A group of adults and children will be going to Poland this summer to assist with an English Language Camp. We will be teaching English lessons, helping with crafts and games, and participating in evening worship. This blog will include updates and needs as we plan our trip, and it will have daily updates of our activities while in Poland.
Christian English Language Camp 2011
Group Picture
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Polska Perspektywa
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Czesc!
As somebody has already mentioned, I was supposed to post my thoughts on this fine blog to give you a glimpse of how the Polish team sees things and how important the presence of the American team is to us.
The last few days have been pretty tough for everybody here. A couple of us have felt sick after our excursion to the swimming pool and at some point I personally felt like running out of gas, as the weather stayed merciless and kids kept being restless. Still, one of the first things I got once I realised my sickness meant missing some of the activities, was a deep feeling of disappointment and eagerness to leave the bed. It made me realise that every minute with these wonderful kids and leaders is dear to my heart.
In the face of the indisposition of some of us, the Americans were ready to jump right in and help us in spite of the fact that they still had to prepare their own classes. By the way, I suspect Pam, Diane and Judy of being cyborgs, since they used to be still up everytime I was going to bed in the middle of the night. The amount of heart everybody puts to this camp is remarkable, which brings us to the very crucial question that Pam and me kept asking ourselves as veterans at the camp (it's my eleventh time already!).
What keeps us coming back each year? God, people and the unique atmosphere were the answers we both agreed upon. As a young kid, I always appreciated that one factor that made the camps organised by Peter stand out among hundreds of camps organised in Poland, namely the feeling of being important and genuinely cared for. Today Peter gave us all a beautiful example of dedication and sincerity. Being locked inside a building (the rain is relentless!) serves as a great opportunity to observe the kids both in they relations to us and to each other. It was only today that some of us realised, independently of each other, how important the kids were to us and how much concerned we were about what influenced their minds and spirits, as we discovered many of them listened to foul music and behaved in a very improper way when they thought we weren't keeping tabs on them. In reponse to that, Peter preached to them during our daily worship, but instead of accusing them of doing wrong, he stressed the importance of the fates of each and one of them to us (it would be to hard for me to repeat all of his words, especially since I believe they were truly inspired by the worship songs we had sang). Anyway, what is of utmost importance is the way his speech affected the kids. Some of them seemed moved, some seemed to be happy that they are actually being cared for, and I can only guess that some of them felt remorseful, but not guilty. I think this is the thing that made me stick to these camsp as a kid and then decide to come back here and strive to become a true leader for t kids - each time you care for somebody and voluntarily do something for them, there's a huge chance that they will do the same for somebody else. I believe that people who have been leading these camps throughout the years (both from Poland and the US), have showed me some of the best examples of how to live my life "for the joy of the Lord". May it stay that way.
All in all, the whole Polish team wants to thank our American friends for all prayers and material support. It's priceless. Keep praying for the weather to get better, because we would all love to use the two remaining days to the maximum!
Dziekujemy, and may God bless you all.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
To Be Blessed
The Poland and American teams meet each morning for reflection and prayer let by Piotr, our camp director, and pastor of his own church in Krakow. He prayed from his heart and asked us to take today and bless someone and to do something nice for that person.
Since it was our first day back to English lessons, we surely were going to need as many blessings as we could get! The children rose to the occasion and were very good...maybe the children were just tired.
Ms. Diane was a guest speaker and went to the Level III classroom all dressed as nature guide. She taught about tracking forest animals by the way they hop, leap, waddle or walk. Did you know, Poland does not have chipmunks? Or as least the children don't think so.
Ms. Pam's class played a competitive game of Jeopardy, which reviewed all the topics we have covered so far. The children brought sunshine inside with posters of the sun and listed things that make them happy.
Ms. Judy held down the fort in the Lever II room while Ms. Diane was upstairs and taught the Our Father prayer in sign language. She also had the children draw a sun and list things that made them happy and played some games. The children played restaurant and used their English skills as they pretended to be waiters and customers. It was very comical!!
We kicked off Carnival Night with a video that Randy and Cathie selected. It was about the American nation and words of wisdom from leaders throughout history. The children went to booths to enjoy face and hand painting, bozo shoes, crush-a-cup, photo booth, cookie eating contest, craft table and finger crochet bracelets. The children enjoyed winning prizes and having fun with their friends.
We are truly blessed not only by Piotr but by everyone here.
We thank God for all He has done for us.
Pam, Judy and Diane
The Poland and American teams meet each morning for reflection and prayer let by Piotr, our camp director, and pastor of his own church in Krakow. He prayed from his heart and asked us to take today and bless someone and to do something nice for that person.
Since it was our first day back to English lessons, we surely were going to need as many blessings as we could get! The children rose to the occasion and were very good...maybe the children were just tired.
Ms. Diane was a guest speaker and went to the Level III classroom all dressed as nature guide. She taught about tracking forest animals by the way they hop, leap, waddle or walk. Did you know, Poland does not have chipmunks? Or as least the children don't think so.
Ms. Pam's class played a competitive game of Jeopardy, which reviewed all the topics we have covered so far. The children brought sunshine inside with posters of the sun and listed things that make them happy.
Ms. Judy held down the fort in the Lever II room while Ms. Diane was upstairs and taught the Our Father prayer in sign language. She also had the children draw a sun and list things that made them happy and played some games. The children played restaurant and used their English skills as they pretended to be waiters and customers. It was very comical!!
We kicked off Carnival Night with a video that Randy and Cathie selected. It was about the American nation and words of wisdom from leaders throughout history. The children went to booths to enjoy face and hand painting, bozo shoes, crush-a-cup, photo booth, cookie eating contest, craft table and finger crochet bracelets. The children enjoyed winning prizes and having fun with their friends.
We are truly blessed not only by Piotr but by everyone here.
We thank God for all He has done for us.
Pam, Judy and Diane
Monday, July 4, 2011
Happy Fourth of July to America!
We celebrated 4th of July by taking the day off. The children got to go to the indoor aqua park, while the American team was taken by bus to a nearby town of Zakopone. The children had a blast in all the water. The Poland team came back exhausted. In fact, Luckasz, who was supposed to write this post came down with a terrible cold. We hope he feels better soon you can read "through the eyes" from someone from the Poland team.
The American team dashed in and out of the rain in Zakapone, but was able to take a tram to the top of a mountain. We saw spectacular views even though the tops of the mountains were hidden by dark rain clouds.
We kicked our evening worship with the American team singing our National Anthem. The children returned the favor with a rousing rendition of their Polish Anthem. It was a very touching moment. They have only been free from Communism for 23 years.
A short post because we need the rest.
We celebrated 4th of July by taking the day off. The children got to go to the indoor aqua park, while the American team was taken by bus to a nearby town of Zakopone. The children had a blast in all the water. The Poland team came back exhausted. In fact, Luckasz, who was supposed to write this post came down with a terrible cold. We hope he feels better soon you can read "through the eyes" from someone from the Poland team.
The American team dashed in and out of the rain in Zakapone, but was able to take a tram to the top of a mountain. We saw spectacular views even though the tops of the mountains were hidden by dark rain clouds.
We kicked our evening worship with the American team singing our National Anthem. The children returned the favor with a rousing rendition of their Polish Anthem. It was a very touching moment. They have only been free from Communism for 23 years.
A short post because we need the rest.
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Parent Day at Camp
We proudly welcomed the parents at camp today. Students were able to spend the morning and early afternoon with their parents. They shared such activities as going to church, swimming at a nearby pool and going shopping to stock up on supplies for their rooms! The formal program began in the late afternoon. Parents, children, leaders and teachers all joined together in the dining hall to sing, play games, and share classroom performances. Ms. Pam and Marysia’s level 1 class assembled onstage to perform the song “This is the Day that the Lord Has Made” including their own hand motions. Ms. Diane announced the level 2 performance, and Ms. Judy helped the children sing “Trading My Sorrows” complete with sign language. Mr. Randy played guitar as his and Ms. Cathie’s level 3 class sang “America the Beautiful” in honor of the 4th of July which is tomorrow! Following these performances, parents were able to visit the classrooms. All classrooms were adorned with posters packed with information about each student and their experiences at camp. It was amazing to meet to parents of these wonderful children and celebrate their accomplishments. The parent visits ended with sharing a meal of kielbasa that was out of this world!
Earlier in the day…
One of the rewards of doing foreign missions is the opportunity to learn about the history and culture of the country. Upon the request of Diane, Judy, Randy and Cathie, Piotr kindly arranged our bus driver Stanislaus to drive us to the town of Oscwiecim to visit the memorial museums of Auschwitz and Birkenau. Pam, who had been there before, kindly watched Emma and Josh assisted. The rolling hills of farms and villages with red and green roofed homes, clustered around a central church, dotted the countryside. Yet it must be remembered, the terrible strife that affected the Polish people during Nazism and Communism not so long ago.
Walking into Auschwitz made us feel like we were walking back into time. There was no sun; the day was dreary with intermittent heavy rains. How can people treat other people like herds of cattle? In most places, cattle are even treated with more respect. We imagined, through the voice of the guide, the door of the gas chamber shutting on us just like it was to the millions of Jews, Poles, and other European people so many years ago. To be stripped of not only clothing, but to be humiliated was beyond our comprehension. Walking through the barracks sent chills down our spines. These people surely have already had their crosses to bear and are in the highest level of heaven.
Submitted by Diane, Judy and Pam
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Saturday, July 2, 2011
A Day of Many Talents!
"Oh no! Diane it's quarter after....I have to go to the classroom", Judy said. "Okay, I will be there in 10 minutes...."said Diane.
Where is Diane???? She missed breakfast thinking it was quarter past seven! All day Diane asked, "What time is it?" We might have to buy her a watch!
Today teaching was a little bit rocky for the classrooms. The children had it set in their minds they did not have "school" since it was Saturday. The day off will be Monday with a trip to the Aqua Park for them....I think they expended all their energy already today.
I would like to share a great moment I had in teaching today. The children were making a page for their booklet on one of three topics: Food, Sports or Fashion. They were to take magazine pictures pertaining to their chosen topic, glue them and also identify in English the picture. One shy girl asked me, "What it is?" I asked her say it in an English sentence. She put her head down and started to struggle. I helped her and said the words I wanted her to say and asked her to repeat it. She said the sentence very slowly..." Please tell me what this is? Them a great big smile came on her face! She just spoke her first sentence in English!! She then repeated it again also using the word fruit in it. Just seeing her smile made this trip all worth it. It actually made the hair stand up on my arms. What a magical moment! God is good!
Piotr said, "Come outside and you will see the neighbor's daughter's ceremony before her church wedding" . What a great opportunity to be part of Polish tradition....if only at a distance. I took some pictures and videos. The people were dressed in traditional dress of the region. It was very exciting to be paparazzi for a few minutes.
Pam, Diane, Josh and I took a walk in the drizzle to town. It was fun conversing with people and saying Dzien Dobry! (which means good day.)
Generally, the polish people are very subdued unless you know them personally, but if you just smile and make eye contact with them, they are more than happy to return your smile and greeting. We were able to see snow on the Tatra mountains in the distance. They were majestic, just as God wanted them. The world He created is full of wonders. I am so very fortunate to have this opportunity to visit my grandparents homeland.
On another note, it was Talent Night at the camp. There were a lot of laughs as the children performed skits, and musicals. Marysia, a member of the Polish team and her fiance' Mariusz, danced to a melody of songs. Maryisia's beautiful blue dress swirled as she looked lovingly into Mariusz's eyes. Magda sang a solo performance of "Let It Be", by the Beatles, Randy was a big hit playing his guitar with a medley of songs, bringing down the house with "La Bamba", Marta O. gave a little performance of her ju jitsu talent. Then Lukasz announced " it time for some adorableness", and litte Emma appeared on stage in her blue princess gown. She demonstrated ballet and acted out an animal story coached by her mother, Cathie. The American team presented the finale' The Doctor is In". Josh had the sneezes, Pam had a cold, Judy was throwing up, Diane had the itches and Randy was pregnant.....we will let you take it from there.
Dobronoc!
Judy
"Oh no! Diane it's quarter after....I have to go to the classroom", Judy said. "Okay, I will be there in 10 minutes...."said Diane.
Where is Diane???? She missed breakfast thinking it was quarter past seven! All day Diane asked, "What time is it?" We might have to buy her a watch!
Today teaching was a little bit rocky for the classrooms. The children had it set in their minds they did not have "school" since it was Saturday. The day off will be Monday with a trip to the Aqua Park for them....I think they expended all their energy already today.
I would like to share a great moment I had in teaching today. The children were making a page for their booklet on one of three topics: Food, Sports or Fashion. They were to take magazine pictures pertaining to their chosen topic, glue them and also identify in English the picture. One shy girl asked me, "What it is?" I asked her say it in an English sentence. She put her head down and started to struggle. I helped her and said the words I wanted her to say and asked her to repeat it. She said the sentence very slowly..." Please tell me what this is? Them a great big smile came on her face! She just spoke her first sentence in English!! She then repeated it again also using the word fruit in it. Just seeing her smile made this trip all worth it. It actually made the hair stand up on my arms. What a magical moment! God is good!
Piotr said, "Come outside and you will see the neighbor's daughter's ceremony before her church wedding" . What a great opportunity to be part of Polish tradition....if only at a distance. I took some pictures and videos. The people were dressed in traditional dress of the region. It was very exciting to be paparazzi for a few minutes.
Pam, Diane, Josh and I took a walk in the drizzle to town. It was fun conversing with people and saying Dzien Dobry! (which means good day.)
Generally, the polish people are very subdued unless you know them personally, but if you just smile and make eye contact with them, they are more than happy to return your smile and greeting. We were able to see snow on the Tatra mountains in the distance. They were majestic, just as God wanted them. The world He created is full of wonders. I am so very fortunate to have this opportunity to visit my grandparents homeland.
On another note, it was Talent Night at the camp. There were a lot of laughs as the children performed skits, and musicals. Marysia, a member of the Polish team and her fiance' Mariusz, danced to a melody of songs. Maryisia's beautiful blue dress swirled as she looked lovingly into Mariusz's eyes. Magda sang a solo performance of "Let It Be", by the Beatles, Randy was a big hit playing his guitar with a medley of songs, bringing down the house with "La Bamba", Marta O. gave a little performance of her ju jitsu talent. Then Lukasz announced " it time for some adorableness", and litte Emma appeared on stage in her blue princess gown. She demonstrated ballet and acted out an animal story coached by her mother, Cathie. The American team presented the finale' The Doctor is In". Josh had the sneezes, Pam had a cold, Judy was throwing up, Diane had the itches and Randy was pregnant.....we will let you take it from there.
Dobronoc!
Judy
Friday, July 1, 2011
Friday, July 1, 2011
It's Raining, It's Pouring (Again)....But We Are Fashionable Today!!!!
Even though the rain continues, it is not dampening the spirits of the leaders or the campers. Friendships are developing between the children and leaders alike. We enjoy the formal time we spend together and the little moments in passing.
The middle level class, under the direction of Diane and Judy, made their modeling debut today. It was to be a simple classroom activity to learn clothing vocabulary. Children donned simple props: an apron, belt, scarves, hats, bandanas, a robe and a belt. Enthusiasm mounted as we learned that the other classes wanted to attend our fashion show. Before long, 54 children assembled in the dining hall to hear announcers describe the unique qualities of their model's clothing. We had the beautiful princess Emma escorted by her lovely mother Cathie. We had Dominika from India in her Sari; Maks from Africa in Safari wear; high fashion Karolina from Italy; Kamila with her beautiful dress and Japanese fan; darling Kinga in her apron with matching bandana; and Marta the pirate. The student's personalities are blossoming, and we all are drawing closer together in friendship and love.
We dined on mystery meat at dinner today. We found out later that it was chicken meatloaf with eggs cooked in the middle. It is like suddenly discovering a hard boiled egg in the middle of your loaf. (Maybe you would need to see it!) When you slice it, you get a slice of egg in the center of your meat. Randy made the astute observation that the chicken and the baby are reunited in death.
Those of you who know me (Pam), know that I am prone to get migraines. Well today was the day! Days like today make me really appreciate having the love and care of those around me. I am so appreciative of the wonderful team we are part of here this year. Everyone works well together and steps in however and wherever needed. I am so thankful!
As always, thank you for your prayers!
Pam and Diane (With our team)
Even though the rain continues, it is not dampening the spirits of the leaders or the campers. Friendships are developing between the children and leaders alike. We enjoy the formal time we spend together and the little moments in passing.
The middle level class, under the direction of Diane and Judy, made their modeling debut today. It was to be a simple classroom activity to learn clothing vocabulary. Children donned simple props: an apron, belt, scarves, hats, bandanas, a robe and a belt. Enthusiasm mounted as we learned that the other classes wanted to attend our fashion show. Before long, 54 children assembled in the dining hall to hear announcers describe the unique qualities of their model's clothing. We had the beautiful princess Emma escorted by her lovely mother Cathie. We had Dominika from India in her Sari; Maks from Africa in Safari wear; high fashion Karolina from Italy; Kamila with her beautiful dress and Japanese fan; darling Kinga in her apron with matching bandana; and Marta the pirate. The student's personalities are blossoming, and we all are drawing closer together in friendship and love.
We dined on mystery meat at dinner today. We found out later that it was chicken meatloaf with eggs cooked in the middle. It is like suddenly discovering a hard boiled egg in the middle of your loaf. (Maybe you would need to see it!) When you slice it, you get a slice of egg in the center of your meat. Randy made the astute observation that the chicken and the baby are reunited in death.
Those of you who know me (Pam), know that I am prone to get migraines. Well today was the day! Days like today make me really appreciate having the love and care of those around me. I am so appreciative of the wonderful team we are part of here this year. Everyone works well together and steps in however and wherever needed. I am so thankful!
As always, thank you for your prayers!
Pam and Diane (With our team)
"What Day Is It?" - Thursday June 30/Friday July1
"What day is it?" asked Pam as we went for an afternoon walk during our free time. An honest question when each day rolls into another with a similar schedule and when we have been housebound for most of the camp so far.(I'm starting to hear Rain, Rain Go Away in the background). So with a break in the clouds, the American team (minus Emma and Randy who napped instead) went for a walk through the village and up a hill to get a glimpse of the Tatra Mountains peaking out of the clouds. The hotel dog, Chopek, accompanied us much to our concern as he did not look before crossing the street and nearly got hit as well as slowed down the traffic numerous times. He finally was chased home by 2 dogs who were the parents of 6 fluffy puppies. Anyone want us to bring one home for them?
Emma mentioned today that "When summer comes, I want to do crafts outside." It has been cool and rainy. Not quite summer weather as we head into July. The forecast says more rain ahead. At least we are not sweating like those we've left at home. We have had a few opportunities to do the evening games outside between showers which is a blessing as 55 kids in a large dining room can be deafening.
In the evening after supper, we have games for about an hour and then a worship time with explanation of the words and a short message. The worship is mostly with DVDs, but Randy and I are planning to have our class help lead worship some time next week.
Our classes have had a variety of topics covered - animals, food, body parts, etc. with role plays of going to the doctor or a restaurant and funny songs. On Friday, the level 2 class, presented us with a fashion show in which Emma participated sporting her blue Cinderella outfit. She has become the camp mascot for sure.
Please pray that we are sensitive to the kids needs and have opportunities to reach out to them daily in meaningful ways. We need wisdom in bringing God's truth into all our lessons. Some of the parents will be visiting Sunday - pray for open hearts as they hear the Gospel.
Cathie
Emma mentioned today that "When summer comes, I want to do crafts outside." It has been cool and rainy. Not quite summer weather as we head into July. The forecast says more rain ahead. At least we are not sweating like those we've left at home. We have had a few opportunities to do the evening games outside between showers which is a blessing as 55 kids in a large dining room can be deafening.
In the evening after supper, we have games for about an hour and then a worship time with explanation of the words and a short message. The worship is mostly with DVDs, but Randy and I are planning to have our class help lead worship some time next week.
Our classes have had a variety of topics covered - animals, food, body parts, etc. with role plays of going to the doctor or a restaurant and funny songs. On Friday, the level 2 class, presented us with a fashion show in which Emma participated sporting her blue Cinderella outfit. She has become the camp mascot for sure.
Please pray that we are sensitive to the kids needs and have opportunities to reach out to them daily in meaningful ways. We need wisdom in bringing God's truth into all our lessons. Some of the parents will be visiting Sunday - pray for open hearts as they hear the Gospel.
Cathie
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