Yep.

I guess there is some benefit to blogging after everyone else has already had their say because I really cannot think of much to add that the rest of the group hasn't already pointed out.  The kids seem to pick and choose when to really dump it on us with no real rhyme or reason, but, boy, would I like to crack their code.  On the other side of that, however, they have also been able to pick and choose days to behave like angels, so I guess we'll just keep taking the good with the bad and keep working on deciphering the mysteries of their behavior.  As for my goals, personally, I would really like to work on treating all of the kids completely equally.  I know at this point I've kind of picked out certain kids that I really like and others that I prefer to just shy away from if I can help it, but I really want to be able to focus on the positive qualities that each one of them brings to the table and act in the same positive manner toward each and every camper.  I think it goes along with what some of the other mentors have said with regard to keeping in mind the difficult lives many of these guys and girls have had that has influenced a lot of what they do.  If I can remember that even when one of the kids I may not be as partial to is acting up, I think it will help me do away with that partiality entirely, and that's something I really want to strive for.   

One word ... PATIENCE!!!

As everyone has so eloquently stated the  honeymoon is definitely over. I find myself needing more 5 minute breaks throughout the day then in first week and a half, at the same time these particular moments make for very entertaining stories in the van ride home. One of my personal goals for the camp is to work on my patience and understanding of these kids. I need to keep in mind the difficult situations that these kids are dealing with and take that into account when they are really pushing my buttons. Hopefully then I will be able to sincerely maintain a calm demeanor when dealing with certain little issues. As for the Death Scorpions I have been particularly happy with our group as a whole but this definitely has a lot to do with their age and their desire to please us. Lately they have been very compliant and well-behaved with a few little mishaps here and there, sadly most of which Kevin can take credit for. On a lighter note I was particularly happy with Seth today, he participated in a full game of whiffle ball even when the older boys joined in. Way to go Seth!!! 

Keep on trucking ladies and gents ... 

OVer?

As you so eloquently put the honey moon is very much over. The kids are loud but still manageable.  A lot of the camper's, such as Tyler, have made great strides so far and are continually improving. However, a select few of the students are regressing terribly. Buddy gave me a headache all day today because he forgot to take his medicine. O well. 

I look forward to the prospect of all the campers progressing. However, some of the older boys from the Weezy's are starting to get wifed up by the starbursts. How do we deal with these love affairs?

The honeymoon is definitely over

The second week of camp was much more challenging than the first week.  The kids seem to be less concerned with impressing the counselors with good behavior.  During the second week I learned the importance of having a strict schedule.  When we had a tentative schedule the kids tended to get out of control.  Thus, we weren't able to run the activities smoothly.  In contrast, when we had a strict scheduled laid out the day went very smoothly, and the kids behaved great.

Working with the older kids has been challenging, but I would not want to be with any other group.  Throughout the last week our group had various "interventions".  During these "interventions" the whole group sat in a circle and we discussed problems and possible solutions.  I was amazed how much the kids participated, and were willing to share their feelings.  The conflict resolution definitely helped Tyler the most.  He is now working cooperatively with the other kids.  Getting the older group to run smoothly is still a work in progress, but there is no doubt in my mind that in the upcoming weeks the boys will make tremendous strides in working with each other.

  As far as my goals for my campers, I would like to work with Joey on processing his thoughts before he speaks.  Joey is always participating, but he often just raises his hand without thinking about the question.  I would like to get him to think before he answers, which will allow him to articulate his ideas.

Im Out,

Zach

Second Week

The kids are definitely starting to show their colors now, with all their issues from back home and problems with one another.  However we have definitely been able to talk with the girls especially as a group to solve some of the issues they have with one another.  The talks have been very effective and I think that it's great that they are so willing to talk to one another.  

Today was definitely the first day that I have seen Tessa so happy since she came to camp. Usually she starts out with her head down, not wanting to do much on her own.  However she really changed today with her head held high with a huge smile and it really seemed like she was really starting to enjoy herself and with all the other girls.  

The main goal that I really want to achieve by the end of the 6 weeks is to allow them to know that even though they might not have the best situations at home, they are all wonderful children who just need some positive guidance sometimes in their lives and can still achieve whatever they want in life if they set their minds to it.  

Masks

I believe that we all wear a mask - whether we know it or not.  Grecian warriors used masks for protection, the Incans used masks to flaunt status, and American children don monster masks every year for halloween entertainment.  Yet the mask I refer to is less conspicuous - a sort of imperceptible and ever changing mask.  This mask can be anything from the way we shrug our shoulders to the way we chose to speak to our parents and friends.  Like masks used by theatre troupes, the 'unseen' mask is just as expressively profound if not more so than the conventional mask.  Entering the third week of camp, I have already started catching glimpses of the colors and forms of the masks that some of these kids wear.  Understandably, many of the campers have specific behavioral conditions that can be attributed to biological factors - but I personally believe each mask is strongly molded by each individual campers' personal upbringing and life experience.  For instance, when Kevin engages in a power struggle or when Josh goes into a rule-reciting tirade, I believe these actions are simply stage-curtains that belie a much more complex drama.  My goal is to be able to step back and see not only the entire play and unseen mask of each camper, but what's beneath the mask and beneath the performance.  I want to be able to get behind the scenes - to understand who these kids are and why they are who they are.  As for the campers, I have a mental list of obvious goals such as improving listening and communication skills.  But after reading some of their evaluations, what I hope for the most is that these kids will learn to love themselves for who they are - whenever they find out who that is.  To quote Bob Dylan,  "All I can do is be me, whoever that is."  (Picture:  Jonathan showing that eggplant who's boss)

....oh goodness =P

soooo....honeymoon period is DEFINITELY over...jaja...but its all good...the campers are making major improvements in soooo many areas....tyler is amazing! yes he can be loud...but in reality...he isn't the worst of our worries at camp...

I've gotten the opportunity to see him in a different light during cooking club...and i like what i see. He LOVES cooking club and is extremely well behaved...he helps out a lot...before and after...with the cleaning and all...he is truly a sweetheart =]

Hunter is trying so hard to clean up his act...and it is definitely paying off for him...kudos to hunter =]

As most of you already know...the girls in our group have really been opening up [emotionally] about things that are going on at home and such....so in the next couple weeks...one of my goals is for the girls to find some comfort in coming to camp. They are going through so much at home...it breaks my heart knowing how hard it is to be a child growing through so much drama....

p.s. Tessa's mom came up to me today at the pool and wanted to thank all of the mentors...because although this isn't tessa's first year in camp....this has been her favorite year so far!!!...so congrats to all of us for helping make this year a better one for tessa =]

peace.

deb

This Week

This week has been great. I believe that Hunter is making huge strides to adjust his attitude and to interact with other individuals in a more constructive way. He has also taken on a leadership role when we make transitions between activities. Overall I must say that I have been enjoying myself with the campers despite some really tough days. Everyone has been very cooperative and a joy to work with, except for Kevin.

So much D

Like we have already said on our van ride home, the improved schedules we’ve been making have really made the day flow much better, eliminating activities running too short or too long causing unstructured time for our campers. One thing I would like to start doing better with the Death Scorpions is to improve the recap session at the end of each day. Hopefully, this will let them think about and absorb more of the skills they were presented with during the day.
Socially troubled children are often a product of their environment, and it is our job to give them a better social setting to be in, even if it is just for a few hours a day. One goal I have for myself for the remaining for weeks of camp is to consider how stressful the home situation must be for some of the children and that often plays into their outlook for the day or week, and it is not always a reflection of the child’s true character. Another goal I have, as I’m sure most of us have, is with the K man. I don’t have a specific goal as of yet, I would just like to see some area of his interaction with us or with his peers improve. Even if the only thing that improves is his attendance (although this is not always controlled by him) as a result of him enjoying the camp experience more, we should consider that a minor victory.
Let’s keep up the good work! And I hope Debbie’s tooth is feeling better. =)

Here we go with week 2 ...

I know I'm a little late with the posting but after reading all of the other mentors posts I pretty much agree with everything that they have already said. As the so-called and short lived"honeymoon" period comes to an end it seems that we are truly getting to know these kids.  Each of the individual campers brings their own unique mixture of strengths as well as challenges (some more than others) to the camp. Every little step forward makes all the struggles and drama worthwhile. 

I was particularly excited during the field trip on Friday, when I felt that Wilson actually opened up to me a little. I took the initiative to sit with him on the bus. Towards the beginning of the day the conversation was a little strained, mainly consisting of me asking questions and him responding. However after a couple of bus rides together and some quality time on the playground he started freely offering up information on our final bus ride home. I really look forward to more of these little successes in the future. Keep up the good work guys ... remember to keep smiling and bring on the drama!! 

Thanks for all the thoughtful postings!

Hello everyone! I really enjoyed reading everyone's posts and appreciate that you took the time to share your thoughts on our blog. It seems that despite all the unique experiences everyone has with thier individual campers and their groups, there are some common themes to everyone's first week. Overall, as challenging as the camper are at times, they are also fun, creative, enthusiastic and open to learning and growing in relationship to you and each other. I have no doubt that together you have fostered an environment that has allowed this to happen. I see the lessons: no matter how important it is to plan, we also need to be ready to let it go, no matter how much the campers provoke, they give to us in so many positive ways, no matter how hard life is for these kids, they are resiliant and have so much potential, no matter how hard this work may be at times, it is richly rewarding. And these are just a few of the lessons from week one.

You are all doing such important work, it's exciting for me to see how much you are contributing as well as how much you are receiving from this experience. I am also impressed with how well you are working as a group. Each of you has contributed to that and I know from previous experience how much everyone benefits when the group works well together. You are all off to a great start, not because the week went well, but because you responded to some signficant challenges and those challenges set the stage for the weeks to come. You let them know we are here for you, we will keep you safe, we will confront unacceptable behavior and we will create an enriching, responsive environment; not bad for one week!
Cathy

It's only been a week...

It's only been a week and already I am starting to feel attached to the young campers. As the first week ended, I reflect on the many interactions we had with the kids...I realize how amazing these children are despite the many hardships in their lives.

They are challenging, I won't deny it...but I wouldn't change my experience for the world because behind every tantrum is an innocent child seeking acceptance, understanding, and a friend. 

I'm really excited to be part of this camp...and every morning I look forward to seeing the kids =]

I am truly proud of all the mentors and want to congratulate each an every member of our team...I am thankful for working with such a great group of people...you guys really make this experience fun and worthwhile =] Everyone has amazing talents that will make a difference in these children's lives ...

Can't wait for week 2!!!!!!!

~Deb

You weren't kidding, Cathy...

I cannot believe that the first week of camp has come and gone already.  It's almost hard to remember how nervous I was before meeting the kids at orientation last Friday because it feels like so much has happened in a little over a week.  As it turns out, Cathy wasn't lying to us when she mentioned that this particular summer job may have a few challenges that other jobs don't come with.  The kids certainly do their best to keep each and every moment of camp exciting to say the least.  That said, however, Cathy was so right when she said we would have a lot of fun with these guys.  I can't think of a job where I've had more fun in my first week of working.  It has been an incredible experience getting to know the kids in just a week's time and seeing how they are so eager to respond to us.  I am amazed at how accepting of us the kids are, and I'm surprised at their acceptance of each other (though, of course, they don't all get along all of the time).  If anything, this week has taught me how important it is to stay on my toes and expect anything and everything.  As mentors, we might be technically in charge of this camp, but we're at the mercy of these boys and girls, so regardless of what we have planned, I can't wait to see what the kids have in store for us this week.

Just testing if i am doing this right

 The first week was one that had its ups and downs. I thought the group as a whole really came together by the end of the week and found a nice rhythm with the children. I was especially impressed by two occasions. 

The first occasion was after Thursday's work day. The mentors came together and realized a change was needed. The next morning the behavior was radically different. 

The second occasion was on Friday during the latter part of the field trip at the park. There was an uprising within the girls led by Brittany and Hailey. Debbie and Jen quickly put down their attempt to spoil the field trip with a group mediation period with the Starbursts. It was quick and effective thinking. 

 I believe the mentors are on the right track toward consistency. We will be starting with re-teaching the basics with the Lil' Weezy's on Monday starting with going into the classroom and sitting down in silence. 

God Bless America,

Matt J

Football vs Euro Football

Two things that I remember from training were "PLAN PLAN PLAN" and "If you want to make god laugh, make a plan." These statements seem a bit contridictory, as in you should plan, but odds are they wont work. However, now that this week is over, I understand why both of these phrases are the most accurate when working with children, as their moods fluctuate from day to day. The best example of this would be the Sports Club and our experience with football versus soccer. After playing soccer in our first club period everyone seemed to enjoy it. Participation was high, complaints were fairly low. Although at the end of the day, Zach, Amy and I all heard the kids say how badly they wanted to play football, which we played the following day. Much to our surprise, football did not workout quite as we had though. Firstly, the regulation leather ball we used was not appropriate for all of the campers. I remember seeing Little Josh's face when a pass was coming his way, and I can tell you it was more of a pre-getting-hit-in-the-head face than excitement. Also, football is very stop-and-go, and really only two campers participate in each play. This leads to a bombardment of "C'mon, I was wide open!" And when on defense some players do not wish to participate at all, instead sit themselves right in the middle of the field Indian style. Anyway, I guess what I am trying to say is that from these two days, I was able to make a few conclusions: The more opportunities for everyone to participate the better. Use appropriate level equitment. And finally, even if the counslers think it sound straightforward and simple, and the kids think it sounds fun, it may very well not be a good camp activity. Now that the first week is over, we can all finally take a deep elevator breath and begin planning for the upcoming weeks with a much better idea of what to expect out of our fine group of diverse campers.

First Week

The first week of camp was challenging, yet fun.  It was amazing how fast the kids opened up to all the mentors.  It is obvious that a lot of the kids just need someone to pay attention to them.  The joy the kids get from the simplest things is truly amazing.  It is a shame that they do not get the attention at home because they are gifted in so many ways.  

It definitely will be challenging working with the older boys, as they tend to turn everything into a competition.  There is no doubt in my mind that we will be able to get the boys working together just as we did when we had a problem on Thursday.  The kids were very well behaved on our field trip, and I feel like we have already made progress with them.  I look forward to the upcoming weeks of camp, and building on the progress we made in the first week.

first week!!

The first week went really well! Even though there were a lot of challenges such as, whining, name calling, and challenges within the kids' lives that came out at the end of the week, I thought we were able to work as a whole and help each other to solve all of these issues.  From the stories the kids tell you about their past, you really can see how much they are hurting inside, but also trying to cover it up on the outside.  I'm having a great time working with all the kids and I'm looking forward to the second week!

It Takes a Village to Raise a Child

It is a wise African proverb that it takes a village to raise a child.  But perhaps more pertinent to our Manheim Summer Camp Program, is the resolute proposition that it takes nine well instructed counselors to mentor a room full of unique and extraordinary campers.  Getting to meet and interact with the kids this first week has been an enriching experience to say the least.  Behind the laughter, kickball, and periodic drama, I've found that each camper brings such a novel perspective on life to the table that it's hard not to feel overwhelmed at times.  And while it may take a village to raise a child, these kids have opened my eyes to the converse of this adage.  Within five days, they have shown me that all it takes is a child to raise a village - or a camper to teach a mentor the most basic joys of life.  The progress these kids have shown already in such a short period of time has reminded me to imagine, to hope, and to think big.  Hearing Seth speak with more confidence each day, or seeing Wilson draw stars instead of nothing is ample testimony of this.  But what's more exciting is not just the fact that the mentors are making a difference with these kids, but that these kids are impacting each other as well.  They, along with all of us, are part of the village - the big picture - or our 'community' (also our word of the week).  And in the weeks to come, I believe these kids will be able to take our village to new frontiers of seeing, being and understanding.  

- Matt L. 

As Long As The Kids Are Smiling

Overall this week has been a blast, working with the kids is amazing. At times they can be trying, but seeing them smile and laugh, and enjoying themselves gives me a reason to go back to work everyday. Every child is so different from the next even if each wants to be in a "group" or a "click", its the simple, almost ignorable actions or comments that show who each child is and what they expect from life. Not many of these kids expect much from life. Most of them just want to get through the day, but I feel that despite the hardships in their lives, these kids can grow up and surprise many people by becoming success stories, and I hope that I can help them to see their true potential and the many opportunities that await them. (By the way this pic is of Zach and not me but I thought it was a great picture because Tyler actually seems to be accepted by the group even after what happened yesterday.)

Some thoughts from our meeting today...

Okay, I think I am now doing this right, but we shall see... You can find my previous post if you look under comments for Hello Manheim Mentors, but they are not particularly worth looking for, just wishing you all well on this journey we are taking together and congratulating you on your first day.
Now you are on day two and overall the program seems to be runnning quite well. I am excited to see how the clubs works out. I know you will all bring some creative activities and projects to each of them. I am really surprised that they chose clubs like Spanish and computer. How cool! I am also excited about the cooking club and can't wait to see how the boys respond to the sports club. I am really surprised they chose board games too. How interesting. I'm so glad you gave them the opportunity to brainstorm.
I'm feeling a little concerned about meeting the needs of the older boys with that fitness/acting out as well as the social skills. Just don't hesitate to get creative with them. It sounds like they have some interest in rap, is there any way you can work with that...have them put one together, give them some topics, or ways to make different noises to a beat. Maybe they can bring in some of their music and play it. Could they do those stills that we did with Barry, but instead of nursery rhymes, find a rap? They could mime it... Just some ideas. You may want to also pay attention this week to these types of ideas...what do they like, what do they seem interested in, what can we do to foster this interest in a positive way. This is part of being "mindful," paying attention, letting our own agenda go and see what they are trying to tell us abut what they need. Certainly, no easy feat! See everyone on Thursday.
Cathy