[LA, USA] Crossing the Border; Uniting Hearts (March 07, 2012)

From Feb. 25~26, the IYF English Camp was held for two days at the Universidad Autonam de Baja California (UABC) located in Tecate, Mexico. For this second English Camp, after the one held in Monterrey in January, about 550 students and 85 volunteers participated. From kids to grown-ups, people from a wide range of age group applied for the camp. When gathered in each group, they had time to introduce each other and play some game to break the ice.

At 10 o’clock, the orientation began with “La Calle,” a Righteous Starts’ dance. Continued were the Camp guideline and explanations on the Academy. After the orientation, the class lectures were held for different classes. The volunteers led the lectures in a way to suit the participants’ age and English level. For the afternoon, recreations and the Academy were scheduled. There were 7 Academy classes such as Tae Kwon Do, Yoga, CPR, and American cultures, and through recreations, students became one-hearted.

In the first day evening, the volunteers and the short-term missionaries had time to sleep over at the participating students’ place. Through homestay, they were able to feel the pure hearts from the students and their families beyond the language barrier. Unlike our concerns, the homestay was not dangerous, but the best program for all of volunteers, short-term missionaries, and the students who attended the camp.

The “Tecate Idol,” held on the second day, was very successful with a lot of students’ participation. 16 teams participated, and two separate competitions were prepared for groups and solos. For the groups, the elementary school students’ cute dance drew a lot of attentions, and for the solos, a student named, Myrel Soto’s “It Will Rain” won the first place.

In the afternoon, the students played the “Scavengers’ Hunt.” For 9 secret places, students solved the riddle with one-heart and finish the missions to go to the next place. The students were very delighted as they finish the missions together.

For this English Camp, we have recruited volunteers, and many students applied. Among them, a student named, Uche volunteered came back to volunteer again; he said,” I went to Monterrey English camp after meeting IYF at school. I am so glad to attend this camp. I’d like to go to the next English Camp as well.” (Uche, 24, Currently attending California University Dominguez Hills, CUDH)

Through this English Camp, we have planned to hold the English Camp every month. Starting with the Camp, we are very hopeful that many students in Mexico will have more interests and joy in English.