Student Notes

Libby “Libbles and Bits” – Libby has especially been enjoying her time in Lauders. She easily warmed up to our host family, the Cupids. She also has developed a good friendship with a 15-year old camper named Debricia. Libby has really enjoyed running our friendship camp, and co-taught an awesome “games” class with Kaya that had all campers laughing and enjoying themselves. Also, her spontaneity at the top of the La Soufririe volcano caused the group to chant “We Love Mangos, We Love Libby.” So true.

Aidan “Ceasar” – Aiden really took a leadership role in the sports department at camp and led several classes on the field – often with young Osbert, age 3, attached to his hip. Besides earning the admiration of Osbert, Aidan is very well liked in the group, truly a great listener and friend. Aidan also steps up to help cook each night in the kitchen, even when it’s not his turn. Go Aidan!

Anna “Wikendingle” – Anna has worked tirelessly these past few weeks to help the group live up to and be accountable for our “full value contract” that we designed. (A Full Value Contract is a document created by the group that outlines the values and rules of their community). Group members trust her and feel comfortable coming to her for personal conversations. Anna LOVES beach days and really enjoyed our visit to the Owia Salt Ponds. Although she expressed feelings of missing folks at home a bit at the beginning of the program, she has not let that impact her experience the past week and is excited to share her experiences when she returns home! She is well supported here, and has made lasting friendships.

Satchel “Satchsquatch” – Satchel really stepped it up this week, and was often the first to volunteer to help with group tasks. He also took on the challenge to learn the local game of “Run Dodge” so that he could teach a class that he knew campers would enjoy. He also helped Alex teach juggling and was good at checking in with everyone, to see where he was needed at camp. We love Satchel’s sense of humor and appreciate how he helps the group gel.

Emma/Zippo "Zeminem” – Emma has been so enthusiastic at camp this week, and really went out of her way to make campers feel welcome and involved as they arrived each day. Zippo ran the all-camp final activity of "sharks and minnows" on Wednesday and it was a huge success. Zippo worked hard to overcome some physical pain on the hike, but she was so proud of herself (as were we all) for conquering the volcano! Zippo is trying hard to really "be here now" and not sweat the small stuff. She makes great strides every day, and is loving playing and teaching guitar in her free time.

Jacob "Sherps” – Jacob has gained an affinity for meditation and can be seen doing it everywhere in St. Vincent: on the tops of volcanoes, beaches, salt ponds. He has really sunk his teeth into the culture of St. Vincent and loved serving the Lauders community. He was the Leader of the Day on Wednesday – a really rockin' day at camp thanks to his leadership! Jacob has been so helpful with group tasks that we have had to cut him off from volunteering so much. He really has the whole group in mind and is making the most of his time here.

Kayla "Beebs” – Kayla really loved staying with the Cupids and attending church last Sunday. She is continuously positive and enthusiastic about the program, and locals really enjoy getting to know her. She is a true lover of the water and enjoyed heading to Indian Bay Beach as much as possible! She taught some awesome classes this week at camp, including Paper Bag Puppets" and Gymnastics.

Ellen "Fincy Mas” – Ellen has demonstrated some incredible leadership skills at camp and at the Cupids. She cooked us a mean Mexican meal of quesadillas and taco salad, all with a big smile on her face. She used her athletic prowess to help the group get in shape for the volcano hike with frequent exercise sessions. She also has been teaching very popular classes at camp, especially play dough and mask-making.

Alex "Rooney” – Alex has really kept the group positive and optimistic about each activity – he has an uplifting spin for every challenge we face. He was a star when teaching the "a jig a jah" to 80+ kids at camp, they loved it!! Alex has also taught American football, Run Dodge AND helped campers make their own juggling balls and taught them how to juggle! Alex played the guitar at church on Sunday, for our group's rendition of The General by Dispatch. His dedication to the group was evident in the blisters on his fingers after so much practice/performing.

Seth "Bubbles" – Seth is having a stellar time and has truly been taking advantage of the special cultural opportunities that we have had. Seth was the first student to deeply engage with the local community in Lauders, spending many evenings hanging on the stoop with local teenagers discussing the inner workings of the universe. He loved the Volcano and played a large role on what was possibly the first group sun-salutation amongst the misty sulfurous air atop La Soufriere. Seth has continuously been helpful and compassionate with all group members and the local community in Lauders. He was an all-star at camp, taking a lead role in many sports activities and he taught local children how to play baseball, no easy task in a cricket-crazed nation. And last but not least, Mr. Arar stole the show at the camp fashion show, shaking his thing on the catwalk, yes the catwalk, edging out Ellen by a hair to tremendous child applause!!!

Ari "Axl Trixton Rose" – Ari is brightening up the already sunny Caribbean with his unique and effervescent sense of humor. He continuously has the group rolling with laughter in the evenings once his delirium sets in. He has been so open and enthusiastic trying new experiences like bucket showers and doing laundry by hand. His culinary skills continue to shine and we believe he should trademark his delicious recipe consisting of Nutella and Caribbean salt water. He has been super enthusiastic and determined in camp planning and stayed up into the wee hours perfecting his Playdoh recipe – which was a roaring success the next day at camp.

Aly "Teddy Gaga” – really took on a strong leadership role at camp this week, she was often the "voice" of the group when introducing activities. Aly often took on "babysitting" duty, when the very young campers (under 2!) needed some TLC during those busy days! She has been a kind friend to members of the group this past week during some challenging moments. She has also befriended our next door neighbor, 6-year old Latonya who has really taken to Aly.

Charlotte "Chucklet Chip" – Chuck was lucky enough to celebrate her birthday on top of La Soufriere volcano! The entire group pitched in to make her a very chocolatey chocolate chip cake. Chucklet has taken on the role of chief group organizer, making sure that all the group gear and supplies are in proper order at all times. She is a thoughtful friend to everyone in the group, and she is an amazing chef—everyone loved her fried eggplant caper surprise. Chucklet also taught an awesome rock painting class during the Lauders Friendship Camp.

Kaya “Shark ‘n Bake” – Kaya has a wonderful positivity and exuberant enthusiasm that everyone loves. She adds a unique perspective to the group. Kaya really handles her business and knows how to get things done, whether that means cooking up a mean dish of coconut fried Robben Fish, leading awesome group games during Friendship Camp, or contributing her thoughts during group meetings and camp planning sessions.

Kyla "Bok-Choy" – Kyla led the best baseball class imaginable during Friendship Camp, and when the kids ran out of things to paint during painting class, she offered herself up as a human canvas—talk about taking one for the team! She is a consistent friend to everyone in the group and has become the group record keeper, diligently cataloging memories with her handy-dandy underwater camera. Kyla was also the head chef when the group had breakfast for dinner. Yum!