Back from Iowa

Sorry for the long hiatus: lack of internet access and a particularly debilitating bout of stomach flu have prevented me from corresponding in a timely manner. Anyway, I am back in California, medicated, and on the mend (though I have a frighteningly appalling pile of work awaiting my return to good health).

Iowa was much better than I expected: the weather was mild, the little city of Cedar Falls was quaint and quiet, the Cedar River and the park along it were charming and there was no line at the urgent care clinic. Plus, everything is pretty cheap there! On the other hand there isn't a ton to do...not that I would especially know--I was holed up in my room during any of my spare time trying to get healthy!

I was in Iowa to learn about becoming a director in the Camp Adventure program. The training program was one-part seminar based one part-conference-y(ish) where we got to attend sessions on topics that were important to us. One of those conference sessions I attended which I found particularly helpful was called "But I want them to like me...". Some of the seminars were grueling, the Blitz practice was murder on me...but by-in-large it was a very beneficial and worthwhile training experience.

I feel like I have learned a lot more about the Camp A program and feel more confident about this summer. I met some amazing people who I am really excited about getting to know better...and a few...Ok, one...person who I really find repulsive. Iowans are really really nice, people from the South seem to like to stick together and are very direct and honest, people from Florida are a lot like people from Cali...except less impatient and for the most part people from Washington are super sweet and people from Oregon are super chill.

All in all I think it is going to be a great summer in Germany. I have a lot of new ideas and cannot wait to start mentoring all four of my new counselors. For now though, I need to concentrate on getting healthy...which means it is time for another nap. Countdown to Germany: 60 days.