Final Update - Summer 2013

Wow!  Wow! Wow!  We challenged ourselves to finish strong and we did!  Camp Sylvester #10 was definitely “The best ever!!”

While we were short staffed, everyone came committed to giving their all.  It is fair to say that we all surprised ourselves with what we were able to accomplish with such small teams.

Our secret weapon however, was the amazing Junior Leaders and of course Sandra and JoAnna!  Our Lucian team amazed us week after week.  By week 2, the older boys were arriving early, helping set up for breakfast and flipping the pancakes on Friday.  By the last week they were making the pancakes from scratch!

Chefs Philip & Leo at Work

We were also grateful to welcome Ms. Paul back to camp as a volunteer.  She missed most of last year with other commitments but we were thrilled to have her help. The laughter from the kitchen told us how happy Sandra and Joanna were too!

We were also joined ,for 2 days, by Elphege Brown, a local high school teacher.  Her extra hands came just in time for our “kit” day.  Each of the younger children chose a wooden kit to make a birdhouse, bug trap or book ends.  There was hammering, gluing and painting going on for 2 hours but in the end everyone proudly took home their project.  Thanks Home Depot!

Another advantage we had this year was amazing weather.  We did not lose any days to rain and the temperature was bearable.  Even the bugs seemed to be calmer this year making it easier to work in the evenings and to sleep at night.

Uncle Graham had the boys choose their own carpentry projects this year.  We were concerned by how ambitious they were but on the last day we loaded tables, dressers and shelving units into the van to deliver up the hill.  It was obvious how proud they were to show off their finished products.  

Uncle Graham and Garvey discuss his dresser.  Rick’s dresser is in the background.

 

The last week of camp is always the busiest as we hand out the gift bags to each camper.  These bags have been prepared for each child by a special Canadian friend.  The children are always so excited to see what is inside but they also cherish  notes and pictures that are inside.                         

 

Garvey, Stephan, Emissa, Makaela, and Natalie look inside their bags.

While Graham and I delivered the carpentry projects to the village, the rest of the team packed up the Blessing Bags for the campers.  These bags full of rice, beans, lentils, tuna, flour, sugar, pasta, chow mein, sardines and peanut butter were distributed to the campers and delivered to our seniors.

For many of our volunteers this is an extra special time as they help the campers carry the bags home to share with their family.  It is a chance to learn more about the children and the culture they come from.  

Below you can see our youngest camper Shane as he proudly struggles to carry his first Blessing Bag 

The end of camp also signals the announcement of the top Junior Leader for the year.  It was especially difficult this year as the whole group had worked so hard and so well as a team.  We felt they had all done the best they could.  It was obvious however, that Philip was the leader of the whole group followed closely by Rick and Leo.  As the top Junior Leader, Philip has been offered a job as Junior Staff next year.  

This year’s reward was a tour of Ti Kaye Resort by the General Manager.  Sarah showed us the top rooms, the kitchen, the wine cellar, the renovated restaurant and the new rum bar.  At the same time, she highlighted the qualities they look for in their employees and their strong commitment to team work.

After meeting several of the department heads we all headed down to the beach bar for a delicious lunch and a talk with the chef, our own Andy Leonty from Anse La Verdure.  The whole day was a perfect way to reward the JLs while giving them a chance to learn more about what employers want from them.  Unfortunately, the sea was too rough for our planned snorkeling but everyone enjoyed a swim to end the day.

When asked what job they would like, we had several general managers, a chef, a bar manager, and a pool guy.  The funniest answer was from Leo.  He hesitate, then smiled and said :“ I want to be a guest!”  I think he got the message that Ti Kaye is about service.

Packing away camp is always a major job at the end of a very tiring month.  This year was so much easier thanks to Auntie Marissa and Auntie Lisa who took over the space during week 3 and organized it all in advance.  This turned out to be an extra blessing on the last day!

At 7:30 am on Sunday I got a call from Sandra saying she would be late arriving for work as she was at the hospital!  There had been an accident the night before and her oldest son was waiting to see if he needed stitches.

Sandra arrived down about about 10 am to fill us in on the details.  Her 2 sons, 3 grandsons, and several of our other campers were riding in a pick up truck that went out of control and over an embankment after a cricket match in Castries.  Fortunately, the injuries were minor considering the severity of the crash.  Lots of scraps, bruises and cuts but nothing serious.

We were able to complete the rest of our close up routines and some of Sandra’s as we waited for Sylvanus to arrive to transport our luggage.  Our trip to the airport and home was uneventful – another blessing.

As a team of volunteers, we began every morning “counting our blessings”.  Each of us shared something we were grateful for from the previous day.  As the weeks progressed it was clear that such a positive start helped us to deal with all the little problems each day.  We felt it was also helping us to create a more positive atmosphere at camp.

Reflecting back on this year and the past 10 is full of overwhelming blessings.  It is also full of over 50 committed volunteers, almost 100 enthusiastic campers, the laughter of the women’s group, the shy smiles and hugs from the seniors, the shouts of hundreds of school children, and sharing with over 50 teachers, and hundreds of supporters just like you!

There have been lots of successes and some failures too.  We have had the privilege of celebrating joyous and sad events.  There have been challenges met and those yet to be attempted.  It all comes down to one thing really.  The relationships we have been able to establish and continue in this special part of the world.  The reward is in seeing a child succeed, and knowing you had a small part in making it happen.

Thank you for 10 amazing years!  With your help a dream has become a reality in a tiny village on the island of St. Lucia.

Blessings

Auntie Shel

Some of Uncle Scott's Photos from Week 3

 

Week Three Into Week Four

We wrapped up plant week on Friday with a tour of the plants in our own village.  Our tour was led by "farmer" Lintus who grows pumpkins and knows the names of all the plants and fruit trees.  It wonderful to be lead around the village by the campers who proudly pointed out their homes and shared their local knowlege with us.

Uncle Graham and the boys continued to work on their carpentry projects.  This year the boys planned their own projects and they are continuing to hammer, saw and paint as we continue into week 4.
Uncle  Scott was only able to join us for 1 week but it was great to have him.  He has already posted some great shots on facebook and we can't wait to see what he will post on our website!

Week 4 began with Auntie Chara leading a study of water.  One activity was to figure out how water is collected, saved, and used at Camp Sylvester and to compare this with the water system in the village.  The campers were surprised to learn how much water we store and how much we use.

The weather this year has been fantastic for camp with no cancellations of swimming.  In fact, we have experienced a mini-drought!  Last night however, we were awakened by thunder, lightening, and some heavy rains that continued until about 8 am.  We were expecting that the campers would not come down.  However, by 8:30 the tables were full and we were rushing to get set up!  Perfect weather for a water week!

Yesterday were handed out the gift bags that are completed by Canadian friends for each camper.  There was much excitement as some of the contents were visible.  Today the campers took almost an hour to complete their thank you notes and many had brought down the letters and photos they had received in their bags, carefully copying the names onto their thank you notes.

Plans are well underway for our Junior Leaders reward and I hope to include all of the leaders as each, in their own way, has done a great job.  We are encouraging them, and ourselves, to finish well.
Today the team headed to Castries after camp so that I could finish shopping for the Blessing Bags to be distributed after camp on Friday.  This year we are also giving each camper a $20.00 EC voucher for Simon's Grocery in the village.  We have taken the money from the gift bags and added some more so that each child's family will be able to buy chicken or groceries to further extend the impact of blessings.  This is new this year and we hope we will be able to continue in the future.

Thanks for your continued support and encouragement and please pray that we will finish well, making Camp Sylvester 10, the best year ever!!

Blessings

Auntie Shel

A Quick Update From Soufrière

Team 1 headed home on Sunday for some much needed rest while Chara and I welcomed Team 2.
Auntie Lisa, Auntie Jocie,Uncle Graham, and Uncle Scott returned while Auntie Marisa is joining us for the first time.

Our theme this week is Plants.  For 2 days I led the group as we learned about what plants need, how they grow, and how to take care of them. We did a number of plant experiments and we are anxiously waiting for our seeds to sprout.

Today we visited a farm in the hills above Castries owned by the Thomas family.  They are committed to preserving and promoting the Creole ways and culture. We learned about plants that grow from seeds, grafting. and sprouts.  We also learned how plants can be irrigated, cross pollinated, and harvested.

The campers were given a demonstration of a 2 story saw mill and several worked the bottom handle as they tried to cut through a very large mahogany log.  They also helped make cassava bread, tasted freshly squeezed lime juice and learned 3 creole dances.

Returning to the village we enjoyed chicken hot dogs cooked by Sandra and Joanna.  Tomorrow we will review the questionaire that kept the junior leaders busy on the trip and continue our plant unit with a number of activities.

Things have settled down well at camp and we are expecting our final new camper tomorrow.  August 1 is a national holiday here and a few campers will be visiting with family in other parts of the island.  For us it will be a regular camp day with women's mentoring at night.

Please continue to pray for health, energy and patience for the team as well as peace and provision in the village.

News From Camp - Week 2

N44

B3, 

B4

BINGO!

It's our 4th night of women's mentoring and Bingo night.  Auntie Anna is calling the game while baby Linus sleeps on a cushion and Nicholis is playing with Bristol blocks and singing to us.  The ladies are using M&Ms for counters and the winners pick from a prize bucket.  Thanks Sue Raynor for all the goodies to include.

The challenges have continued here at camp as Uncle Herb struggles with a sore foot, Auntie Chara tries to fight off a cold, and everyday several campers are missing with "flu".

This week we said goodbye to several junior leaders.  Their attendance and attitude made it obvious that Camp Sylvester was no longer the place for them.  It is hard to let go after 9 years together but the time had come.

We have also had to say goodbye to another camper.  He has always struggled at camp but his behaviour has continued to challenge all our best efforts.  His behaviour in the village has also escalated to stealing, threatening others with a knife, destroying gardens, and killing chicks and chickens.  We wish there was a way to get him help but resources here are very limited.

 We understand that he will be sent away by the Grandmother next week as she has run out of patience and is worried about the safety of her other grandchildren.  It is hard to fault her decision.

We are happy to have returned to using the pad next door thanks to our new neighbour.  While the campers have done well using our smaller pad, it is great to have a larger, flat space.

Our theme this week, led by Auntie Anna, is Creation.  While learning about the 6 days of creation she has also tied it into the beautiful environment that surrounds us.  The campers are doing a great job with all the co-operative activities assisted by the junior leaders.

I have been having fun with the "rug rats" up on the big porch.  This group includes 2 special needs campers who can be a real challenge but each day a junior leader comes up to help and we are managing.

Each day, as lunch is being set up by the junior leaders, I have been taking the other camper over to the "reading rock" for stories about The Magic Treehouse.  Yesterday one of the girls asked to read and there are now 4 campers practicing their chapters to read aloud.

This year's junior leader team is made up of 8 boys and 2 girls.  With the recent changes, the team is doing a fantastic job.  They have been arriving early and helping with breakfast preparations and set up.  This morning 3 of them mix and flipped pancakes!  As a reward, they were allowed to make a giant pancake each.  When they brought them into the courtyard, all eyes were on them.  It was a great tangible example of the rewards of extra effort!

Please pray for god's protection and care for those who have left camp, especially Sherquan.  Pray too for healing for Herb, a safe flight for both teams this weekend and health and energy for Chara and I.

Blessings

Auntie Shel

Summer #10 Begins!

In just 3 weeks time 35 campers will come down the hill from the village of Anse La Verdure ready to begin Camp Sylvester 10.  Some will be excited and ready for the first hugs of summer.  Others will be super cool and offer a nod or a high five.  A few will come down anxious to see who will greet them and what is in store for them.

They will be greeted by Auntie Chara as Camp Director, Uncle Herb leading week 1, Auntie Anna who has an exciting week 2 planned, Auntie Dixie our kitchen facilitator, and Auntie Shel who will care for the Rug Rats(our first time campers).  We are still hopeful that a few more Aunties or Uncles can join us.
With such a small but dynamic team we are brainstorming ways to meet all the campers needs while keeping safety first.  It may mean less swim time if the sea is rough but who doesn’t love to build sand castles and play soccer on such a soft surface?  We also plan to rely more on our junior leaders, giving them a bigger role in programming.  There may also be less structure and more free play time in the mornings.  It could be very exciting.

Thank you to all who have supported a camper this year.  Your financial support makes this possible but your commitment to your camper also makes them feel so special.  We lucky few will try to collect all the hugs on your behalf!

This summer will have a number of challenges as we learn more about the ongoing impact of all the new taxes and price increases.  It will certainly affect our budget at camp but we can only imagine the impact it must be having on our village and the rest of the country.  We are committed to continuing to provide the most nutritious meals possible for our campers, soup in the village on 4 Monday nights, and overflowing Blessing Bags at the end of camp.  

I am leaving this Thursday for St. Lucia.  I will spend a week getting things ready in the capital.  This will include meetings with schools for our teaching program in November, Blessing Bag and camp purchases, and connecting with a potential local volunteer.  The following Thursday Dennis arrives and we will spend time getting the site ready.  There are lots of little repairs to be addressed and a new structure needs to be made for the outdoor shower.  Hopefully by Sunday, July 14 everything will be ready for the arrival of Team 1.  

Please keep our village, our campers, our seniors, our women and our teams of volunteers in your thoughts and prayers.  The campers will need a sense of peace and love at camp, the seniors will need health and energy, the women a sense of peace, trust and love when they come to us, and the volunteers will need energy, health, and a daily awareness of how fortunate we are to get to serve in St. Lucia.  Please pray too that we will be able to continue to grow our role in the local community in ways that are sensitive to the local culture.

Blessings
Auntie Shel

Camper Support 2013

Dear Friends;

Happy New Year!  2013 marks the 10th year that The St. Lucia Learning Project will be serving in St. Lucia and what an exciting year it will be.  We are committed to making this special year, very special indeed!  With over 60 alumni volunteers our teams just keep getting better and better.

The cornerstone of our program is our commitment to the children of the rural village of Anse La Verdure.  Our 4 week, learning enriched day camp, Camp Sylvester, is a hub of learning and excitement for 35-40 local children from ages 5 to 18.  While we all agree that education is the key to getting ahead in life, we also believe that the love and encouragement poured out by our volunteers is what is really making the difference in the lives of those we come in contact with.  For 20 days every year, the campers hear "You are special!", "You can do it!", "I know you can!", "I care about you!" and "God loves you and so do I!".  They also see these statements in action as their Aunties and Uncles work for and with them, listen to them, play with them,and help them in every way they can.

For 20 days and several evenings our campers also share nutritious meals with us, swimming time in the sea, games time on our pads, crafts in our courtyard, and field trips that highlight how special their home country is.  We also provide gift bags from Canadian supports that make the camper's feel so special and a Blessing Bag full of food to help the entire family.

None of this would be possible without our self-supporting volunteers and our Camper Supporters.  With your financial help we are able to continue to offer 20 days of high quality programming and high quality care.  There is nothing else like this in St. Lucia.

Once again we are asking you to  partner with us in ensuring that Year 10 is our best year ever!  Due to inflation and the VAT that was added late in 2012, we have finally had to raise the cost of support from the original $115.00 set 10 years ago to $130.00 for 2013.  We are still committed to stretching our dollars as far as possible and if all our campers are supported this year, we will have enough.

If you have already sent in your support, thank you from all of us at SLLP.  If not, please consider partnering with us this year.  You might want to consider getting a group together, giving a camper in honour of someone's birthday or another special occasion, or making a partial donation.  As always, 100% of your donation goes directly to Camp Sylvester.

You can make a real difference in the life of a community when you support a Camper at Camp Sylvester. 

Blessings

Auntie Shel