The story of a village
Hilfe!! Ich spreche viel besser Deutsch.
This started as a fictive story of a village which was compiled from what I've either experienced myself - or what I've been reported from (very trustworthy ;-) witnesses over the last couple of years.
But as the Internet is a great way of gathering information it soon became a group-work. We'd very much appreciate some feedback and/or helping to improve this page.
If you're not yet familiar with or more interested in the basic und underlying concepts of the programme you might want to read this information first.
Well, how should one describe the undescribable? There's simply no way - so what comes is the desperate try of a bunch of young people to make you understand what cannot be understood without experiencing yourself. But stay tuned: it's well worth it, we promise! :-)
How it all starts
Huh, let me be bold and jump right into it - skipping the first couple of months doing all the preparation, convincing the parents that they cannot find anyone better than you to take care of their kids - and start with the trip. Meeting at the airport (railway,...), checking the passports and saying good-bye is quite a strange moment. Wouldn't you expect the kids to be (a very little, at least) sad to leave home for four weeks? Totally wrong! They're eagerly waiting to boldly go where they haven't been before - leaving (possibly) sad parents. During the trip itself the wise sleeps to be prepared for
The arrival
Hundreds of eyes looking at you, cheering, laughter, chaos, simply the best welcome you could imagine - and better. Just all you need to forget the stressy trip (in case you haven't been wise). But don't worry, after you've said "Hello!" to all the 101 people you'll be ready for the first 10-minute-instant-sleep - and then the next delegation arrives!
Finally you made it to the campsite, the place you'll stay the next four weeks. What? - You want to go in the shadow and relax? Didn't you see the beds have not been made yet? So hurry up! Do it! [...] Finished? Good, now you could prepare ...
The first Leadersmeeting
Sorry, did I say "Leadersmeeting"? - what I meant was (of course) JCsLeadersStaffmeeting! After all the (brilliant ?!?!) work you've done the first day it's time to recharge the batteries: dinner time! And of course it's also time to get to know each other good-better-the best. This and agreeing on the basic structure of the village covers the next two days - until
after they spent their first weekend in host families. This gives leaders some time to get to know each other and also gives the children the chance to learn about the host countries culture from actually living in a family. But right now this weekend is over and they rush into the campside, wow have they much to tell. Two ears for four kids isn't quite enough at that time. But over time the dust settles and they calm down a (very) little. Now it's time to show them around, explaining some basic rules and regulations and most important: to introduce them to one another, well, at least starting - they'll continue themselves.
Oops, the spelling ... well, let's say this is the international prerelease with more emphasis on the artistical impression ... . What?!?!? Shower time at 7:30am ? - Thank god are human beings flexible .... :-))))
Nevertheless, somehow you try (!!!) to stick to it as - after all - someone needs to be the good example (hmm, but why me ???). It's amazing: even people who would never get up that early at home (almost always) do so here.
[...TODO]
Oh yes, they're another interesting part. As you can see they fortunately include some rest time, too. If taking care of a dozen excited children in the middle of a big city can be called that way. But if your fellow leaders really need to buy this beautifulliest beautiful souvenir someone needs to play the "hero". But there's always time to pay back ... ahh, well, to give them the chance to participate in a real nice activity I meant (of course !!).
The pra...c.l jo..s
Hey, what's this? My typewriter seems to be broken (or did I want to hide anything ?). It's really amazing how much men can love hairs in their face - even if they can't tell you why. [...TODO] Anyway, beards (and mustaches) can be used as basis for really good activities, believe me.
Shower time
Ev'rybody needs a shower from time to time - and what's actually easier than asking your friend from Andromeda to come down with its UFO and organize an unforgettable galactic shower party for everyone (Still anyone who doesn't believe in my Andromeda-friend?)
The Open Day
[...TODO]
The group
There's not much to say: watch the picture and you'll know everything!
The - oh no, not so soon, one more week please - good-bye
What would be a village without symbols? [...TODO] How will this tree look like tomorrow - next year - in ten years? Will I ever see it again? Will I meet anyone again? Questions over questions. Some will be answered, some maybe not. But what is for sure: You'll never forget the time you spent here. Nor will you ever forget the friends you made - even if you lose contact.
Hope you enjoyed reading !
[..TODO]
This page was written by Thomas Holubar. If you have any suggestions, criticism or if you want some further information: please feel free to write me.
If you would like to help me putting more stuff on this page or create one about other CISV programmes, please contact me. If you can eMail me you can help me. There are no more technological barriers in todays Internet-world.
Oh yes, they're another interesting part. As you can see they fortunately include some rest time, too. If taking care of a dozen excited children in the middle of a big city can be called that way. But if your fellow leaders really need to buy this beautifulliest beautiful souvenir someone needs to play the "hero". But there's always time to pay back ... ahh, well, to give them the chance to participate in a real nice activity I meant (of course !!).
Hey, what's this? My typewriter seems to be broken (or did I want to hide anything ?). It's really amazing how much men can love hairs in their face - even if they can't tell you why. [...TODO] Anyway, beards (and mustaches) can be used as basis for really good activities, believe me.
Ev'rybody needs a shower from time to time - and what's actually easier than asking your friend from Andromeda to come down with its UFO and organize an unforgettable galactic shower party for everyone (Still anyone who doesn't believe in my Andromeda-friend?)
There's not much to say: watch the picture and you'll know everything!
What would be a village without symbols? [...TODO] How will this tree look like tomorrow - next year - in ten years? Will I ever see it again? Will I meet anyone again? Questions over questions. Some will be answered, some maybe not. But what is for sure: You'll never forget the time you spent here. Nor will you ever forget the friends you made - even if you lose contact.