Today was the 3rd day of the second camp! We started the morning off like usual with breakfast and the Bible story. Today we acted out the story of the prodigal son. I played the prodigal son and it was fun to make the kids laugh as I acted out the part where he spent all his money.
After the story my team went to games first. We played some relay games including my favorite, the ballon popping one. The leaders got to try a round of it and that was very fun! Next we had crafts. Today they kids got to decorate picture frames with their photos. It was very touching to see how they reacted to seeing themselves. They don’t get to have very many photos so the kids always cherish these as prized possessions. It’s really sweet seeing how something that we consider so simple, brings the brightest smile to their face.
The afternoon games were water balloon toss and a game where one person was blindfolded and the other had to guide them using animal sounds. Team sharks won the first round! (And lost the leader round, but “shhh”)
I think my favorite part of the day was free time. My and one of the other leaders on my team (Tadiwa) played with a group of kids. I would chase them and pretend to eat them while yelling “shomba” (lion in Shona) and they had a great time laughing and running away. We also took turns showing them some tricks like handstands and back bends and they shocked us with their own impressive feats, much of which I couldn’t do. It’s been really fun trying to learn Shona as well. They kids circle around me and yell out words they want me to copy. I do my best to say them and then they all laugh lol.
We ended the day with a retelling of the boy who cried wolf. Its fun to tell them classic American stories because we know them super well and they have never heard them before. It’s a win-win. Noah was our little lying shepherd and I must say his acting skills are on amazing. It’s fun to see him along with everyone else opening up and becoming more bold with the kids. After our leader meeting we closed with some aggressive “passionate” playing of a game called over the mountain. There may have been a few minor injuries but it was still very fun!
Well, ndakaneta (I am tired) so I am signing off now! Goodnight!
– Teagan
Thanks for the great update! I love hearing about the games you’ve played and how you guys are making the kids laugh. So glad to hear of the growth in you all as leaders also
Still praying for you!
I’m so thankful for this time and experience you all are getting! And I know you all are receiving blessings, as well as the kids you are ministering to!
You guys are having such a tremendous impact on those kids (and I’m sure it goes both ways) – praying for continued health!