Gustavus Students at Africa Jam!: Africa Jam Day 3

The camp became an emotional experience as we started to get to know all the campers. A lot of these kids face challenges in their lives, and finding out their story is often tough. Their perseverance, however, is inspiring. Having only a week with these amazing people pushes us to do everything in our power to get to know them because we might not ever see them again. This aspect of camp can also shed some perspective on our American relationships. We should try and strengthen every close relationship like we only have a week to do it. Often, there is no urgency. We say, "maybe when I am thirty, I will get to know my siblings better," or "I can always say 'I love you' some other day." This camp is a good lesson in developing close relationships, but also, developing close relationships across cultural boundaries. It gave us a sense of relationship-building urgency.

Africa Jam is the ideal sanctuary for building strong relationships.

One theme during camp, finding the hero in ourselves and others, taught a powerful life lesson.
Many people tend to wear figurative masks, and this often puts up barriers between people. When nobody looks behind those facades to try and see who the real individuals are behind the masks, society stays disconnected. Africa Jam was a prime example of looking behind the "mask" and seeing the good in everyone. Pasteur David, the Africa Jam Pasteur who dedicates his life to helping people (especially youth), sang a song called "A Hero Lies in You." Then he gave time for everyone to go around the room and give hugs or handshakes to other people --people that we know are heroes behind their figurative masks. Everyone was seeking out one another. Campers who I hadn't even had a chance to get to know yet, came up to me, stared me straight in the eye and gave me hugs. You could see the sincerity in their eyes. Every single person was thankful that the next person was there. It was an extraordinary feeling to know, wholeheartedly, your existence is important to others.

It was common to see everyone smiling.

Lasting relationships.

Today, some of the leaders were called on to lead activities based on skills or interests they have. Some activities included: basketball, swim lessons, drama, arts and crafts, poetry writing, nature hiking, and dancing. We taught the campers what we knew, and in turn, received a lot from them as well.

Rody teaching another camper a song on the piano.

Some leaders took the campers on a nature hike. Here they are enjoying the view.

Arts and crafts time! Gustavus art students and professors shared some of their crafty knowledge.

These boys loved the basketball court. We shared drills and games with the campers, and they were definitely fast learners.

Everyone was eager to show some dance moves.

During the poetry workshop, lead by Gustavus English Professor Elizabeth Baer, participants read several short poems together and discussed how powerful a poem of just a dozen words can be when the imagery is right. The following poems were written by campers, leaders, and a staff member from Africa Jam:

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Spaced out . . .

Transition takes my foot

And places it in the heart. -Bianca deVries

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Self Discovery

The only road to liberation -Gxotelwa Zekkhaya

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That Word

At midnight I woke up like

an alarm something is embracing

my arm. No! It's not fable

Perhaps I ain't stable

I look up at the ceiling

And I get this weird feeling

I was so wrong

for saying that word so strong

I wanted to rule

and be cool

but I was a fool

Someone is crying Beep

inside everything is dying

because I've said that word

That word changes lives

Like a gang chasing you

With knives.

You're so weak

not able to speak

cause of that word

I don't feel the pain

running through your veins

I'm trying to abstain

from that word causing pain. -Ntsiki

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Stir me. . .

I am shaken!

All the emotions; I can't contain it . . .

Love;

Kindness;

Peace of mind;

& a pure heart.

Could it be all I need to guide me? -Jaquline Hoorn

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Hearts of wax

Softened the stone

Drip and dry

Needy for fire -Ryan DeCook

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The night was "Jam" packed with activities. First, we had a panel discussion with representatives speaking from each community. The topic involved the problems within communities and what we are doing to combat those problems. Everyone seemed to mention similar challenges, and it was motivating to hear the steps these great people are taking to better their communities. Once again, adversity is thrown on the table, but perseverance proves a worthy opponent.

Next on the agenda was camper entertainment. This time the campers got to show off their skills, and wow . . . they blew us away. Lifelines performed several acts; they were remarkable. A few campers had vocal solos, and several showed off dance moves. Some even hopped on the instruments and had a jam session. We were very impressed by their talents. When asked how they learned these skills, we often heard the answer, "I taught myself."