Spanish Immersion Camp Counselor: Evoking my inner child

Just when I thought I was wrapped in the serenity of a subtle Argentine chill, a blast of icy misery descends upon us. Okay, let’s back up a couple of days. Last week at the hostel, my roommate from Quebec, Maggie, decides that it would be fun to dye Cara’s (roommate from Michigan) and my hair. Not all of it, just strings and pieces. The bottom portion of Maggie’s hair is stunningly purple.  I played it safe with one little streak of bleached rusty blonde/brown near my temple so that it peaks out just a bit. I figure, new country, new ‘do! Thanks Maggie!

After finally securing a room for Kip and I at a very cool looking house in a neighborhood called Almagro and with roommates I can’t wait to get to know – Syl from El Salvador, Rob from France, Mikael from Denmark,  I took off for two days for training for my new job as a camp counselor at an English Immersion program. The idea of these 3-day camps are to allow children of various ages and stages in English development to become immersed in the English language. The camps are themed and kids are only allowed to speak English or face light punishment, often times in the form of an English essay. All Spanish-related items are confiscated at the beginning of camp and all counselors are native English speakers from all over the world (Ireland, USA, Australia, New Zealand, England and South Africa, we didn’t have any Canadians at the training;)). The training brought about a child-like glee in all of us as we were expected to do and learn everything the kids will be going through during the actual camps – from arts, crafts, campfire songs, dances from various English-speaking countries etc. All the camps are at least an hour outside of Buenos Aires, mostly in provincial areas and I’m really excited for my first camp, which I believe is in September.

And finally, after two whole weeks, I left my hostel today and am at my new house. It’s already 3pm and most of the roommates are still sleeping, I guess it’s expected? Ciao!