Names have been changed in the following article to protect the innocent. And the less innocent, but whatever.
This summer, I volunteered at a summer camp that taught young kids other languages. I took care of the children, played with them, and helped keep the classroom tidy. All in all, the camp was set up quite well – distinct schedules, reasonably tidy rooms, and friendly helpers. It was a good camp. I only had one problem with the camp – the children there. They weren’t really mean, per se – they just played a bit rough.
The following list describes major events that occurred during my volunteer hours:
Two kids, Jason and Michael, decided to start a “game” of sorts that I have decided to call “Evil Colin”, after the name they gave me while playing it. The rules are simple:
-Cole is “Evil Colin.”
-He runs the class (no I don’t), and that makes him evil.
-We must beat him up using our superweapons (random toys that are used as blunt instruments).
I actually kind of enjoyed playing along with this, and I could tell that Jason and Michael enjoyed themselves. The only problem I had with the game is that it was a bit one-sided – I couldn’t run (because the leader was worried that I might hurt somebody) or fight back (because I’m not a horrible person and don’t attack 8-year-olds). As a result, the “game” mostly revolved around me speed-walking away from two young children while they tried to take me down with their toys. Also I couldn’t make them stop playing, since they ignored my commands. Mom says that I “lack disciplinary skills”, but I’d like her to try disciplining kids that ignore her. (Note from Mom: Been there, Done that, Buddy.) …Nobody asked for your commentary, Mom! And what’s With the RandOm CapItaLs?
Some girls started referring to me as “Daddy”. I thought that I served a traditional “patriarch” role at first, but then they tried to “cook” me in a toy oven and turn me into a princess. (It makes sense in context. …That’s what I would say if it did.) I found this oddly entertaining, in a way. After that, they started calling me names like “Ugly Daddy” or “Big Daddy Bad Daddy”. I found this… less entertaining.
A kid named Jervonte started playing Tag with me. Again, I would have enjoyed this more if I’d been allowed to run. As it stood, the game was rather one-sided. Also, he joined “Evil Colin” more than once.
I started taking drawing requests from one of the instructor’s daughters. Eventually a “How to Draw 50 Animals” book was added as a reference. I drew 2 anime cat heads, a large dog, and something that vaguely resembles a Smurf if the viewer squints his/her eyes really hard.
I watched a lot of videos. A lot. As in, the instructor’s teaching style revolved around introductory kids’ videos followed by activities corresponding to the videos, and the instructor also used videos during down time to entertain the children. All that I will divulge about said videos is that 1) I never really considered the fact that other countries had cartoons and shows that aren’t shown outside of America up until that camp, and that 2) Walt Disney’s The Three Little Pigs, and for that matter other videos that rhyme in specific languages, should not be translated into Spanish unless the translator can find other rhymes that work. Otherwise, the result is off-putting.
All in all, I enjoyed my experience at the camp. I had a good time, and I learned how to play with children and return in one piece. My sanity is still perfectly intact, although I do have uncomfortable flashbacks when confronted with isolated marble track pieces. As always, thanks for keeping up with my articles and putting up with my nonsense.
A Super Weapon of Terrible Power. Fear its Sting
Ciao!
Cole Szymonik
Cole is 15 years old. Cole has Asperger’s and is this site’s first young adult monthly contributor. Cole will write about a variety of topics. He will be starting Deep Run IT specialty center in the Fall. He dearly loves pet sitting, and is a total pet whisperer!