Let the Art Making Begin!

4:30am… It was 4:30am when I first heard the boys in the dorm next to us waking up and beginning their morning with chatter and play. I, too, was excited for the first day of art camp… but not enough to wake up that early! Yet, it was impossible to continue sleeping. I was out of the dorm by 6:30am to scout out natural materials for our boat making. I found a wonderful path through the jungle filled with beautiful treasures. By 9:00 all the students had gathered in the main pavilion where our opening ceremonies would begin. They wiggled and giggled with anticipation. With contagious energy “Hermana Gina” began teaching everyone the first dance steps to the “Vidas Plenas” theme song. All the teachers demonstrated their smooth moves and then the children followed. The students were then divided, “Danza”…. “Teatro” …. “Arte de Visuales” and in lines they marched off to their respective classes. There were a few snags: I had set out a bunch of natural objects in a circle for my first class activity and when it was time to start I realized that the amazing (and fast!) maintenance crew had already come by and put my objects in the trash. I scrambled, readjusted, and class went on! Dance and theater also had a rough start in the morning, but after some regrouping, brainstorming, and adjustments during lunch we were smooth sailing by the afternoon! The kids seem to be having a blast and their smiles and bright eyes remain vibrant. In the evening Liz (directing the camp) came to our cabin to share how she had written a check for about $4500.00 to the camp owners before they left. However, they looked at the check and simply tore it up!! They would not accept the money! With little exception everything is running well and beautiful moments are appearing everywhere. Clearly this time is blessed and we are honored to be a part of it!