English Camp

Better late than never ... as I'm only writing now about my camp experiences of two and a half weeks ago.. but times are busy, so I hope you'll understand.

Well, over the months I've learned a lot about Korean children from my experiences here.. I've learned that they don't sleep a lot, they study like crazy, and they spend more time studying than indulging in carefree childhood fun... So, taking our students to "English Camp" proved to be an experience which they both needed, and enjoyed... and which I was happy to be a part of.

In a resortish type area, on a beautiful island not far from Busan, 40 Korean Kids, 5 Korean Teachers, and 3 Foreigners played in the sun for 3 days, in the name of English. Having been out a little too late the night before departure, my first day was a bit rough. So once the kids were in bed around 1230, I was quick to change into my pjs and rest my weary body.. Much to my dismay, my bosses felt I needed to demonstrate my drinking skills, and literally dragged me out of bed (and by bed I mean mat on the floor) to chug beer with them until 330am. Waking up at 730 had never been more torturous, and acting like an energetic counselor for my children had never been more difficult.. but I did and I lived, so all is not lost. Some key moments of our trip included seeing MC'ing the Mr and Mrs Pagoda Drag contest, Dancing onstage for my students, the lighting of a 6 foot high campfire dosed in gasoline via a shooting fire ball, spending a day in the pool, having my group win the most challenges, and a harmless ash fight that was all fun and games until I poked one of my students in the eye.

Getting away and having fun was a break these kids really needed, and so consequently I was denied one. And I’d do it again in a heartbeat, provided I could avoid the bus ride home.