Monday was the start to my third week here at La Granja, the summer camp I've been working at in Catalunya, Spain. I've had my ups and downs, but I prefer focusing on the ups...
Here is an update of the last month or so....
My first week was easier than the second week but still quite an adjustment. I forgot that I would be in Catalunya where the first language spoken is Catalan. It is a mix of French and Spanish so I am able to understand some of it, but I can't speak it. The other monitors were helpful but always speak in Catalan and have had a difficult time getting used to changing the language for us. My first group of kids was very rowdy and fun. They had a natural interest in learning English and each day was full of fun activities. In the past two weeks, we have gone horseback riding, archery, swimming, water fights, red toboggan, English class (of course ;)), animals, volleyball, secret routes, fiestas in the disco, dance show, chocolate with churros...etc...Let me back up and explain a little about the camp...
I work at a camp about an hour by train outside of Barcelona called La Granja. It has various types of camps throughout the summer but the biggest are Colonias and Esplaii. Colonias is the sleepover camp for a week. Groups of students can come for horseback riding camp or horseback riding with an English component. There are typically 3-6 monitors each week and each monitor gets an assistant. The groups of kids are between 10-18. Esplaii is the day camp, so from 8am-6:30pm, the children are dropped off everyday M-FR for 4 or 5 weeks. There are 28 monitors for this type of camp plus assistants for each. I work in Colonias which entails working from 9am-11pm everyday without any days off. I sleep at the camp and must be available in case anything happens but there is a night monitor that stays with my kids. Each day I am responsible for teaching 1 hr and 1/2 of English. Aside from that, I am supposed to do every activity in English although it is extremely difficult depending on their levels of English.
Working with these kids has been at times stressful, entertaining, crazy, hectic, fun and rewarding. Every Saturday, my weekly group of kids and I say goodbye 
as their parents come. We prepare a dance and horse show exhibition for the parents. I have to speak to the parents and answer any questions as well as give them a written report on their child. This day is definately my least favorite because it puts my Spanish to the test. I can see the parents are pleased to have their children attend a camp with a native English speaker, therefore they are understanding if my Spanish isn't 100% correct. This day is also rewarding when the parents tell me how pleased their child was because it ensures they are learning a lot.
as their parents come. We prepare a dance and horse show exhibition for the parents. I have to speak to the parents and answer any questions as well as give them a written report on their child. This day is definately my least favorite because it puts my Spanish to the test. I can see the parents are pleased to have their children attend a camp with a native English speaker, therefore they are understanding if my Spanish isn't 100% correct. This day is also rewarding when the parents tell me how pleased their child was because it ensures they are learning a lot.I've made gre
at friends here and intend to keep in touch with many of them. I hope to head to the beach to relax this Saturday after the kids leave with my friends, Albert and Adriana. After a long week in the hot sun doing many activities, a relaxing afternoon feels awesome :)
at friends here and intend to keep in touch with many of them. I hope to head to the beach to relax this Saturday after the kids leave with my friends, Albert and Adriana. After a long week in the hot sun doing many activities, a relaxing afternoon feels awesome :)Already, in less than a month I will be back in the US and I look forward to seeing my family and friends. I miss them and wish I could share this experience with them other than just a blog. Until then, VIVA EsPaNa...Miss and love you all
XOXO,
Heather
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