WORKCAMP SEASON SERIES

Lato w Teatrze: What squeaks in the grass? 

My workcamp experience

For two weeks I was in Zambski Kościelne volunteering in the summer project Lato w Teatrze: What squeaks in the grass? an artistic project for kids from the local community.

This year, the  kids discovered what the meadow hides: animals, insects and flowers, visited a few places nearby and got inspired and did a final performance with all these elements.

We were three volunteers from different countries: Almaz from France, Anna from Italy and me, from Honduras, also, we were working with local volunteers.

Our everyday work was to prepare the meals: yogurts (my favorite was the chocolate one), fruits and sweet bread, play with the kids during the breaks, help them in anything they needed and cleaning. But we also had the opportunity to join the different workshops with the instructors and learn from them. During the second week, we built a tent and the stage were the kids did the performance, were rehearsing and doing their costumes. It was fascinating to witness their creative process. We even participated in the performance, for at least a few seconds.

In our free days, we went to Warsaw and Pułtusk. In Pułtusk, we met with a few friends, we made a tour around the city, did kayaking, ate delicious food and ice cream and later we went to the beach for a few hours.
After work, in the afternoons, we were walking  around  the river, cooking some polish dishes and meeeting with the locals. We were invited to a bonfire with the kids in front of the river, we were eating, singing and laughing a lot, we had a great time.

The camp was about discovering but also taking caring of the community, that’s why we met with the kids and their parents to collected trash near the river. 

It was a great experience! Full of challenges and good moments. I learnt more about France and Italy, cooked and ate delicious dishes, improved more my skills in English and learnt some polish words with the kids. 

My favorite moments during the breaks were going with the girls and catch some ladybugs and small grasshoppers. We even, made a new friend, Mustarda, a little frog hidden in the grass.

I learnt that communication with kids is not that hard, even if you don’t speak the same language as them, if they want to say something, they somehow find the way to explain you and teach you. You only need to be motivated and be a little patient. So, by the  second week we were talking in English and Polish and it worked for us.

For me and my collegues it was an unique experience full of memories and new friends from all ages. At all time we felt welcomed and supported. So, I'd like to thank the instructors and special guests,the people from Zambski and of course, to the kids. 

Go to the facebook page and see the amazing picture of this workcamp: Lato w Teatrze. Zambski Kościelne.

- Jennifer Soto