure of talking with Miguel again. Since the
beginning, Miguel has always taken notice to my liking in the animals,
especially the iguanas, and he is happy to answer all of my questions and is
proud of what he does and has done for the foundation in the last “12 years and
8 months”. Over the years, my Spanish speaking skills have increased a touch,
while his English has improved, making it much easier for us communicate. He
explained that due to past issues regarding tourists in the iguana habitat,
they have stopped tourists from entering, they must only view through the
fence. However, Miguel invited me into the habitat to get some really good
pictures.
After
lunch, the kids quickly changed into their bathing suits, knowing that the
beach trip is next. I hung back with Carol to bag up all of the crafts for the
campers and put pictures in the frames. After the group returned they gathered
their things and then said, not “goodbye”, but “see you next year!” Many of the
campers were asking us if we will be returning next year.
Before
I go onto my final thoughts, I must share a special note to the day camp. I
have participating in this phenomenal trip since the ninth grade and this makes
my 8th trip. I have seen multiple campers grow from year to year
right in front of my eyes. I saw a camper that I had not seen in a while,
Edwin. If anyone has read our previous blogs, they may know that Edwin shares a
special place in my heart, he has stuck to me since the first year I met him.
He knew me by name as soon as he saw me and, I must say, his English is
improving greatly! We shared many special moments together this year and it was
very difficult to see him leave today! I even showed him a picture that I had
taken the first day I met him and he was even amazed of how young he was.
In
conclusion, I want to congratulate all of the hard working teens and adults that made
this camp a great success. This has been the biggest group yet and I must say,
it was one of the smoothest due to the dedication that each of you have! I
loved to see the bond between each of you and your campers and hope that this
has made a change in your way of thinking about our life versus theirs. To sum
up the day, I will use one word that was used multiple times during the nightly
meeting tonight when describing the typical Dominican culture and interactions
between all of us, “Happiness.”
Submitted by Chase Smith, Chaperon
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