Camp G.L.O.W.

 This past weekend we had our Camp G.L.O.W. (girls leading our world) event in Kampong Cham. A group of us volunteers have spent the last six months planning and preparing for this grand weekend. I, along with four other volunteers, were able to bring twelve girls from each of our sites. The three day event included sessions and workshops related to nutrition, reproductive health, AIDS and STD's awareness, public speaking, project planning, self defense and information on how to apply for jobs and school applications. The girls also got to design their own shirts, make friendship bracelets and exercise.

 The first activity we had the girls do was an ice breaker that allowed all the girls to interview and speak to one another. We wanted them to break out of their shell and not be afraid to ask each other questions.

 These two young ladies were our group leaders. They attended last years camp glow and this year we invited them to come and discuss with the other students what they had learned most.

 Our friend and fellow volunteer, Charlie joined us and taught the girls some valuable skills in self defense. The girls spent a lot of time giggling at first but once they realized that these skills are taught to help them if in any case they may be in danger than they'll know how to prevent it and break away from it.

 We a lot of rain. In fact, one of most memorable moments from this weekend was when it started pouring rain and it didn't stop for almost four hours straight. We had finished eating dinner when it started raining and then we waited and waited and waited longer and the rain still did not lighten up. So what were we left to do? Walk in the rain. The hotel that we stayed at was a good 25 minute walk from the high school where we had our workshop. The girls had no problem getting wet and if  they weren't complaining than who was to be negative about it. We made the most of that moment and at times we skipped in the puddles and hurried ourselves back to the hotel.

 The mornings were spent doing exercise. Bright and early at six o'clock we had dance class on the first morning and then the next morning we had a yoga class.

 Camp Glow was a success! And it's all thanks to everybody's input and hard work. Everything ran smoothly and we're already coming up with ideas for next years camp glow. I'm not afraid to say that at this point the girls in Cambodia kicked ass! I mean that with complete and utter love.