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22 - The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday August 8, 2007 www.oakvillebeaver.com Camp memories Continued from page 20 PHOTOS BY SABRTINA BYRNES / OAKVILLE BEAVER Like many of her peers, Shorna constantly looked other campers' work to see what they were doing for fear of making a mistake. I'll never forget the day she asked me to draw her a t-shirt in her journal because she saw one of her fellow campers drawing one. Her journal entry had nothing to do with a tshirt. I recall the confidence she exuded when she was able to go in the sea for the first time at camp on the last day I had with the children. Going to the sea I was told, is a huge treat and a rare opportunity for the children. Many of their parents cannot swim and the children cannot go unsupervised to the sea. C.J., a 15-year-old boy, is another child who stands out in my mind. C.J. cannot read or write, but enjoys the companionship when a story is being read to him. He sits right beside you, arm against arm, giving the impression that he just likes the fact that someone is there. It seemed to me that many of these children just appreciated being acknowledged. A simple smile in their direction was enough to change their demeanor and have a smile returned. Even the older campers get the same enjoyment out of the camp for the social aspects, as well as the crafts, because it's like a first childhood for those who have not had regular exposure to it. I enjoyed and appreciated my experience with the St. Lucia Learning Project. As much as I appreciate what we have in Canada, I also came to the realization of what little we need to get by and be happy. The villages where these children live and attend school are very impoverished by North American standards, but the families do very well with what they have and are very proud and hospitable. A conversation with Hutchings stands out in my head as she pointed out that while the volunteers may be teaching them different ways of learning, they in return are being taught about life. I will never forget this experience. The relationships I made with the other volunteers and the children, and the wonderful memories, will last a lifetime. There was a deep feeling of sadness when we said goodbye to the campers on our last day of camp. They all came up and hugged me and the other volunteers that were leaving the same day, and it took a lot of restraint to not let tears fall. I know that it's exceptionally hard on the children as well when the volunteers leave because they have become quite attached, and I think that's the drive that keeps the volunteers returning every year. This experience has impacted my life and I long for the chance to return next year to reconnect with the children and see the progress in their development. I've come home wanting to give more of myself to those who need it. For those who wish to donate or want any more information on the St. Lucia Learning Project, visit www.stlucialearningproject.ca. To view the day-by-day updates of my experiences with the project, visit www.oavkvillebeaver.com.