Gustavus Students at Africa Jam!

Africa Jam Final Day

2009-02-06T14:03:00.000-08:00

We have come to the last day of Africa Jam camp. On this final day, we exchanged contact information, had a final devotion service, and watched a wonderful slide show of our experiences.

Final Thoughts:

During the orientation to our trip, Ellen came to talk to us and to prepare us for our week at Africa Jam. She told us to remember that the camp is meant for the campers, and that we would be coming for their sake. The campers are the ones that need this sanctifying week to get away from all of life's struggles. Getting on the bus to leave Africa Jam, I realized we did that, but we also took something away from camp. We shared our skills, our respect, and our knowledge with the campers, but we gained strong friendships and life lessons. The camp was designed for these 200 South African youth, but it extended much further than the campers and even further than South Africa. Upon returning to the United States, some of us Gustavus students plan on staying involved with Africa Jam. Maybe a few will return next year, and perhaps, many will help out from Minnesota. Africa Jam has also changed our lives in other ways. It may help us figure out what we want to do in life, drive us to do more for our own communities, or even strengthen our relationships at home. We will always remember Africa Jam for its inspiring and persevering campers and leaders. What Ellen, leaders, and campers have created, extends much further than the Rockland campsite in Capetown, South Africa. It is now affecting people on the other side of the world.

Thanks Africa Jam.

Africa Jam Day 4

2009-02-06T09:51:00.000-08:00

Every morning one leader gave a devotional lecture. Today it was Leon's turn. One quote he used stuck out in my mind. Martin Luther King Junior once said, "Take the first step in faith. You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step." It's a good way to look at life, especially when circumstances seem unbearable. When it is hard to find a way out, just take it one step at a time. Just because you can't see where you are going does not mean you shouldn't keep going. The camp was all about giving these youth strength to lead a good life, but many of the lessons rubbed off on us Gustavus students as well. We took as many lessons away from camp as the campers did.

Leon sharing some life lessons.

Later, it was time for some team building. We tried our hands at Rockland's ropes course. Everyone was working together to accomplish a common goal. Even the leaders were helping out and participating with the campers.

That's what I call carrying the team!

Risky Business!

Posing for a picture while accomplishing their goal. What can't they do?

The infamous rope swing over muddy waters. Many got a bath before making it to the other side.

Even the leader, Loyiso, was up to the challenge.

Professor Clementson's legendary swing across muddy waters. The leaders and professors demonstrated that we were all in this together. There was no such thing as a superior or an inferior. Mutual respect was everywhere.

We had another full day of activities and then another emotional worship service. After the service, everyone was told to go outside, find their own place, and pray/reflect for fifteen minutes. To me, this was one of the most powerful moments of camp. I ventured out to the athletic field to look at the stars and peer out into the ocean. Then, about 5 minutes into the session, I started to hear sobbing, along with prayers all around me. That was when it hit me: There is so much we do not know about each other, so much these young people are going through that no one knows about. It showed me the amount of struggles they are dealing with behind their masks, the masks they use to carry on. I commend them for their strength, but I wanted to find out what they are going through. I wanted to see if there was anything we could do to help each other. Maybe there is and we can't see it yet, but we can still take the first step. That is what Africa Jam does; it makes one yearn for reciprocity, and the desire to help one another.

A Powerful 15 minutes of prayer and reflection.

Passionate young people scattered around the campgrounds to pray and reflect on life.

Now that is a nice smile!

(Thanks for these pictures Simphwe!)

This was our last full day of camp. We felt the end was coming soon, but we had one more thing to do: the candlelight reflection ceremony. Pasteur David placed several candles in the middle of the gymnasium, and people were encouraged to come light a candle, and tell what Africa Jam has meant to them. When campers spoke, you could really sense how much the camp has meant to them. You know they would have loved to articulate themselves better, but they spoke from the heart. It was not about saying everything right; it was about saying what was felt. I tried to do the same thing. Loyiso and I went up, lit a candle, and I tried to find the words to express my experience. Loyiso accompanying me up to the front represented what the camp is all about: being there when others need us despite any differences we might have.

Africa Jam Day 3

2009-01-13T01:40:00.000-08:00

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:

_______________________________________

Spaced out . . .

Transition takes my foot

And places it in the heart. -Bianca deVries

_______________________________________

Self Discovery

The only road to liberation -Gxotelwa Zekkhaya

_______________________________________

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

______________________________________

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

________________________________________

Hearts of wax

Softened the stone

Drip and dry

Needy for fire -Ryan DeCook

________________________________________

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."

A group of campers singing "Lean on Me."

A brave soloist has the audience at the edges of their seats.

Musical talent was tremendous.

Lifelines: Inspiring, fun, motivational, energetic, powerful, musical, passionate--I could go on forever.

Africa Jam Day 2

2009-01-07T01:36:00.000-08:00

We were very busy at camp. Free time was hard to come by, but we loved every minute of it. We played games with the youth, learned about their lives, and even attended their worship services. There was so much energy, singing, drumming and dancing. It feels really good to be part of such a loving and welcoming community. The South Africans always invited us Gusties to participate in the singing and dancing.

Despite our differences, campers are a pleasure to get to know.

Simphwe, one of the campers, recently recieved a grant to help him start a photography business. We figured a passionate photographer like Simphiwe could help us out with our blog postings, so many of the following pictures were taken by Simphwe. I could not have asked for a better partner in creating this blog. His positive attitude and drive amidst adversity is truly remarkable. We could all learn something from Simphwe.

Simphwe directs people where to sit for his photo.

Simphwe and I posing for a picture this time.

Here are some campers having a blast on the trampolines.

Here is the hangout in the middle of camp. We are enjoying a tiny bit of freetime and getting to know the campers. Our brains are overloaded with names, but we are meeting some amazing teens. Each one has a positive attitude, and they all treat each other, and us Gusties, with the utmost respect. Everyone is friendly and eager to get to know us.

This is the dining area. We eat all of our meals here, and hear many campers singing and drumming on the tables.

The mutual respect between campers and leaders is inspiring. During lunch, everyone starts making loud rhythmic beats on the tables. Some of the South African leaders and even Gustavus students join the fun. The fantastic beats and songs act as effective team builders. It is easy to feel accepted at this camp.

During worship today, everyone was participating and having a good time. The band that volunteered to play for Africa Jam was bringing the house down. Everybody was moving and grooving; they even called a couple of us Gusties up front to learn some dance moves. I would say we were successful. Nobody cared about being embarrassed because EVERYONE was accepting. It is a nice atmosphere where you can express yourself without fear of repricusions.

The musical geniuses posing for a picture.

You know your breaking it down when your cymbal splits in two.

Everyone enjoying the music.

The camp leaders were in charge of the nightly entertainment on day 2. We were a little apprehensive to get involved, but we stepped out of our comfort zones and put on a show for the campers. It turned out there was nothing to be apprehensive about; everyone was there for the same reason, to have fun.

The Gustavus Rappers (and dancers) are in the house.

Matt Wood (Woody) doing his dance. It is now known around the world as "The Brrrrrrrrr." Don't forget to roll the r's.

The oh-so-talented band and other leaders putting on a show for the campers.

Capetown Experiences/Africa Jam Day 1

2009-01-05T09:01:00.000-08:00

Greetings from the Africa Jam camp in Capetown, South Africa. After twenty hours of flying, we arrived safely in Capetown and took a bus to the YWCA where we stayed our first two nights here. Our first venture was the morning after we arrived. Ellen Ruiters, the founder of Africa Jam and Gustavus Alum, decided to take us on a tour of the township, Khayelitsha. Our buses arrived with former Africa Jam campers (now leaders) as our tour guides.

The township was an eyeopener for us Gustavus students. Many of the homes in Khayelitsha are no bigger than our dorm rooms at Gustavus, and a lot are held together with tin or anything durable.

A Home in Khayelitsha.

Before getting off the bus our nerves were high, not sure how we would be received by the township's residents. However, we were happily greeted by the township youth who would be attending Africa Jam the next day. We all shook hands and gave out hugs. They were very happy to see us and very outgoing. It made it easier on our nerves to meet such nice and welcoming people.

They invited us into a small church (about 20 by 20 feet), and we watched them sing beautiful songs. Lifelines is the name of this group from Khayelitsha, and they really did bring life to the room. It was uplifting to hear their musical talent. When the kids were done, we were invited up to sing with them. Loyiso, the community leader for Khayelitsha, is great at getting everyone to come together and feel welcomed. We were there ten minutes and he already had us singing and dancing with Khayelitsha residents (A foreshadowing of what was to come at Africa Jam).

Singing and dancing in a get-to-know-you game.

After the Gustavus Student/Khayelitshan chorus, some of the youth residents in the area took us on a tour of their homes and surrounding area. My tour guide, Vincent, showed us where they buy electricity everyday, took us to a small shack where they sell what we would call fast-food, and then showed us his home.

Part of Khayelitsha from a distance.

The poverty these South Africans face was shocking to many of us, and it definitely makes us thankful for our privileges back in America. What was even more of a shock, however, was how happy the kids seemed even amidst all their struggles, and their spirit and passion is through the roof. They brought us a new perspective on life. Do we really need all of our privileges in America to be happy?

On our way back to the bus we told all the Africa Jam campers we would see them at camp. Some of the younger energetic kids were walking around outside our bus flexing their muscles and showing off. They were having a blast. Before leaving they taught some of us the South African handshake. It came in very handy when we were greeting the campers the next day.

In the evening, we climbed Lion's Head, next to Table Mountain. It was a challenging and treacherous adventure for a lot of us, but the sunset and the view at the top was worth the climb.

Finally, we come to today: the first day of Africa Jam camp. The views here at Rockland campsite are amazing. We are half way up a mountain with the rest of the hill behind us and the ocean out in front. We couldn't ask for a better view.

A view from the top of Rockland.

When we arrived, we were greeted excitedly by Africa Jam staff, and then we greeted the young campers the same way. It reminded me of the Gustie greeters when we first arrived at Gustavus Adolphus College for our first year. The 180 young campers got off the bus with giant smiles on their faces. Campers came from communities all over Cape Town: Khayelitsha, Atlantis, Elsies River, Lotus River, Macassar, Delft, and Belhar. Africa Jam picks them up and brings them all together for an amazing week.

Two South African community leaders show us a little dance/warm up while we wait for the campers to arrive.

The welcome party made everyone feel right at home.

Throughout the day, we met a lot of campers through games, handshakes and hugs. It's heartwarming to receive hugs from people we just met, and on that note, people who live thousands of miles away from us! Later in the day, we broke up into teams and created a cheer. Nobody was self-conscious about voicing their ideas, and everyone was willing to compromise in order to accomplish our goal.

One team shows off their cheer to the rest of the camp.

Team Kool Kats! Barriers were broken down by forming teams with members of different communities.

Later, the heat called for an afternoon of swimming. Some of the Gusties had previously been lifeguards, so they were called to their post. During the camp, some of the Gusties taught swimming lessons for the campers that were eager to learn.

Hanging out in the pool during swim time.

Gustavus students giving swim lessons to some fast learners.

After swimming we all went to the worship service. This experience, one of many services held throughout the week, was quite impacting. Many of the campers and leaders are extremely devoted to what they believe in, and they demonstrated that throughout worship. It was inspiring to see how passionate they are about their beliefs.

Worship service turns out to be an invigorating experience.

That night, we all regrouped and it was time for "so you think you can dance." Campers and leaders participated to provide a night of quality entertainment.