My Time being English Crazy
After some confusion about busses and trains, I was greeted by 9 students from Ubon Ratchathani University. We travelled to Ajahn Pim’s house and began preparing for the next day’s camp. The veteran volunteers, led by P’Aom, taught everyone the songs and games we would teach at the camps. We made name tags and posters and planned rotations.
The first day of camp in Phosai district took place at Muangyai School. 90 students attended from 4 schools. To be honest, I was unsure if we were ready for this. Did we have enough activities planned? Would the kids have fun learning English with us? The first camp was a great success. Everyone had lots of fun, especially singing and dancing the Monkey Song and seeing the boys dress up like girls for the relay races.
The second camp took place in a more rural, impoverished community. When we arrived, there were no classrooms. The English Crazy staff and villagers quickly cleared an area for the camp. There were fewer students at this camp, yet in some ways it was more difficult because we had students of all ages, from 6 mo. to 13 yrs. Thank goodness Ajahn Pim was there to help us with the toddlers! The second day we took a nature hike, which allowed the campers hands-on English learning. The staff was tired by this time. Somehow, we still had a crazy, energetic, successful camp!
When we were not teaching or planning camps, we took trips to the river, went camping, and ate lots of delicious Isaan food. Pet Mahk! Sap Lai Lai!
Sadly, most of the staff left after the second camp. P’Aom, P’Boom, P’Nit, and I had a few days to relax before the final camp. We really got to know Ajahn Pim’s family and her neighbors. Dancing at the temple f air was a highlight of our stay. We even helped raise money for the community wat! Villagers recognized us at the market, where we stopped everyday for fried chicken and mixed vegetables. Although we didn’t teach them English, we showed them what learning to give is all about. Through our example, they saw how a few volunteers can make a
big impact.
Our last camp was also in a poor, rural community. When we arrived at the school, kids were waiting for us. Before the camp could begin, an elder performed a white string ceremony for the students and us. After the elder read our hard-boilied eggs, with creepy accuracy, we started our crazy singing and dancing. The kids were enthusiastic learners! It was sad to leave this school because we knew it was our last camp together.
Thank you to the schools and the students we taught. I hope you enjoyed our time together and will continue to learn English. A HUGE thank you to Ajahn Pim. You let us into your school, your home, and your family. Thank you for helping us with our camps. Thank you for your words of wisdom. And, thank you for showing us to go above and beyond what’s expected by living our lives helping others. You do so much for the people around you. We are lucky to have a role model like you!
Finally, thank you to the volunteers of ECC. The memories and friendships formed will never be forgotten. We provided an invaluable service for the students we taught, while sharing a meaningful experience together. In life, we can ask for nothing more. You fill my heart with smiles everyday and inspire me to continue giving (crazily, of course).
Kathryn Cohen
kathrynfcohen@gmail.com
After some confusion about busses and trains, I was greeted by 9 students from Ubon Ratchathani University. We travelled to Ajahn Pim’s house and began preparing for the next day’s camp. The veteran volunteers, led by P’Aom, taught everyone the songs and games we would teach at the camps. We made name tags and posters and planned rotations.
The first day of camp in Phosai district took place at Muangyai School. 90 students attended from 4 schools. To be honest, I was unsure if we were ready for this. Did we have enough activities planned? Would the kids have fun learning English with us? The first camp was a great success. Everyone had lots of fun, especially singing and dancing the Monkey Song and seeing the boys dress up like girls for the relay races.
The second camp took place in a more rural, impoverished community. When we arrived, there were no classrooms. The English Crazy staff and villagers quickly cleared an area for the camp. There were fewer students at this camp, yet in some ways it was more difficult because we had students of all ages, from 6 mo. to 13 yrs. Thank goodness Ajahn Pim was there to help us with the toddlers! The second day we took a nature hike, which allowed the campers hands-on English learning. The staff was tired by this time. Somehow, we still had a crazy, energetic, successful camp!
When we were not teaching or planning camps, we took trips to the river, went camping, and ate lots of delicious Isaan food. Pet Mahk! Sap Lai Lai!
Sadly, most of the staff left after the second camp. P’Aom, P’Boom, P’Nit, and I had a few days to relax before the final camp. We really got to know Ajahn Pim’s family and her neighbors. Dancing at the temple f air was a highlight of our stay. We even helped raise money for the community wat! Villagers recognized us at the market, where we stopped everyday for fried chicken and mixed vegetables. Although we didn’t teach them English, we showed them what learning to give is all about. Through our example, they saw how a few volunteers can make abig impact.
Our last camp was also in a poor, rural community. When we arrived at the school, kids were waiting for us. Before the camp could begin, an elder performed a white string ceremony for the students and us. After the elder read our hard-boilied eggs, with creepy accuracy, we started our crazy singing and dancing. The kids were enthusiastic learners! It was sad to leave this school because we knew it was our last camp together.
Thank you to the schools and the students we taught. I hope you enjoyed our time together and will continue to learn English. A HUGE thank you to Ajahn Pim. You let us into your school, your home, and your family. Thank you for helping us with our camps. Thank you for your words of wisdom. And, thank you for showing us to go above and beyond what’s expected by living our lives helping others. You do so much for the people around you. We are lucky to have a role model like you!
Finally, thank you to the volunteers of ECC. The memories and friendships formed will never be forgotten. We provided an invaluable service for the students we taught, while sharing a meaningful experience together. In life, we can ask for nothing more. You fill my heart with smiles everyday and inspire me to continue giving (crazily, of course).
Kathryn Cohen
kathrynfcohen@gmail.com
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