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Immersion Experience: Panama
THE FIRST DAY OF SUMMER CAMP: EMBRACING PRESENCE AND CONNECTION IN A COMMUNITY OF KIDS
The first day working with kids is a whirlwind of emotions, exciting, challenging, and deeply rewarding. It’s a moment when the theory of connection turns into practice, and the need to master presence becomes clear. Children have an incredible way of teaching us about authenticity and the importance of being fully engaged in the moment.
This day started the night prior, when my host was hacking a giant yucca root with a machete. The next morning, I woke up to a hearty breakfast of "slachicha" with a peppery tomato sauce, local coffee, crispy yucca, bread, and an amazing warm and creamy banana drink.
My host lives in the hills of the Guadalupe valley, a couple minute drive from the office. It is extremely serene and quiet, minus the occasional bark or moo. Arriving at the office we planned a fun day of sports for the kids and made our way over to the school.
There were a few kids waiting for us when we got there and as soon as they saw the soccer ball in our bag, a bunch of the boys were eager to start playing. For this day of camp, I helped to run the soccer station, and it was an absolute blast. I had a smile on my face pretty much the whole time and the carefree attitude was contagious. I felt a real connection with the children through soccer and the time I spent playing with them will for sure be a highlight of the trip.
After camp was over, the kids and the leaders returned to the office and had lunch together. As we were waiting for lunch to be prepared, we continued the laughing as we competed in arm wrestling and pushups.
After lunch we embarked on a short walk up towards the hills. While we were there, we trekked up into one of the farms, something I had wanted to do this entire trip. The farms that line this valley are almost vertical up hills and it was amazing to see how high workers have to go every morning just to tend to the crops. Additionally, it was much less crowded today and the view was unlike anything I had ever seen. The rolling hills of farms were visible for miles.
When we returned, the leaders and I took a walk into the area of Guadalupe with all of the shops and stores. We went to the supermarket and bought a couple of unique looking snacks and then enjoyed a refreshing cup of "fresas con crema." Trying new food is always a highlight of traveling to a new place and so far, nothing has disappointed.
The relaxed, yet hard working vibe of this place is something I hope to bring home. I am very excited for the rest of this trip, continuing to try new things and spending more time with the kids.
My host lives in the hills of the Guadalupe valley, a couple minute drive from the office. It is extremely serene and quiet, minus the occasional bark or moo. Arriving at the office we planned a fun day of sports for the kids and made our way over to the school.
There were a few kids waiting for us when we got there and as soon as they saw the soccer ball in our bag, a bunch of the boys were eager to start playing. For this day of camp, I helped to run the soccer station, and it was an absolute blast. I had a smile on my face pretty much the whole time and the carefree attitude was contagious. I felt a real connection with the children through soccer and the time I spent playing with them will for sure be a highlight of the trip.
After camp was over, the kids and the leaders returned to the office and had lunch together. As we were waiting for lunch to be prepared, we continued the laughing as we competed in arm wrestling and pushups.
After lunch we embarked on a short walk up towards the hills. While we were there, we trekked up into one of the farms, something I had wanted to do this entire trip. The farms that line this valley are almost vertical up hills and it was amazing to see how high workers have to go every morning just to tend to the crops. Additionally, it was much less crowded today and the view was unlike anything I had ever seen. The rolling hills of farms were visible for miles.
When we returned, the leaders and I took a walk into the area of Guadalupe with all of the shops and stores. We went to the supermarket and bought a couple of unique looking snacks and then enjoyed a refreshing cup of "fresas con crema." Trying new food is always a highlight of traveling to a new place and so far, nothing has disappointed.
The relaxed, yet hard working vibe of this place is something I hope to bring home. I am very excited for the rest of this trip, continuing to try new things and spending more time with the kids.
Main-Visitor Entrance
Regis Jesuit High School
Mail-Delivery Address
Regis Jesuit High School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, athletic and other school-administered programs.