Last session I served as an ESL teacher. Meaning I taught English for two hours a day, created my own lesson plans, and was responsible for making the evening programs run smoothly. As and ESL teacher and the General Store manager (which I did during free time) I had very little time to engage in the activities. This was frusturating to me and also my assistant director, because she realized I was athletic and could teach games well the second day in.
So for this session I am now an Activities Counselor!!! So my responsibilities are now to prep Congress (an hour long activity after ESL; we teach a song, cheer, do some sort of 'aerobics' and then a skit to represent the theme of the day.) Prepping Congress entails switching out the signs and creating any necessary props. Because we have many of the same theme days as last session, our prep work is extremely limited. So the past two days I have had at least one hour to myself in the morning, and then in the afternoon I get to play different sports and activities for three hours! I can go to bed right after our 11pm meeting with no lesson to plan, and I can wake up right before breakfast because I have no classroom to prepare. As of right now I'm really enjoying the switch.
A few things that have recently occured:
I began reading Twilight...yes I gave in after watching the movie and being told repeatedly the book is better. And it is in fact MUCH better, I'm in LOVE!
Yesterday I realized I have been vegetarian for 4 years!!!
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
An Ode to Bureaucratic Bullshit
I have officially finished my first of four sessions with American Village. It is odd to say but the kids and schedule were the least exhausting part of my job. Instead of the likely sources of exhaustion and frustration, it was my staff.
As I have mentioned there have been many issues with staff. The two that left were an obvious problem. Two will be leaving tomorrow because of AWFUL work ethic, and one of the replacements is as good as gone because all he does is take smoke breaks. But worst than the counselors that are unproductive and lack a team mentality is our Site Director.
The first few days of work many of the counselors were put off by the way that my SD speaks to us. She will often yell at people for not following her vague orders and tell us that we are conducting the day in a horrible fashion while offering no suggestions or constructive criticism. Successes go unmentioned, and failures are always broughten up. We shrugged it off after being told that it is the French Way of dealing with staff. She is the Director, what she says and the manner she says it in goes. While I would chose to direct a staff differently, I have tried not to let her poor managing skills effect my attitude or outlook on this camp. However, in addition to yelling at and embarassing us she constantly changes rules and breaks French laws and camp policies.
The past three nights me and three fellow counselors have shared wine after the campers went to bed and just vent about all the bullshit and inappropriate choices my SD has made the past two weeks. Without these times to get it out of our system I don't think we would be able to maintain the energy we do throughout the day. But it's complicated by the fact that one of my fellow counselors is the Assistant Director and she is in a constant struggle whether or not to report the wrongdoings to our SD's supervisor. While this seems like a simple decision it is complicated by the fact that our SD is dating her supervisor, and the things that the supervisor has already been notified of have been completly dismissed and ignored. So if we were to get anything changed the AD would have to go over the head of our SD's supervisor and go straight to the top Director of AmVil. This would not only piss off the SD but in addition would piss off her supervisor!!!
Oh Bureaucratic Bullshit
As I have mentioned there have been many issues with staff. The two that left were an obvious problem. Two will be leaving tomorrow because of AWFUL work ethic, and one of the replacements is as good as gone because all he does is take smoke breaks. But worst than the counselors that are unproductive and lack a team mentality is our Site Director.
The first few days of work many of the counselors were put off by the way that my SD speaks to us. She will often yell at people for not following her vague orders and tell us that we are conducting the day in a horrible fashion while offering no suggestions or constructive criticism. Successes go unmentioned, and failures are always broughten up. We shrugged it off after being told that it is the French Way of dealing with staff. She is the Director, what she says and the manner she says it in goes. While I would chose to direct a staff differently, I have tried not to let her poor managing skills effect my attitude or outlook on this camp. However, in addition to yelling at and embarassing us she constantly changes rules and breaks French laws and camp policies.
The past three nights me and three fellow counselors have shared wine after the campers went to bed and just vent about all the bullshit and inappropriate choices my SD has made the past two weeks. Without these times to get it out of our system I don't think we would be able to maintain the energy we do throughout the day. But it's complicated by the fact that one of my fellow counselors is the Assistant Director and she is in a constant struggle whether or not to report the wrongdoings to our SD's supervisor. While this seems like a simple decision it is complicated by the fact that our SD is dating her supervisor, and the things that the supervisor has already been notified of have been completly dismissed and ignored. So if we were to get anything changed the AD would have to go over the head of our SD's supervisor and go straight to the top Director of AmVil. This would not only piss off the SD but in addition would piss off her supervisor!!!
Oh Bureaucratic Bullshit
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Camp Life
There are three days left of my first session at camp and my attitude has completely shifted! I just realized I will never see any of the kids ever again!! Which is so very sad to me.
While there are a group of boys who are always looking for trouble when together; names Segway, Sprite, Fraggle, Fonzie, Obama, and Cash Money, apart they are so sweet and knowing that they will no longer be around to test the boundaries is sad to me.
Maverick and I have become really close. He is 15 and a Half, as he likes to say, and is always looking to improve his English. While he has really strong English and we have adult like conversations often, he will repeat different words like neither when it is something he is trying to remember to incorporate into his speaking. He is so very sweet and I will miss him lots and lots!
Then there is a group of kids that are some of the youngest at camp; Daffy, Wiley, PeeWee, Snap, Butterfly, Hermine, Fire, and Wind, and they all just broke out of thier bubbles and are really vocal and hilarious. The way to interact with each other, laugh at silly things, and form relationships is so adorable!
And then there are some of my family members who are always the head of attention, never do things that are really bad but are always pushing the boundaries; Blue, Crackle, Peyton, Milkshake, Penguin, South Park, and Pop. I love them all, they love mocking me, and we have lots of fun together!
I find it hilarious that I will forever remember these kids by their idiodic camp names! When speaking about them to people, and brining up names like Milkshake and Segway I can't help but laugh and love American Village a little bit more!!!
While there are a group of boys who are always looking for trouble when together; names Segway, Sprite, Fraggle, Fonzie, Obama, and Cash Money, apart they are so sweet and knowing that they will no longer be around to test the boundaries is sad to me.
Maverick and I have become really close. He is 15 and a Half, as he likes to say, and is always looking to improve his English. While he has really strong English and we have adult like conversations often, he will repeat different words like neither when it is something he is trying to remember to incorporate into his speaking. He is so very sweet and I will miss him lots and lots!
Then there is a group of kids that are some of the youngest at camp; Daffy, Wiley, PeeWee, Snap, Butterfly, Hermine, Fire, and Wind, and they all just broke out of thier bubbles and are really vocal and hilarious. The way to interact with each other, laugh at silly things, and form relationships is so adorable!
And then there are some of my family members who are always the head of attention, never do things that are really bad but are always pushing the boundaries; Blue, Crackle, Peyton, Milkshake, Penguin, South Park, and Pop. I love them all, they love mocking me, and we have lots of fun together!
I find it hilarious that I will forever remember these kids by their idiodic camp names! When speaking about them to people, and brining up names like Milkshake and Segway I can't help but laugh and love American Village a little bit more!!!
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Status Update
Just found out today I will be at my current site through July. Today was the halfway point of my first of four sessions. Up until today I was worried that I would not be able to stick out the summer. While I was expecting an incredible amount of work and exhausting day, there have been a lot of personality conflicts among staff. Are largest issues are not the kids, it is our lack of chemistry and aligned thinking among the counselors and director. But we are doing our best to iron out the wrinkles.
I am still considering doing three 2 week sessions instead of four. I'm concerned that I will need a little more time to relax after camp and before school, and as of right now I have 3 1/2 days before school starts after I return. So I talked to the camp director about it, she said she'd see what she could do (but it's the hardest session to staff) and I should see if any of the counselors that committed to one month would be interested in taking on another 2 week stint. I've decided to leave it up to fate, I can argue positives and negatives for each scenario...
I am still considering doing three 2 week sessions instead of four. I'm concerned that I will need a little more time to relax after camp and before school, and as of right now I have 3 1/2 days before school starts after I return. So I talked to the camp director about it, she said she'd see what she could do (but it's the hardest session to staff) and I should see if any of the counselors that committed to one month would be interested in taking on another 2 week stint. I've decided to leave it up to fate, I can argue positives and negatives for each scenario...
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Pump it...LOUDER
Camp is amazing, it's a constant test of what I am able to do physically, mentally, emotionally, and creatively. I've never been in an environment before where I was expected to produce so many creative and entertaining ideas on such limited time, but luckily the sleep deprivation makes crazy ideas pop into your head!
The people I'm working with are all amazing rock stars...that is the people who have stayed on board. Two nights ago two of our couselors, the Australian couple, decided to pack their bags and hop the gate in the middle of the night because they didn't want to do it anymore. It was really shocking to see them go in that way and made our day yesterday an absolute cluster-fuck. But we made it through, everyone else had to pitch in a little more of their time and energy, but honestly it really turned out fine and I think they were dragging us down with the negative energy. As one counselor said, sometimes you need to cut the fat off the beef! So we will be getting two new counselors within the next few days and hopefully they add some amazing energy to the team!
As far as camp in general, it has been amazing. I am teaching ESL and really enjoying the experience of teaching a language to people. My class is the mid level class, so they know enough to hold a conversation about the basics but not much more than that. I've been working a lot with them on informal conversation. Things like what's up, how's it going throw them off if you are asking them how they are. They are used to the question 'how are you' and I almost always get a "I am fine thank you, and you" response. So we are working on saying I'm good, confused, mad, and responding to What's up with "not much." Each camp day is also themed so that provides me topics to talk about in class. So far we've had Discover America, Hit Music, and Wild Wild West. Tomorrow's Valentines Day and we have a huge Boom (ie dance) I canNOT wait. It is going to be amazing!!!
Yesterday was Hit Music Day, our second activity of the day was a Dance Rota(tion) where the kids learned five different dances. I taught my jig... and actually learned a new version in the process. Being able to teach a dance not many knew and that involved a partner was really incredible and helped me strengthen a lot of relationships with the campers. So I taught the jig, they also learned Soulja Boy, a pop dance, salsa, and Thriller. Than for Evening Program, which is the last thing they do before bed, we had a "So You Think You Can Dance" competition! It was amazing and there are a few really talented dancers...all guys. So I'm anticipating one heck of an amazing BOOM! With the flares of jig, salsa, and techno dance it should be amazing!
Until next time...
The people I'm working with are all amazing rock stars...that is the people who have stayed on board. Two nights ago two of our couselors, the Australian couple, decided to pack their bags and hop the gate in the middle of the night because they didn't want to do it anymore. It was really shocking to see them go in that way and made our day yesterday an absolute cluster-fuck. But we made it through, everyone else had to pitch in a little more of their time and energy, but honestly it really turned out fine and I think they were dragging us down with the negative energy. As one counselor said, sometimes you need to cut the fat off the beef! So we will be getting two new counselors within the next few days and hopefully they add some amazing energy to the team!
As far as camp in general, it has been amazing. I am teaching ESL and really enjoying the experience of teaching a language to people. My class is the mid level class, so they know enough to hold a conversation about the basics but not much more than that. I've been working a lot with them on informal conversation. Things like what's up, how's it going throw them off if you are asking them how they are. They are used to the question 'how are you' and I almost always get a "I am fine thank you, and you" response. So we are working on saying I'm good, confused, mad, and responding to What's up with "not much." Each camp day is also themed so that provides me topics to talk about in class. So far we've had Discover America, Hit Music, and Wild Wild West. Tomorrow's Valentines Day and we have a huge Boom (ie dance) I canNOT wait. It is going to be amazing!!!
Yesterday was Hit Music Day, our second activity of the day was a Dance Rota(tion) where the kids learned five different dances. I taught my jig... and actually learned a new version in the process. Being able to teach a dance not many knew and that involved a partner was really incredible and helped me strengthen a lot of relationships with the campers. So I taught the jig, they also learned Soulja Boy, a pop dance, salsa, and Thriller. Than for Evening Program, which is the last thing they do before bed, we had a "So You Think You Can Dance" competition! It was amazing and there are a few really talented dancers...all guys. So I'm anticipating one heck of an amazing BOOM! With the flares of jig, salsa, and techno dance it should be amazing!
Until next time...
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Here @ Camp
Wowsers! It feels like a century since I've had time to sit down and reflect on my life...even though it's only been a few days since my last entry. My days at camp have been completely jammed packed with different things to prepare before the campers arrive tomorrow evening.
After much deliberation my camp name is Tiny Dancer. I am on a team of really amazing people who go by Dr Pepper, Nomad, Spanky, Dori, Shark Bait, Cheese Whiz, and Chainsaw to name a few. It is so exciting to be surrounded by a group of people with such energy and creativity. I know some amazing things will be produced amongst us!
While I will be going by Tiny Dancer, and a member of the Billy Jean family (there are five families and we got to pick the theme of the last names, we wanted to pay tribute to Michael Jackson so our families are Billy Jean, Thriller, Bad, Smooth Criminal, Beat It.) However I also will be taking on the personality of a Ms Daisy during free time as I manage the general store now known as 'Ms Daisy's Hideaway.' I can't wait to see all the crazy personailities that emerge from Tiny Dancer, Ms Daisy, and the numerous other characters I will be playing in our many MANY skits!
So far camp is nothing but exciting...and a little tiring. I know the days will be long (even without the kids here we've been putting in 18 hours,) but I know it will make for one hell of a summer!
After much deliberation my camp name is Tiny Dancer. I am on a team of really amazing people who go by Dr Pepper, Nomad, Spanky, Dori, Shark Bait, Cheese Whiz, and Chainsaw to name a few. It is so exciting to be surrounded by a group of people with such energy and creativity. I know some amazing things will be produced amongst us!
While I will be going by Tiny Dancer, and a member of the Billy Jean family (there are five families and we got to pick the theme of the last names, we wanted to pay tribute to Michael Jackson so our families are Billy Jean, Thriller, Bad, Smooth Criminal, Beat It.) However I also will be taking on the personality of a Ms Daisy during free time as I manage the general store now known as 'Ms Daisy's Hideaway.' I can't wait to see all the crazy personailities that emerge from Tiny Dancer, Ms Daisy, and the numerous other characters I will be playing in our many MANY skits!
So far camp is nothing but exciting...and a little tiring. I know the days will be long (even without the kids here we've been putting in 18 hours,) but I know it will make for one hell of a summer!
Friday, June 26, 2009
New Phase
i am leaving life as I have known it the past 17 days and reentering a life of structure and work. While I know it will be a blast, I don't think I'm ready to leave the freedom and mutability I am currently experiencing.
This is my address for the next 15 days, I would love a personal update from anyone who is willing!!
Megan Mueller
American Village de Bretagne
5 place Anne de Bretagne
BP 70366
56503 LOCMINE
This is my address for the next 15 days, I would love a personal update from anyone who is willing!!
Megan Mueller
American Village de Bretagne
5 place Anne de Bretagne
BP 70366
56503 LOCMINE
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