Another week... another post!

Just an example of what kind of things i'm doing at the moment!

Resident camp is exactly what i remember it to be, stressfull... but so much fun! I'm seriously having such a good time. Being here for the second time during staff training was kinda...dull and boring, kinda frustrating etc.

But that has paid off a million times over now. I love being a returning counselor! It's so much more fun because theres no real period of "coming out of my shell" or anything like that. I know what to say to make the kids do what I need them to do, and I still manage to have fun!

Every night on camp we have this thing called evening embers where we talk about the Y value (honesty, caring, respect and responsibility) of the day, and what kind of activities we did that day, what they enjoyed etc. Last year i just had the kids sit down on their bunks and we talked. I have managed to build on that this year and I have them sit in a circle on the floor (circles are important on camp, never ending, everyones equal etc) with me. Then we shut off the lights, and light a scented candle in the middle of the circle.

It dosen't sound like much, but it's more special, and the kids dont feel like shouting out all the time, they raised their hands without me even asking them to do that before they speak.

I think experience is so helpful at camp. I know the schedule, i know whats happening! Yay me!

Aside from work, me and the Yank are doing very well. I'm finding it hard to not show my affections infront of the kids (we discourage camper-camper relations (obviously!) and so us being together is kinda hypocrytical) But we're having fun still! We're good.

There was a big "end of the first week" party last night. Some people showed some ugly sides, and some new relationships started to become more apparant. (alcahol not needed, or even used...)

There is one relationship we're (The Yank and I) keeping a particular close eye on, because we think it not only should happen, it needs to happen. They both deserve it.

Anyhoo, i can't think of anything more interesting to say, so i'll leave this here!

Keep it safe kids!

Jamie
Veg
Banana

"Risk may cause failure, but sucess cannot come without it." - Fortune cookie I got a couple of weeks ago!

Yay training!

So, staff training is finally over, and we've made it through!

I'm back at the Yank's house at the moment, soaking up the free internet and laundry facilities (while also enjoying an amazing meal from the yank's parents!).

Staff training went pretty well, no real bumps. It's a little different being a returning staff member, like i find myself either mentally (or sometimes verbally...) correcting people, which can be a little embarrasing. but all in all it's pretty good! We know more now, so we're a little better prepared and less anxious... but still,

NERVOUS!

I have all these great ideas about what to do with my cabin this summer, but the one thing they don't tell you during staff training, is that you'll be sharing your cabin with another counselor... which means you gotta share ideas, and your great one might not be used.

But hey, i know i'll do a good job, as long as i keep the kids happy and dont break any rules thats all that matters right?!

There is a lot going on here right now, so i'll post some more when i get time, and internet...

an oxymoron?

See ya later kiddies!

Jamie
Veg
Banana

"Never look down on someone, unless you're helping them up" - somone shouted it out during staff training... I like it!

Hey kiddies!

Well, looks like i've slipped back into my old ways of only posting once every couple of weeks... but i do have an excuse. The nearest free access to internet (that isn't a laptop, i dont get along with their keyboards and i hate having to borrow them) is a good hour walk. At least.

But! The horizon is bright! We've been setting up an "internet cafe" in Allen Lodge (where we go for staff retreat during the summer) so you shouldn't have to wait much more than a week for info on whats happening here in "Artichoke land"!

Speaking of which, Summer is very nearly here! As of tomorrow night, i'm gonna be sleeping in a cabin and i won't be one of the "Noobies"! (even though i consider myself de-noobified already;) ) Staff training is looking to be the best yet, partly due to the fact that i snuck a look at the schedule (Someone left it out!) and partly due to the fact that Kessel and Romo are in charge of "fun", something which they did pretty well last summer, without the job title!

Another thing you guys need to know is that, once again, my false tooth has fallen out! Same tooth, same side. It's been less than a year since the guy out here charged me $180 to glue it back in, so i think i should get some kind of discount or free service or something. But being English, unless it's offered to me, will i ask for it?! Have i been here long enough to demand whats rightfully mine? Or will 18 years of the stiff upper lip and not complaining take over and sting me in the wallet again? only time will tell...

Other news...

This happens every time. I have a hundred things to talk about, but none of them come to mind untill i hit "publish post"...

I could talk about how sweet i am and how i'm a hopeless romantic... but everyone that needs to know (mom) already knows thanks to the yank e-mailing her.

I like that they do that. I know a lot of guys that would be put off by the fact that they're talking (or is that plotting...?) together, but i think it's a good thing. The yank can tell mom things i'd forget to mention, or even was a little shy about mentioning. (everyone whos not my mom, or that hasn't had the e-mail forewarded by her must be wondering what on earth i'm talking about!)

Also, i just bought a new digital camera! (mom, dont worry, i'm sending you guys a cheque. ) So expect some pictures at some point! YAY PICTURES! (i set the yank up as a member on here, she should be able to post news and pictures too... technology huh?)


Anyhoo, i can't think of anything more interesting to say, i'll see you crazy kids later!

Keep it safe,

Jamie
Veg
Banana

"This isn't a job, it's a life disguised as a job!" - Me explaining things to a whole campfire a week ago during a skit. Came out of nowhere, but i think it fits nicely...