Soul camp

This weekend was Cajamarca's region-wide Camp ALMA. Alma means "soul"* in Spanish, but we use it as an acronym that stands for Leadership Activities for Adolescent Women. Basically, every non-newbie volunteer in the whole department brings two or three girls from their sites, and we run a three-day camp around themes of leadership, self-esteem, health, volunteerism, teamwork, and obviously fun.

Soul-lifting parts: Being inspired by energy of all the smart and strong girls who came to camp. Playing overly competitive games of spoons, giggling, and having a three-night slumber party with the Cajamarca volunteer family. Teaching slightly incredulous Peruvian teenagers silly American dances like Cotton Eye Joe, the Electric Slide, Single Ladies, Cupid Shuffle, Thriller, and of course Gangnam Style. Sharing with the girls that golden U.S. tradition of roasting marshmallows around a bonfire and eating s'mores. Trying to come up with campfire songs in Spanish, not being able to think of any, and making do with an off-key version of "Lejos de Ti."

Soul-draining parts: Finishing the weekend so tired that all I want to do is sleep for two days. Oh wait - my program director (a.k.a. my boss) is coming to visit my site and observe my work tomorrow. Less than excellent timing, but hopefully it will still be a good visit.

*Side note: I just had to google "soul" to confirm how to spell it - it looked weird. English brain capabilities are deteriorating by the day.