AAVE Trip BLOG » Bold West
September 24, 2009
Bold West Summer Teen Camp
Posted by AAVE Parent in : Bold West, General AAVE Trip BLOG , add a comment
Ottavia really enjoyed her trip. She particularly appreciated the wonderful group atmosphere, which was, I’m sure, due to the excellent ‘gelling’ done by the group leaders. I teach adults myself, and I am only too aware just how important it is to create a strong sense of interest in and loyalty towards the people in your group. As a parent, I also value the fact that the youngsters spent time ‘creating’ their own enjoyment, using their own resources and imagination - such a welcome change from all the instant entertainment of TV and video games that we fight against all year round. Ottavia is really aware of the lasting pleasure and true value of these activities. She is in regular contact with the members of her group, and I know they are planning to meet up again in the near future. These are the experiences you treasure all your life. Interestingly, she says that the friendships were even more special than all the incredible places you visited. She was surprised how friendly and helpful all the Americans are (unlike many Europeans). She also enjoyed all the ‘crew’ aspects. Now she often sits dreamily in front of the film of her group on Youtube.
I also appreciated the way in which you dealt positively with the change of group. The easy - but unsatisfactory - solution would have been to say “sorry, there’s nothing we can do now”. Yet look at the incredible, lasting impact of being in just the right group. And on paper, there really is no way of knowing how groups will work out beforehand.
All I can say is WELL DONE Abbott and team.
Many thanks and all good wishes
Nicola
