Last friday, I had the chance to once again be involved in an English Camp. This time it was with the Anuban Ubon English Program. This camp marks my seventh camp since I arrived here in Thailand. These camps are so much fun to be involved with, it gives me a chance to spend time with a bigger group of students from other schools in the city.
As usual, I didn't know much about the camp, all I knew was that there would around 350 students there. It's a pretty big number, but not the biggest that I've dealt with (500). When I got there, I realized that this camp would be a little different than all the rest; we would be outside. 
Now this wouldn't have posed a problem if this camp would have been held a couple months ago, but we are just now getting into the summer season. Recently the temperatures have been around 100 or more degrees, it's been insanely hot.
Now this wouldn't have posed a problem if this camp would have been held a couple months ago, but we are just now getting into the summer season. Recently the temperatures have been around 100 or more degrees, it's been insanely hot. The heat, thankfully, didn't put a damper on the day; the kids were very enthusiastic to go through the seven rotations of English activities. Erin and I were able to work together at this camp; our rotation was a worksheet of questions. The student had to find a friend who had done or liked something on the list. We also separated into two groups and did a description drawing activity. Everything went really well, we had the help of English/Thai teacher, who could translate if needed. For the most part, the day went by really fast. By the end it I was so exhausted. Being out in the sun always drains my energy, I was thankful when the rotations were finished and we could go back inside. For the last hour we did some songs and competitions between the groups. The kids really enjoyed doing the 'chicken dance' as did all the staff. It was pretty funny. 
Erin and I weren't the only foreigners; there was four other men. One from Sweden, another from England, one from Canada, and another from my home; the United States. It always nice to talk to English with other foreigners. I never thought I would miss my mother language so much, but not being able to talk to everyone and have them understand gets frustrating sometimes.
Erin and I weren't the only foreigners; there was four other men. One from Sweden, another from England, one from Canada, and another from my home; the United States. It always nice to talk to English with other foreigners. I never thought I would miss my mother language so much, but not being able to talk to everyone and have them understand gets frustrating sometimes. This English camp might very well have been my last. Right now, Thai schools are letting out for the summer, and it's not likely another one will be put on until next year. I'm really happy I had the chance to enjoy this experience once again. It's days like this that I know I will look back on fondly.
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