I am always fond of kids.
So when I slipped into an article in FB about English camp Volunteers, I never hesitate to scan the details and registered.
English Camp has been doing this service for almost a decade, the first year they established this was with a different motives, it was to give joy and comfort to Tsunami Victims in Japan way back 2011. This is to compensate the sadness and heartaches of the locals who were greatly affected from their loss. As time goes by, it has been continuously doing service with kindness but this time to give joy and teaching young kids with confidence on speaking English.

I scanned, read and registered. That filled up my whole summer vacation, which I will never forget. I have met hundred of kids at the camp and co-volunteers from different country, more or less there were about less than 20 volunteers in the camp. Basically, what we did was supporting Japanese staff on handling kids and teaching them basic English expressions.
Well, it was hard BUT it was totally worth it. And well these kids cannot totally speak English at all well not everyone but most of them. So, it is literally important to speak basic Japanese at the camp and be able to respond to the children questions and situation.

At the camp we were obliged to take care of all the kids in our group, there were 4 groups PINK, ORANGE, BLUE and YELLOW respectedly. I was placed in ORANGE team with 1 Japanese leader and 1 from Timor-Leste. Despite from out cultural differences among the other co-volunteers we managed to get along with each other and share something from each of our countries, of course there were 6-7 Filipinos in the camp we were majority among volunteers and the rest were from India, Indonesia and Japan.

So in the camp we played games, get along with the kids, sleep together with the kids and helped them read and speak English. It was very challenging because like any other kids in the world Japanese children were also naughty and mischievous. They won't listen and they are so carefree as what every kids are, well, there were nice and quiet kids but seriously all of them never missed home. I guess that what makes them tough and independent people, they were trained since young to stand by themselves not only in this situation but even in their school.

I have to cover their face for privacy purposes

My first seat Rin-chan mate going to the camp site

Our view from our hostel in Kamogawa Chiba. (Camp Place)

my team. When we arrived after 4 hours bus ride, looking hungry and tired

first lunch together after washing up

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the following photos are groupies and selfies with different kids in the camp

my assigned kids. my power girls

SUMMARY:

It was fun and interesting experienced for me. I have to maximize my time, energy and patience towards the kids.
Indeed, for 2 days camp I was able to practiced my Nihonggo as well since it is badly needed to push through your broken Japanese language to the kids for them to understand you. It is easy to learn with them because they will not criticize you nor laughed at you rather they will help you and correct you in a childish way.

There are so many things that I was able to remind myself after the camp, that sometimes we need to let other people teach us. Growing independently, I always took out the chances of bringing in what people around my circles wanted me to learn, wether it is younger or inexperienced people than you. Patience is ,indeed, a virtue. It will really pays well in all aspect. Patience is like generosity good things will come back to you if you surpass the challenges. (hehe)
At the end of the day, I've realized that sometimes in this life adults are not the only people we can learned something from but kids teaches us more in life.