ACCESS Camp

Sunday, August 5, 2006

This week is going to be far different from the past two and a half months. I am going to be working at the ACCESS Summer Camp put on by the ESL (English as a Second Language) Program at the US Embassy. The camp corresponds with the ACCESS program that the high school students are involved in.

There are three camps going on across Dakar at various high schools. I will be working at one about a mile and a half from my house, so it will be nice to do some work in my neighborhood. Also, there are thirty kids attending the camp that I will be assisting. Along with myself, there will be another PCV and two ACCESS teachers.

Because it is an English language learning program, the purpose of the camp is to help the kids utilize their English skills, but also gain a better understanding about the United States. On the agenda:

First, we are hoping to discuss American geography, values/beliefs, and history all with an emphasis on diversity. The reason for the focus on diversity is to show that the US is not just a single entity, as many here believe, but far grander. In this segment of the camp, we are also hoping to discuss pop culture. I probably won’t be doing any dancing, but the plan is to show the evolution of American music and its origins.

Second, play games such as capture the flag, kick ball, Scrabble, and ultimate Frisbee.

Third, some sort of hula hoop thing. I don’t know what its about, but some American “specialists” have volunteered their time to come for the day and do their thing.

Fourth, critical thinking discussion.

Fifth, some sort of gender role discussion/talk/game.

Sixth, a field trip

Well, that is what I will be doing every morning between Monday and Saturday. It is far from the camp dynamics and lifestyle that could be found at Westmont, but it will be a nice change of pace and a good way to interact with people here. It should be interesting.