for.the.kids: FINALLY

I realize there are not a TON of people that view this blog, and that no one has probably been waiting with bated breath.... but to those that do read my blog about my experience here in Ar-Kan-Saw I sincerely apologize for my lack of an update. So, without further adieu....
..........
...Jeez...where to start?
Ok... so I don't get overwhelmed I will just start where the spirit leads me. :)

We got to take a guided tour through Central High during our Field Trip last session!

This year I arrived on a beautiful Wednesday early September to my wonderful cabin and the two other returning staff, Heather and Mike, to find out that we were being made into "Team Leaders". This was completely unexpected, but we were excited. It comes with some extra responsibilities and we have learned so much already.
During the first session I was paired with Clara (as you may have seen in my last post). To fill in for one of the staff members we let go after the first week of staff training, we brought Clara in from Indiana and I was paired with her to provide a bit of role modeling because she only had about a 1/2 week of training. We had a great time being co-counselors together, and of course we loved our girls.... even when they were pushing us to the brink of insanity (although, it could be argued that a person has to have a certain amount of insanity to work here ;)

The local veterinarian held a Fall Festival with a cool bubble station.

This current session I am a "rover" and am having a wonderful time in the classroom and providing assistance to the counselors in cabins. I am also being taught some of the "office" stuff like making schedules and getting familiar with the data package that holds all of the camper info. In the classroom I am teaching a reading group. Our book is The Liberation of Gabriel King. It is a really great book and I would encourage you to read it. Being at a 4th grade level it wouldn't take too long. teeheehee. I have also enjoyed finding challenging spelling words for them. Three of my girls in that group have asked for more challenging words. Some of them have been philosophy, hyperventilate and malicious. Next week I am excited to have them spell psychologist. mmmwaahahaa.

diggin for diamonds!

This was it at it's worst.

Let me think. Well, some other notable things that have occurred this year include me being bit by a Brown Recluse Spider on my left forearm in the middle of the night and having to go on antibiotics so that the acid would stop eating away my skin, we got to go to an Experiential Education Conference in Southern Illinois which was a lot of fun, and Mike, Heather, Alice and I went digging for diamonds with no success but a lot of fun and dirt all over us.


3 sided cabins in Illinois!

Overall, this year has been pretty good so far. There are definitely new challenges to face this year and I have learned a lot so far. It is great to be back and have the support of Mike, Heather and the rest of the staff that has been at Pfeifer for years. We have only one more week with these kids, then we will start our 3 week Transition period.
Much love to all!