This week has been one of the biggest challenges that I have experienced thus far in the program. I had the amazing opportunity to go to horseback riding camp with some of the children from the Parkside Community. I was extremely excited to interact with the kids and horses, but there were moments when everything seemed to be falling apart.
The rapidly changing Michigan weather had everyone and their allergies in a frenzy, children were running wild, and people were not communicating properly. Saying that I was frustrated would be an understatement, but each day was a learning experience. I learned to observe each child to understand their ways and learn what works best for them, to be patient despite my frustration, and lastly to have fun despite the many setbacks that I experienced.
Working with this community of children was amazing because I learned that when you get past the stubbornness, attitudes, and language, the kids are truly talented and intelligent little people that have the potential to change the world one day.
I am glad that you were able to turn lemons into lemonade! Each experience can be used as a lesson learned and you truly embody that. And those kids are lucky to have you around haha
Wow that sounds like quite the eventful week! Hopefully some of the those hectic challenges will die down with time as you adjust. I’ve worked at camps before so I know what a whirlwind it can all be. I love the note you end on, about how the youth will be at the forefront for the change in the world, so true!! Best of luck working with the mini humans 🙂