A middle school camper, with little control of his limbs, he showed up full of spastic energy at camp. Immediately, we connected over his awkwardness. If I saw him in Awkward Arnov stance, I'd gallop over and be just as strange. It's proven, two awkwards make a right. The first day back in Nairobi after Camp ended, we opened the gate to the climbing gym and in lumbers Arnov! A bit surprised, I didn't expect him to be the climbing type. Daily, Arnov showed at 4pm sharp, to test his lack of coordination and conquer fake rocks! The inbetween growth-spurt body didn't stop him. We warmed up together, leading stretches and chattering about the day. Then, seriously spazzy climbing would begin: jittery feet on each hold, bouncy body off wall features, slappy fingers. Stifling giggles with questions and encouragement, I adored these afternoon sessions. One afternoon, I asked why he comes to the gym alone. Most kids come with family or friends, Arnov? "My age-mates, close friends, like to exercise their minds, not their muscles. Besides, this year I skipped a grade in school. I don't want to be bullied or made fun of, so I come here to work on my upper body strength. I want my body to fit in with the older kids at school."
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Andrew, Camp Director, giving tips and body positioning skill to Arnov.
1.Lion’s Pride: Rite of
passage and potentially my favorite part of camp. A quest for spiritual depth
by self-examination, physical exertion and solitude. Second year campers over
the age of 14 are offered the opportunity to become a member of The Pride. The
quest begins at 11pm. No watches, food, drink, blankets are allowed into the
wilderness.
a.The multifaceted initiation rite requires
participants to: record memory verses, compose a one page essay, build a fire
from wood alone (grass/leaves strictly banned), only 2 match strikes allowed in
lighting the fire, sustain a visible flame from the moment of match-strike
until daybreak, run a 1Km uphill race without being passed by the pacer,
compose a second essay and FINALLY, record the remaining memory .
b.The rite begins with ceremonial circle banning
all communication. The above challenge must be completed in utter silence. A
cough or grunt is grounds enough to be dismissed from the challenge. The
attempters are then marched into the darkness and solitude for the remainder of
the challenge.
c.The entirety of the night, those whom are
members of The Pride sit around a bonfire keeping vigilant watch and dismissing
those whom have fallen short. The Pride runs together the sandy 1Km uphill to
pace the initiates.
2. Tea time: Kenyan chai
offered at every meal!
3. Stalking impala: The
African antelope, impala, dot the camp landscape. During one of our skill
times, we practice stalking these magnificent athletes. 20, 13 year-olds and
myself creep on our hands and feet. Ducking behind acacia bushes, pausing to
rule the direction the wind is blowing our scent as we go. Tread barefoot.
Suddenly pause as the impala’s eyes scan for threats.
4. International counsellors:
The international staff hails from: Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, Madagascar, Canada,
America!
5. Summit Fires: The final
evening of every session is celebrated with a giant bonfire. We march to the
site of the fire to the beat of a cowhide drum, not a word spoken. War paint
brands the face of each tribe member. The procession is led by 8 foot long
torches. Once the procession has reached the fire, the talking ban is lifted.
New counsellors kneel before the pyre to receive their camp name. Each age
group approaches the glow of the flames to offer their chants before camp. Team
challenges, songs and discussion are led by the leadership. The feel is
ceremonial, the essence of African ritual.
6. Torch fight: The
ceremonial lighting of Summit Fires begins with a torch fight. Two counsellors
are chosen to fight with the 8 foot, 20 pound, kerosene soaked torches. Representing
Good and Evil, the duo are adorned in tribal paint. They beat, yell, and throw
fire at each other until the Good lights the Summit Fire.
7. Natural arts and crafts:
we use flowers, sticks, leaves to create arts and crafts. Most of the time
creating in nature itself, an act of giving beauty back to the land. This
temporary art becomes a part of the landscape again.
