Cuteness Overload! - #CampNoName VIDEO

We insist on having fun! :-)

Catch a glimpse of the camp HERE -->  http://vimeo.com/100037511

We all love summer camp, right? I know I do - Making new friends, exploring nature, trying new things, and being wild and zany (not to mention tie-dyed t-shirts, and singing random campfire songs) Ahhh... it's usually the highlight of my year!

Alba and Joey!

Kampi Pa Emer (aka "Camp no name") was started 6 years ago in Librazhd, Albania by a couple (Alba and Joey). Alba is a native Albanian now living in the USA, and Joey is a returned Peace Corps Volunteer. Every summer, they prepare a fun week of activities for the kids here in town. There are about 50 kids, ages 6 - 14, and some of whom are part of the Roma community living in Librazhd. For those of you who are not familiar with the Roma people, here is a very brief description (Source - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roma_people)

The Romani, or Roma, are a diasporic ethnicity of Indian origin, living mostly in Europe and the Americas. Romani are widely known among Anglophonic people by the exonym "Gypsies" (or Gipsies). Roma communities have resided in the Balkans for numerous centuries.

The idea is to have these children play, learn, and make friends with non-Roma kids in the community. The camp is about togetherness and unity, but also about having FUN! Locals Albanians and Peace Corps Volunteers support the camp as the counselors, help organize the camp, and help produce activities like - futbol (that's soccer for all us Americanz), arts/crafts, singing games, health lessons, exercise, team-building sessions, other games, and more. 

Although I have been to camp for many years before, this was my first camp as a counselor. It is quite a different experience being on the facilitator side of things... but the magic was still there. The songs, the energy, the friendships, and craziness were all things I remember (and cherish) from my summers of youth.

Can't wait 'til next year!


Catch a glimpse of the 2014 camp HERE -->  http://vimeo.com/100037511
 

The coolest kid in town!