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Saturday, 29 July 2006 |
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I awoke around 8.30 this morning to meet a sea of calmness around the dorms of Columbus. Soon it was time to wake the still and sleeping campers. Although soon if not staggered the campers eventually rose and rinsed before heading to breakfast. Lethargic moans and groans soon morphed into hyperactivness and enthusiasm as the campers geared up for the day ahead. It was a jam packed and fun day as a picnic and a Crazy Golf outing was on the agenda.
While the campers were in class it was a breather for my co mentors and I. A chance to discuss and analyse the previous day over a comforting hot cup of tea before embarking on a spring cleaning mission of the common areas and commodes!
Its all worth it though as we patiently awaited the arrival of the campers from class. In an instance they dispersed from class like a split can of beans. Each one heading in its own direction and style before sitting all around us in the namaaz hall awaiting the Azhan.
In a rare moment, part-time fathers, friends, mentors, teachers, leaders all become one. Standing together in silence awaiting and realising that there is a major commonality between us all at the camp, no matter what age and status and that is our faith.
Just as namaaz finished, it all seemed to kick off again in dramatic fashion as campers and co ran to lunch and prepared for yet another busy afternoon. I guess that is what makes this camp so special; No time is wasted, no opportunity is unused and encouragement to succeed is always present.
After a sociable picnic, competitive Crazy Golf, a noisy PDT session and a filling meal it was time for the campers to participate in Namaaz and Planet time before laying to rest. Another non stop day for everyone involved but alhumdulilah another successful one and then finally a time to reflect...
This is the second year running that I have volunteered as a mentor. Past experience and knowing the methodology of how tasks are carried out has helped me immensely. However, in a strange way, I have learnt just as much as last year. Even though the location and structure of the camp are the same, one soon realises that it is in fact the campers that shapes the character and the spirit of the camp. Now I'm also beginning to understand why the admin team keep noting the fact that "every year is different".
A greater variety of cultures this year with campers coming from Dar, Dubai and even Texas! It was fascinating to see how such cultures and characters connected with the likes of Peterborians and the Stanmorians of the camp! I guess the camp is not only a time for growth and development but also a time for networking.
At the end of the day a mentor can only help so much in developing a camper, the rest is up to them! It is evident that the more you put into the camp the more you will gain from it. Alhumdulliah all campers seem to be making the most of it and taken full advantage of the facilities and activities available to them. Inshallah in years to come the campers themselves and the wider community will benefit from the knowledge and experienced gained from the camp.
Ashiq
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