Between Peace & Joy:Life in the Valley Vincy Style: July 2011

Thursday, July 28, 2011

It's like Netball but so much better!

Last week I was a camp counselor/assistant coach for a 3-day overnight basketball camp. The camp was put on by Adonal Foyle and his Kerosene Lamp Foundation. I must say I was quite impressed by the camp. The popular sports here in St. Vincent are Cricket , Futbol and Netball. Volleyball is somewhere in the middle. Basketball is along the lines of Tennis I believe. There are a few courts and a few organizations that attempt to offer competitive leagues to those interested, but generally they don't get too much attention.

This was the first year that the foundation held an extended overnight camp. They wanted to make it more intense and comprehensive for the campers. The kids not only benefited from physical activity and the many by products that come out of organized sports like discipline, respect and focus; they also participated in daily life skills sessions.

From 9-2 the kids attended sessions including : sports psychology, reading, nutrition, HIV/AIDS, and Sports not Drugs just to name a few. Then they loaded up into buses to head to the basketball courts. From 3-6 they were involved in various stations where they were taught an array of basic basketball skills.

I truly had a great experience and I am so happy I was able to be apart of the camp. ( And of course get a lil 2 on 2 in on the side) . Although long and draining, it was worth every minute of it. ( Especially relieving the sleep deprived camp counselors at 8am from the night shift! haha, brave souls )

The highlight for me was seeing a 13 year old female picked to be part of the All-Star team. The foundation is doing great things. Check'em out!

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THE PC CREW

Saturday, July 9, 2011

Adventures with Elvis

Tiny Friend we met along the way

ELVIS, DETERMINED TO GET SOME COCONUT WATER!

After the 2nd unsuccessful attempt to visit the Montreal Gardens, we settled for a tour around the mountains with a new found friend- Elvis. He is an interesting little guy, friendly and very in tune with nature. Although we didn't make it into the gardens because they were closed, we still enjoyed an amazing trek through the lush hills nestled in the heart of the valley.

Surrounded by the magnificence of life, nature, and beauty- it really helped put things into perspective. Perceptions of problems, daily stressors, anger and hurt that have fueled parts of your existence all seem to become very minuscule when you accept the vast offerings from nature, just for that moment. The chaos of the mind quiets with ease once you openly receive what is generously being presented to you. Taking a step back an soaking in the bigger picture, how we are all so very interconnected allows a stream of life/love/pure energy to rejuvenate your spirit and soul. Thank you Elvis :) And special thanks to Candice for "WOmaning" up and surviving the hike in her chucks!!

Vincy Mas 2011 ( Soca Monarch & J'ouvert)

So Vincy Mas has officially ended. Back to life as we knew it before all the madness. Special thanks to Candice and Wilmina for traveling down to see me (and check on me haha) and take in my first carnival experience in SVG. Love you ladies!!! Great time for sure but I am TIRED.

School is out for the summer so I am in the process of restructuring my schedule with a few exciting projects I will get to work on from July- September. I will post more about them once my words come back to me. For now, enjoy a few pics!