Last Computer Course

Today, was the last day of our computer course in Granada. All of the kids nervously lined up at the door, waiting to present their projects to the entire class. The kids have had several days to work on final projects. Each of them created a story in Etoys, the program that we have been working with for the duration of the program.

All of the chairs were set up in a couple of rows facing the a huge TV. One by one, each of the kids walked to computer in the front of the room to present their project. A few timidly and quietly clicked through their projects. Most however, very excitedly read and shared their stories. Applause and cheers followed each presentation.

The remainder of the day, the kids were free to explore and use the computers however they chose. To wrap things up, we all shared a little bit of ice cream. When the clock read four o'clock, none of the kids were to ready to shutdown and pack up. Some of our top students asked if they could take a computer home with them. Sadly, we could fulfill their request, but this is an indication that they program was a success! We look forward to having the students from the computer course out to camp for a weekend.

A family receiving Christ

This is a photo of me with the father who quit drugs and accepted Christ

This is a letter that Sara Blanco wrote to Peter.  We recently went to visit this family and we shared the word with them and dropped off a couple of bibles for them.  GOD is so good.  Thanks for sharing Sara!


My name is Sara Blanco. My brother Jose Luis Chamorro and I are Christians. We have a ministry in San Jorge, where we host family groups, and bible studies for God. Recently, God opened a door for me to have the chance to volunteer as a leader for the children at Campo Alegria. God did many wonders there. Through a couple of siblings who attended this camp an entire family was saved. The little boy told his father the prodigal son story and after hearing this the entire family received Christ into their hearts. We all went to follow up with the family and the Father admitted to doing drugs and said he had stopped since receiving Christ. This is the poorest family I know and trough Campo Alegria God touched them.

I am looking forward to helping this family with their kids in areas where they need it. Like misbehaving, school work and accountability. The parents had a really hard time trying to control them in the past. The most important thing is that this family does not go away from God. And that they know he is a powerful God. I know he will do great things with these kids. And all the kids in the camps to come. My biggest desire is to always serve God and to be able to work helping the youth because the word of God is life and official. God bless you Campo Alegria for having this camp and the heart to help these poor kids. It is a big blessing.

Sara 

Computer Course Nearing Completion

The computer course is wrapping up. Daniel and I come in every day to setup tables and chairs for the course. We are greeted eagerly by smiling faces. The kids are excited to help setup, they want to boot up the computers as soon possible.

I teach for about and hour each day. The kids learn all sorts of things, everything from basic image creation and animation to basic scripting. After the lesson, the kids have a chance to practice their new skills. They have challenges to complete to test their abilities. Some are more difficult than others, but each new challenge builds upon the last. We have a board in the classroom that tracks the completion of the challenges. One small star is awarded for the easier challenges. A large star is awarded for the super challenges. After class the students all huddle around the board to count their own stars and the stars of their friends.

The goal is for the students to eventually create their own projects using everything they have learned through the course. We have several students already adding their own creative twist to the exercises and challenges. I am excited to see how these students apply their own ideas in upcoming projects.

A Typical Day at a Not-So-Typical Camp

It's hard to believe that a whole month (plus a few days) has gone by since I arrived at Campo. It's been an amazing month and a huge change of pace from my life in the States. We have kids coming to camp every weekend, Friday-Sunday; the size of each group ranging between 35 and 65, ages 9-15. A typical day at camp begins at 5am (while I'm fortunate enough to still be sleeping in the guest house) when the kids rise naturally with the sun in their cabins and our beloved team leaders entertain them with beach walks and baseball games until breakfast-time at 7:30. Our team leaders usually consist of 5 or 6 Nica guys and gals who bring campo to life with their God-given energy and passion for the kids.


The next hour and a half or so is spent in Chapel singing praise songs and receiving a Peter-style message of hope and God's enduring love for each and every one of the kids. The kids then break into small groups for bible study with team leaders and volunteers; usually, The Prodigal Son and the Crucifixion. The rest of the day is filled with activities, games and swimming. The campers are divided into four groups (depending on the amount of kids) and they travel with their team leader to activities such as Arts & Crafts, Zipline, English (which I usually teach) and Science. We've also just begun playing camp-wide games like Capture the Flag, Scavenger Hunts and Relay Races. At a recent 4-day camp we hosted a talent show in which the kids sang, put on skits, walked on their hands, talked in funny voices and laid down some pretty sweet reggaton beats.

After dinner the kids pile into the dining hall for some Looney Tunes and a Jesus film and of course, popcorn and ice cream (popcorn Friday night, ice cream, Saturday). During our longer camp we built a bonfire where we sang silly (and serious) songs, shared testimonies and played a rousing game of tug-of-war. Needless to say, the kids have the time of their lives here. I can't get enough of their smiling faces and contagious laughter. This past weekend I found myself with the least amount of energy that I've had all month (quite possibly the result of climbing a volcano a couple days before). I could barely muster up conversation, much less silliness at the dinner table and I was feeling terrible that I couldn't find the energy to connect with any of the kids. But God is good and after some prayer I found myself getting the most loving hugs and kisses from a couple of girls out of nowhere. They begged me to play with them and I was back in the game; my batteries recharged and the adrenaline surged from the mere thought of connecting and loving these girls in the way I think Jesus would. ...And this is why I'm here.

Anna Glick

Anna Glick first came to Campo Alegria on a mission trip with the Navigators Group this past February 2010. We were blessed enough to have her volunteer again this summer for about a month as she helped us co-run our weekly summer camps during the month of June. Here is a small write up of her experience returning to Campo Alegria for a second time.

"When I returned to Campo Alegria I had little idea of what to expect, and it turned out to be nothing like I had imagined. During my three week stay I helped with four different camps. Each group came with different challenges and different surprises. However, what stayed the same was the feeling that you made a difference in these kids lives. For a couple of days they got to have fun, play games, swim, eat good food, and hear about God's love for them. I, in return, was rewarded with hugs, smiles, and the opportunity to serve others. Some of the most meaningful and fulfilling experiences I have ever had have been in Nicaragua. Sometimes I lose sight of the big picture, but after spending time with these kids, I’m reminded of who and what we are to live our lives for. The people and my time spent in Nicaragua has forever touched and changed my life."


Thanks Anna for all of your help. We miss you already.
- Adam, Zach, Lily, Becca, Jonathan, Daniel, Peter, Geo, Heydi, Nidia, Miguel, Hosea, Jessica, Carol, Adriana, Oscar, Melvin.