Greetings family and friends,

Today is our 4th day of friendship camp in Bequia and so far things are going very well. The younger kids here are a bit more used to a structured camp environment so our kids have been reflecting on the differences between here and our time on St. Vincent. Last night we attended a local semi-professional basketball game on an outdoor court with many local fans. It was nice to experience an evening out on the town and see what local folks are up to. This afternoon we will be visiting the former prime minister, Sir James Mitchell, at his estate and hopefully swimming in his infinity pool that overlooks the entire island. We are fortunate that one of our local contacts has access to this enlightening experience. Tomorrow we will be wrapping up camp here and then probably heading to a beach for the afternoon. Saturday we have arranged for a local boat trip to an island to do some snorkeling and spend the day on the water. On Sunday we are heading to the Old Hegg Turtle sanctuary to do a service project and work with a man trying to save the sea turtle population in the Caribbean. As you can see we have an action packed final few days in country and then make our way back to the United States on Tuesday. 

Everyone is having a terrific time and all are healthy and happy!

Thatcher, Kate, Evan, and the Bridge Caribbean LIAs

Student Blurbs: Something Learned on the Trip So Far… A ‘Lesson’ You Will Take Home With You

Anna: I learned how to be more independent on this trip because the LIA leaders give us a lot of freedom and hold us accountable for our actions.  They also don’t spoon feed or baby us which is fantastic.

Ryan: I learned that altitude drastically effects weather even in warm climates. 

Seamus: I learned that travel is all about being flexible.  Random stuff is going to happen and you just have to roll with the punches; for example, Antigua for 5 hours in an airport.

Joe: I learned one small action can make a big difference to somebody.  I also learned that to take the initiative is to be a leader. 

Hannah: I learned how to better work with children and how to body surf.

Lee: I learned that teaching young kids is one of the most difficult things to do in the world.  I also learned to appreciate the luxuries I have.

Judah: I learned how to better handle things not in my control.  I also learned how to handle kids of different ages differently. 

Leah: I learned that the way Americans live is an anomaly rather than the norm.  I also learned that it takes very little to make a small child happy. 

Moose: I learned from Pastor Cupid that you have to live life to its fullest, you only live once. 

Silvana: I learned how to keep an open mind and make the best of things.

Francesco: I learned more about the right way to resolve conflicts.  I also learned about and experienced running a camp for the first time.  I learned how to get information about the local area from native locals. 

Sam: I learned to be grateful for what I have. 

Sophie:  I learned how to really communicate and connect with young children. I also had an epiphany that made me realize not take what I have for granted.

Calvin: I learned to work well with younger children and also function better with a group. 

Isaiah: I learned how to deal with living in conditions that are more rustic than I’m used to. 

Ariel: I learned that different cultures don’t have to be that different from what you’re used to. 

Greetings from Port Elizabeth, Bequia!

The group is out doing another MMT (scavenger hunt) in Port Elizabeth and familiarizing themselves with our new island surroundings. Last week we finished up camp on Thursday and Friday, maxing out at around 70 kids on Friday! Overall the camp went very smoothly and we were extremely impressed with the passion and vigor that our group showed as we brought a great deal of Windsor Mountain spirit to the Greiggs and Lauders community. On Saturday we attempted to climb the La Soufiere volcano. We were able to get within 10 minutes of the summit before rain and high winds forced us to make the safe decision and turn back, but the group still felt accomplished and enjoyed getting a bit of exercise. We returned home to the Cupids on Saturday night, did a massive clean, and packed for our ferry ride to Bequia early Sunday AM. Yesterday we took a ferry from Kingstown to Bequia and checked into our beautiful new home. We had convinced many of the kids that we were heading to another rustic accomodation, when in reality we are staying at a 5 bedroom house, complete with 2 kitchens, a short walk to the beach, and even our own pool! We reminded our students that the purpose of our journey here is to run another amazing camp but had a great time planning for this week as we had a Maslow's day (day of rest) yesterday and went for a dip in the pool. The group continues to remain healthy and positive and we will be meeting some of our new campers this afternoon as we connect with some of our local contacts. We are about to head to the grocery store for another shopping run and then return to the house for lunch.  Enjoy the pictures below and click the link to the right for more photos from our trip!

Much love from the Bridge Caribbean 2012 group!

Thatcher, Evan, and Kate

Greetings from Lauders!

Greetings from the Cupid’s House in Lauders! Our group is back in Kingstown for the afternoon to do a massive shopping run, mail postcards, and have lunch. We have had an amazing time at our host family the Cupid’s home in Greggs and Lauders.  They are such warm and welcoming people! On Saturday we headed to the Owia Salt Ponds which are beautiful tidal pools that we swam and snorkeled in. We marveled at the amazing coral and aquatic life as we ate mangoes and picnicked in the Caribbean sun. On Sunday our group shared some of our musical talents as we attended a local church where Pastor Cupid (part of our host family) preached. We enjoyed the songs and energy of local folks and shared our own song, Give Yourself to Love, with the congregation. Sunday afternoon we did “The Pavement” hike and hiked 2.5 hours into the mountains and jungle of St. Vincent until we arrived at a magnificent freshwater spring and went for a dip. The hike further solidified the bonds of our group as we all made it together and safely returned to the Cupids in time for a late dinner.

On Monday we started our first day of camp at Antionne Level (a soccer field a few minutes walk from the Cupids). We had about 25 local kids arrive for camp and ran a variety of activities ranging from friendship bracelet making to baseball and soccer. Monday afternoon we headed back to Indian Bay beach for a quick dip in the ocean and then returned to the Cupids, reviewed our camp progress, and planned for Tuesday. Monday afternoon Pastor Cupid also showed us how to prepare a local dish of dasheen, coconut dumplings, local fish, and fresh coconut milk- it tasted as good as it sounds!

On Tuesday we once again ran camp and had even more local kids (probably between 40-50) turn out. We offered some different activities and further cemented our understanding of the rules of cricket. We walked down the hill to Ms. Black’s fried chicken for lunch and made our way to Brighton Bay in the afternoon. We enjoyed the larger waves (but still very safe) and played in the ocean for 2 hours before returning to the Cupids for dinner.

This morning we ran camp once again and then headed into Kingstown for a food shopping run as well as the other errands mentioned above. All are happy and healthy and we constantly marvel at the cohesiveness and powerful nature of our group. We feel like we have already made an impact in our community. We are looking forward to wrapping up our time in Greggs and Lauders before making our way to Bequia on Sunday.

STUDENT BLURBS: 3 highlights from our first days in Lauders

Francesco: 1) Group Bonding Activities: they foster a deeper bond between us and allow us to talk about what’s on our mind.  2) Swimming: we get to swim in the Caribbean Sea almost every day and it’s a great way to relax and play.  3) The Cupids: they’re some of the nicest people I’ve ever met, they tell great stories and their church service on Sunday was extraordinary. 

Seamus: There were so many highs this week it’s hard to pick just three, but seeing as I have to I’d say 1) playing with the kids at camp, 2) the amazing waves at the beach, and 3) the wonderful kindness of Cupids. 

Anna: 1) I went on a hike and went swimming in a river.  The hike was rather arduous but I felt great after. 2) I worked with children at a camp we started in Lauders – they loved me! 3) I had a long talk with Mrs. Cupid whose house we are staying at.  It was really deep and she loved me. 

Sophie: 1) Pavement Hike: I got a chance to experience the beauty of the island at its fullest.  We climbed the peak for the afternoon and explored the vast forest and went for an awesome swim in a freshwater river. 2) Camp day 1: I joined the art department for the day and taught a group of little girls how to make princess crowns out of pipe cleaners.  It turned out to be a huge hit and all of the girls told their friends.  3) Camp day 2: I befriended a young girl named Reana.  We played with sidewalk chalk and made bracelets for each other. 

Calvin: Overall our stay in Lauders has been amazing.  1) The Cupids are extremely nice and helpful.  2) I also liked Brighton Bay Beach, which had great waves.  3) Also we went on the Pavement Hike which had great views and a cool river. 

Isaiah: 1) Pavement Hike: I felt a good sense of accomplishment after getting to the river at the end.  2) Camp has been fun.  I enjoy working with kids and getting them involved.  3) Brighton Bay Beach was a lot of fun.  The waves were huge and awesome. 

Hannah: 1) Camp because I’ve been able to connect with a lot of great people.  2) Pavement Hike because I was able to climb the really steep mountain.  3) Body surfing in Brighton Beach. 

Ariel: 1) The atmosphere in Lauders and at the Cupids is gorgeous and friendly.  2) The kids we’ve been working with are much more open than any other kids I’ve met.  3) going to the beach everyday is incredible. 

Moose:  1) Took a crazy fun van ride to the Cupids.  2) Prepared a dinner with Pastor Cupid.  3) Went swimming in Brighton Bay… waves took my pants, but I found them!

Silvana:  1) Cupid’s with beds and living room.  2) Hiking the Pavement Hike.  It felt good to exercise.  3) Helping Pastor Cupid scale, gut, and cut fish for soup. 

Lee:  1) I really enjoy seeing the smiles on the kids faces when they show up for camp.  2) Drifting through crystal clear water with both white and black sand is unreal.  3) The kindness shown by the Cupids by letting us stay in their house is so unique and wonderful.

Judah: 1) Climbing Pavement: talking to George, seeing countryside and swimming.  2) Running camp: learning cricket, exercising and meeting older kids.  3) Food: Ms. Black’s friend chicken and Pastor’s fish stew. 

Sam: 1) French kissing a tiny fish for 10 Eastern Caribbean dollars.  2) The hospitality and overall friendliness of people here.  3) The awesome black sand at Brighton Bay Beach. 

Ryan: 1) Playing sports with all the local kids.  2) Going to the river in the mountains.  3) Bonding with the kids on the trip.

Leah: 1) The kids here are so compassionate and sweet.  Five minutes after meeting a girl on the first day of camp she held my hand and gave me a tiara she made.  2) We hiked to the Pavement on Sunday and it was awesome.  The hike was really challenging with steep hills and questionable trails and the view was unreal.  3) I made brownies tonight which not only tasted awesome, but were made in a cookie sheet shaped like a guitar. 

Joe: 1) It felt right bringing fun to kids who I’ve never met before, and their smiles were rewarding to me.  2) Cooking has been a learning experience – learning to work as a team.  I have really liked it.  3) I’ve met some extraordinary people who have gone through experiences like me to make it easier to connect with them and I feel like I belong here.  

First two days in Kingstown

After the kids explored Kingstown, we walked to a 'lunch van' that Sam and his group had found during their town adventure.  We chose between a chicken and bread fruit dish and a local Pilau dish, which consisted of rice and bean with some chicken.  The kids were all psyched to try local food!  After everyone got their food we piled into a van and headed to the beach.  The van ride was definitely a highlight - there is nothing quite like squishing together and jamming to loud Caribbean music!  The beach was absolutely beautiful - clear, aqua water, little colorful fish, and slow calming waves.  We relaxed for a while and then packed back into our favorite van to return to the New Montrose.  Back at the hotel we had some time to relax - a group went to the supermarket to buy some last minute things for dinner, extra cereal for breakfast, and tomorrow night's dinner supplies; the cooking group (Lee, Ryan, Ariel, Joe) began our meal; the rest of the group read and played cards on the balcony.  Dinner was spaghetti with meat and veggie sauce and a big salad - delicious!  After dinner was cleaned up we formed a circle on the balcony and Evan lead a very moving Family Crest activity.  Everyone shared a lot about themselves and we ended feeling much closer as a group.  After the Family Crest we had Evening Discussion and went to bed!  A perfect introduction to St. Vincent island life; an amazing first day!!

This morning we woke up around 8:30 and had breakfast by 9am.  The kids motivated quickly, knowing we had a full day of activities planned, and we left the hotel by 10am for Kingstown.  The leaders of the day, Hannah and Isaiah, led us back into Kingstown where the group split up into groups of 4 and embarked on a Kingstown Magical Mystery Tour, a Windsor Mountain tradition.  The groups were instructed to explore the city again, but this time with specific tasks to complete - tasks included finding a copy of the local paper, speaking to members of the community, staging a public performance of Purple Lilacs, and finding lunch.  The kids were all excited to spend more time getting to know the city and getting more chances to interact with the local people.  We have been so impressed with the group's maturity, their eagerness to take safe risks and step out of their comfort zones, and their family mentality :)  Our plan for the rest of the day is to find another beach to swim at and to do a big grocery shop in preparation for going to the Cupids tomorrow.  We leave you know with a few words from the kids, themselves, about what they've been enjoying and learning:

Anna: "We traveled in an awesome van that blasted music, we went to the beach for an hour and a half."

Ryan: "The van was the best taxi I have ever been in in my entire life and I learned that cooking for a ton of people can be very challenging."

Calvin: "We went to the beach, met some locals, and had the best taxi ride ever."

Silvana: "I liked walking around town, it reminded me of the city with everyone everywhere doing their own thing."

Joe: "We explored Kingstown and went swimming at a beautiful beach.  My favorite part was exploring town, which is filled with friendly people and full of personality."

Hannah: "On the first day we explored the market, went swimming, and met a lot of great people.  A highlight was when we got an amazing taxi ride with great music."

Seamus: "My high of yesterday was the taxi ride and meeting some very interesting people, trying new food, and generally surrounding myself with the island culture."

Sophie: "Today we were submerged in the beautiful and vibrant culture of St. Vincent.  The highlight of today was getting to swim in the beautiful Caribbean Sea."  

Ariel: "Today was a total culture shock - we left the comfortable New Montrose Hotel and entered the world of Kingstown.  The city was booming with friendly people and different things to do.  After exploring the city we went to the beach and relaxed in the ocean.  We headed back to the hotel and were able to bond over experiences and further solidify our family unit."

Francesco: "On the first day we had an awesome time touring Kingstown and chilling on the beach.  We hired this taxi that we all piled into and drove to the beach.  We jammed to St. Vincent music on the way.  I managed to not get sunburned cause I applied enough sunscreen and I tried this food called Pilau that was really tasty - having an awesome time!"

Lee: "Spent time getting to know local people and swam in the crystal clear sea."

Moose: "Met locals in Kingstown, swam at a really awesome beach."

Sam:  "Became friends with the locals and had the best taxi ride of my life - I am a monstrosity!" 

Isaiah: "Finished my book, swam in the ocean, and explored Kingstown."

Leah: "Walked around Kingstown, took a crazy van ride, swam in the ocean - it was a lot nicer than northern mass - and read my book."

Judah: "Walked around Kingston, meeting people, and tried local foods.  Took a great cab ride and swam in the ocean."

Greetings from St. Vincent!

Our group at New Montrose, our accommodation in St. Vincent

As I write this your children are out exploring Kingstown, exchanging currency, and familiarizing themselves with island life and our new surroundings for the next few weeks. The group arrived at 11pm last night (7/3) after a long and exhausting day of traveling. We let them sleep in this morning until about 10 am and then had a nice breakfast out on the porch where the photo was taken. We have just walked into town and are giving them an hour (in groups) to explore and figure out where we want to head this afternoon. It is not super hot today- a little rainy and grey- but very manageable and still nice enough to go for a quick dip. Spirits seemed high this morning after a long night of rest and the kids did great yesterday learning how to amuse themselves in the Antigua airport while we waited on Liat airlines. In the end they got a "private" plane direct to St. Vincent so we were thrilled to have them land last night and begin our program. All are happy and healthy and opening their minds and hearts to St. Vincent and The Grenadines!

Much love,

Thatcher, Kate, Evan and the Bridge Caribbean 2012 program

The Caribbean crew enjoys their last night camping at Windswept before departing for St. Vincent and the Grenadines in the morning!