Showing posts with label Michel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Michel. Show all posts

Monday, July 29, 2013

HAITI :: Making wishes at Camp Jake

Counselors preparing the hand-made Chinese sky lanterns (photo credit: Brian Clark)
Young Frenel and Michel pushing their wish skyward (photo credit: Brian Clark)


Following the traditional "end of camp dance" on the final evening of Camp Jake, counselors made their way to the beach, each carrying a biodegradable sky lantern to be released at sundown. All counselors prepared a wish for their group of kids that would be shared as the lanterns were lit and released over the ocean.

The onset of rain and the delicacy of the tissue paper may have hurried the process along, but the weather couldn't change the heartfelt wishes each counselor attached to their lantern. It was a memorable finale to the third successful camp, one that was shared by all campers, counselors, Kaliko staff members and other resort guests. 

"I wished for a productive and happy life for my kids 
and for more acceptance of them in Haiti." 
~ Shawn 

"I wished for the campers' safety, happiness and health." 
~ Kathy, The Red Thread Promise President 

"I wished for the kids to never give up hope; 
for them to find their purpose in life and make a difference in the world; 
and finally, for each to know and believe how much they matter."
~ Tina 

Camp Jake Director Tom propelling a lantern into the sky (photo credit: Brian Clark)

Sunday, July 21, 2013

CAMP JAKE: Christmas in July

Robin, Alen (Kaliko staff member) and Jonas ready to begin the 
Christmas in July celebration! (photo credit: Brian Clark)
One of the cultural exchanges enjoyed by campers this year was a Haitian version of Christmas in July. Borrowing heavily from a 50+ year old tradition in Quebec, Canada, our campers got in on the fun! 

Having first been celebrated in 1962 at the Domaine de Rouville, Noël du Campeur (Camper's Christmas) is now widely celebrated across the province on (or around) July 25 with colourful decorations, Santa Claus parades, presents under the tree, big family dinners and midnight mass. (http://music.cbc.ca)

Moise and Tina dancing the night away (photo credit: Brian Clark)

(photo credit: Brian Clark)

Kaliko staff decorated a special area for us with the club's Christmas decorations. Campers made Christmas balls and garlands all morning while enjoying holiday music. Counselor Michel donned the Santa hat for the occasion and helped pass out gifts from counselors to campers. Toward the end of the evening, cake was devoured, dancing ensued and the movie Elf was enjoyed!

It was truly a July that campers will never forget.

(photo credit: Brian Clark)
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Interested in serving as as a counselor for Camp Jake 2014? 
Please fill out the volunteer interest form on our website and we'll get back 
to you! We're already looking for people for next year's camp.