What!? I'm going camping?

So I agreed to substitute as a chaperone on the fifth grade inter cultural trip. Many might ask: What were you thinking? Are you mad? Four days and three nights with 70 ten and eleven year olds?! Camping?

But of course...I am always up for a challenge. Even if I'm not really outdoorsy.

In preparation for our trip we began with a camp out on the lower field at school Friday afternoon. The kids brought all their bags, sleeping mats, etc. to school with them and then we trudged over to the field after dismissal.

Fortunately for the adults, our tents were already pitched and looked significantly more sturdy and larger than the little triangular prisms the "tent buddies" would be sharing. After a demonstration on tent setup by one of the teachers, the kids excitedly raced across the field reminiscent of the land rush scene in Far and Away to claim their piece of earth for the evening and begin setting up.

As fifth graders with some expert campers among them, they did quite well with only a little help where they needed a stronger arm. After the raising (or razing) of the tents we headed off to the pool to have some down time before dinner. I am always shocked how great international kids have it since they can jump off the side of the pool deck, and heaven forbid, a diving board without the school under threat of being sued.

At the blow of a whistle and a chirruping chorus of "Sí Señor!" we headed back to the tents for a carb rich dinner of pasta, bolognese sauce, coleslaw and some tomato sauce for the vegetarians. The kids were very polite, organized, many ate their vegetables and practically everyone cleaned their plates. Compared to second grade, they were quite civilized.

Gathered around the campfire, individual students told jokes, and funny or spooky stories. We roasted marshmallows, drank hot chocolate and discussed the the upcoming trip. Squeals of laughter ensued with talks of squatty potties and only getting one three minute shower. Some girls expressed their fears of the baby-like wailing of tree hyraxes and missing home. Overall everyone is upbeat and excited about the night sleeping at school and the trip ahead.

Brush your teeth, go to your tents, lights out. As soon as the kids are in their tents and quieted down, a sudden piercing yowl sounds throughout the camp. Giggles and screams of terror emanate from every tent. Two cats were fighting, perfectly replicating the hyrax. Finally, after being assured nothing was going to attack, the kids went to bed.

Everyone was up early to pack up their stuff, take down their tents, and go home. Nervous parents have already started to arrive anxiously searching for their little babies. I am so glad my parents weren't like that.

Phase 1 is complete. In one week, we're off for the real deal.


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Location:School Field Nairobi