Ultimate Peace 5 - Last Day Before Campers

Had some great moments here today. I threw behind-the-back throws with my friend, Ali. Ali learned to throw a frisbee about three days ago and has been pushing himself to throw as many throws, learn as much of the game, and get the full enjoyment out of camp as possible. He left this afternoon and will return tommorrow with a bunch of his sports (physical education) students.

The camp director today offered a few recommendations headed into tomorrow and the campers' arrival. First, to use frisbee as a way of connecting to people, even those -- no, especially those -- with whom we don't share a common spoken language. It creates a bond like no other. And of course we want campers to really feel that they are accomplishing something here. So repeating the throwing motion, modeling good form, and having fun with the disc are all great ideas.

Secondy, the camp director has asked all staff to talk about where we are located as the Middle East, not Israel. Obviously, we are located in the country of Israel. But there are implications and nuances to the reference; and Middle East encourages everyone to feel like they are on an even place (paraphrased from fellow coach Zolo).

The last suggestion frm the camp director came as an imperative: although we have created a great family among the international and local coaches, counselors in training, and staff (and that will be important for things to go well), we are opening ourselves up to a new family tomorrow. We should be interested and curious about the campers we have...asking questions about their town and family, offering stories about our own places of birth and residence, and generally making an effort to not just be an advisor (I'm paraphrasing/interpreting), but to go beyond that and create a two-way street where I have as much to gain from this as the camper.

I lilke the way that Jez, my roommate and fellow coach, put it after lots of questions came up (from coaches who weren't here last year) about conflict resolution, context for differences between people, and other fears. Jez said that we should be focused on the great fun we'll have and head into camp with an open mind to whatever. And that's where we are.