Camp GLOW (Girls Leading Our World) is a camp that Peace Corps Volunteers run all over the world, it is organized and funded by Peace Corps Volunteers, it is aimed to be an empowerment camp for female youth in developing countries around the world. After much success at the initial camp GLOW in Rwanda last year it was deemed that it is not only necessary to teach girls, boys must be taught and given the opportunity as well.
The applicants for GLOW and the boys camp BE (Boys Excelling) were chosen through a countrywide essay contest initiated by Peace Corps Volunteers. I went to the secondary school in my area and presented the headmaster with information about the camp. I then invited boys and girls who wanted to participate the chance to submit an essay- they were asked what they can contribute to the camp and why they should be chosen. From all the applicants throughout the country we could only invite 100 girls and 75 boys.
After the essays were read by camp GLOW and BE administration I was informed that 3 of my girls and 2 of my boys essays were chosen, I then had a meeting with the students selected and told them all the details.
We took many of the concepts we remembered from summer camp in American and combined them with the lessons that we needed to teach throughout the week. We performed icebreakers and name games- we made the environment as comfortable as possible upon campers arrival. We tried to make the learning fun with activities and games that related to the sessions- all about HIV, STDs, transmission, prevention, and awareness. We talked about goal setting, assertive behavior, and career information with a fair and mock interviews and a resume writing session. I have noticed that this is a culture where the youth are not supposed to be having pre marital sex because it is so religious but they are and they are not aware of how to protect themselves-condom demonstrations and the information we relayed can help eradicate risky behavior. We had a chance to present learning as something fun- incorporating games and activities into lessons about HIV and AIDS. What I have observed is that students are often taught at in Rwanda, they are not engaged in the lessons and therefore do not absorb the information.
At camp BE we had arts and crafts or sports activities organized in the afternoon. We did paper mache and made bees wax candles, we taught dodge ball, one afternoon we had a field day with tug of war and water balloon tossing. In the evening camp activities alternated from a talent show, to a dance, to a bonfire where individuals were given the opportunity to submit anonymous questions about sex.
Throughout the week of camp BE I saw a profound change in all the campers but specifically in the 7 boys that were in my class, we formed a strong and trustworthy bond throughout the week. Their entire attitude changed, their demeanor, their knowledge, and not to mention their English. Some of the campers told me that camp was their Christmas, they were so thankful for all aspects, meeting new people, gaining more knowledge, and being able to eat three meals a day. The boys that attended this camp will forever be changed and affected in a positive way. It is now up to each camper to share what they have learned with their village and pass along their newly acquired knowledge.
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