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The end of the first full day of camp and what a day it has been. All the campers were energised, right from breakfast, to the post-ziarat dua that was recited with as much zest as a world-cup final crowd cheering their team on. I was supremely impressed at the energy at the last salaat of the evening.
It’s been quite a unanimous vote as to what the kids’ favourite activity is: sports. Volleyball, cricket, football, whatever it may be depending on preference. Everyone is so enthusiastic about sports, and us mentors are constantly speaking to the kids, questioning their enjoyment of the days’ activities, getting them to talk about themselves, interacting and building the team and community spirit.
It’s been an easier job than the training/stories from past mentors have made it out to be. Its quite possible that one of the reasons for this could be that it is only the first couple of days, and the excitement and adrenalin levels are still high. The quieter ones are starting to feel more comfortable and relaxed in each other’s presence, and whole planets and the whole camp, sun included, is starting to feel the communal spirit that this camp is meant to instil.
Planet time is my own favourite, where we’ve worked on team-building skill exercises, personal development, short-term camp issues and long-term life issues, games, stories, diet and lots of other fun-filled clumps of planet time sessions scattered throughout. I hope to teach them how to juggle in tomorrow’s time, and later on to the pier after salaat to watch the sunset.
On a more personal note, the way my own Jovians started, albeit slowly, to speak about their lives, and stories from their past, has been very encouraging. A change has already been observed in a couple of them, with closed minded attitudes about this camp out the window, and comments such as, ‘you’re a good teacher,’ and ‘its been a good day,’ though simple, mean a lot to a mentor.
The bonding between the mentors and the lecturers and other admin staff has also developed greatly over the past few hours. Mealtimes are the best opportunity to interact and speak about the day with another planet, admin or the teachers, and to hear about what they have been busying themselves with during camper’s schedules.
I cannot thank Allah enough for this opportunity for me to not only teach, but to guide and mould and hopefully positively influence long-term the lives of everyone touched at the camp, but especially my kids. I can feel the diverse range of ever-changing roles flowing within me as we interact: friend, guide, teacher, parent, brother, companion, comfort provider. I just pray to the Almighty to give us the strength and the patience to fulfil our responsibilities, and open doors to further opportunities to come.
Aliraza Bha :D |
