Week 2
Getting to
know the children
The
beginning of Camp Q
The
volunteers and I were really looking forward to meeting all the
children and the young people in the village. When Monday came, we
were both quite excited and nervous. Most of us were a bit worried
about the language barriers and the cultural differences interfering
with the participation, but our fears were soon put to rest. The
younsters are so open minded and geniuses at communicationg with body
language. Everyday, the kids teach us a few words in Greenlandic and
in return we teach them a few in English. Remembering names has been
a challenge and often the source of giggles for both parts but we are
trying really hard!
The
activities
All
weeks activities were held from noon to 6 o'clock in the gym, at the
school and outside for the children to enjoy. Children from the age
of 5 months old to 18 years of age have been attending every day.
Young adults were also starting to join by mid week.
In the gym
In
the gym we started every morning with a session of both: bootcamp and
dancing. Quite a good number of young girls have been enjoying the
dance class every morning while more and more teenagers and young
adults have been attending the bootcamp.
The
late mornings were often spent twirling, jumping, flipping and
bouncing around on the gymnastic apparels. Some kids gladly took
part in the acrobatics while others wathed in complete awe and
admiration. I was really impressed with what some of the older kids
could do with a trampoline and a mat. There is a lot of talent in
Qaanaaq!
In
the afternnoons, the gym was split into two sections, offering free
play or organized games on one side and basketball on the other side.
I am quite impressed with the children for they were all playing
together, taking care of each other no matter the age. The teenagers
were welcoming the younger kids in their games and vice versa. One
could really see the strong sense of community that these kids have,
it was like they were all brothers and sisters looking out for one
another.
In the
school
In
the school different workshops such as legos, painting, Origami,
Greek and Finnish dancing, Hama beads and cooking were offered. There
were also many music and drama activities as well as circle games
with musical instruments. Soap making and playing with fimo made an
appearance too. The kids, no matter what age, wanted to try a little
bit of everything! They work together and guide each other, older and
younger ones, whether they are learning traditional dances or playing
with legos or some other activity.
written by Bella
