Global Kids' Digital Media Initiative

I would have to say that this was one the most entertaining parts of this whole trip. We had some time left over on one of the days that we were in San Miguel, so we decided to go to the dance class. I mean who would have thought that there would be an African dance class in Mexico. The teacher happened to be one of Nassim's friends Lamine, he was a dancer and a drummer. The class started with Lamine showing everybody some of the steps that we were going to need later in the class. Everybody was having fun. We all had a chance to show everybody our moves. At the end we had a chance to show them some of Global Kids' stepping. Then we went to have a little something to eat with Lamine so we could get to know him better and so he can get a chance to know us a little better.

Posted by Mirza HRAP at 9:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

While we were in Mexico City we decided to go to see some pyramids. The place that we went to was called Teotihuacan. One of the people from our partnered organization (El Centro...) went with us on this trip also. In the beginning we got a little two hour tour of the whole place and the guide told us some of the history that lies in Teotihuacan. He told us that there was four periods of time with humans, before our period of time, which means that we are the fifth "group" of humans to live. One of the things that the guide was talking about was when the ancient people thought that the world was going to end. The ancient myth says that the world will end some time in 2012, I hope that this myth is not true as will most of you (). The last part of the tour was when we went inside one of the pyramids. While we were in there we learned a lot about how the Aztecs lived and prayed to their Gods. Now lets get to fun part, the actual climbing of the pyramids ( again). Thew two major pyramids were called the Moon Pyramid and the Sun Pyramid. The moon pyramid was the smaller one but was said to be the most important. We were all able to climb both of the pyramids. When we were done we went home. This was one of my most memorable moments of this trip.

Posted by Mirza HRAP at 8:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

We had planned to visit the hot springs before going to San Miguel. But due to a very busy schedule it was looking impossible. But the day before we left San Miguel one of our meeting with Arturo Morales got canceled and some people wanted to rest and some people wanted to go to the pool and the hot springs. So we split up in two groups. Wing Mai and Norma left for the hostel and rest of us left for the hot springs. It takes about half an hour to go there. We reached there at 4 p.m meaning we have about an hour and half to stay there. As soon as we went there we went to the hot spring. It is like a small cave followed by another. Hot water comes from a small opening. The water fall is very strong. If you go under you feel tremendous pressure on your body. Then we went to the pool. We dumped each other, raced and a lot of fun there. The best part is when we worked as partners to dump each other. Mirza couold not swim because of his broken hand. But he had fun though. Me and Nathaniel tried to dump Nassim. We tried in vain except once and then Nassim took revenge on us. The hot springs are awesome. Anyone visiting San Miguel should go in there.

Posted by Fahim HRAP at 4:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

El Jardín is located in the heart of the city, and is the meeting spot for most people at anytime. It's surrounded by beautiful buildings and archways from the colonial era. It is like the center of the town. It is visible from anywhere in the town. If you get lost anywhere in the town the church is your destination. San Miguel de Allende has been a designated historical landmark since 1930. As such, the town has preserved its colonial heritage by banning new style construction, neon signs and other heralds of "modernization". The colonial buildings remain, today, in the same style as when they were originally constructed. I was so interested in the history of the town and I did a lot of research. The Jardin has been the center of the city since 1737. In the 16th and 17th century, this area was known as the "plaza parroquial", as the town gathered at the "plaza de la soledad", which is now known as the "Plaza Civica General Ignacio Allende". The "Jardin" was originally a paved, open area with a fountain in the center, much like the Zocalo of Mexico City, that has become the pattern of cities all over the country. In the 1860's, a garden was started and the fountain was replaced with a gazebo. The gazebo that is there today is a replacement built in 1950. The first building in the Jardin was the "Templo de San Rafael", also known as the "Santa Escuela de Cristo". Construction began in 1564 by order of the first bishop of Michoacan. The mansion immediately to the right of the Parroquia is the Casa de Allende. It is one of the best surviving examples of 18th century architecture of the Spanish colonial noblity. Jardin is almost like the Times Square in N.Y.C in the sense that it is always full of people. San Miguel De Allende has a lot of foreigners. People from Canada, U.S.A and other European countries are moving in there. So it hosts events like international film festivals, plays dances, live music performances. It also hosts different international events. The Jardin is beautiful at night. There is something going on every night. One of the most common things is live music performances by the Mariachis. They have hundreds of people for an audience. The confluence of different factors makes the whole environment amazing. You feel like you are in a paradise or something. There are also restaurants around Jardin which has live music both in English and Spanish. You really need to visit it to experience the amazing life in there.

Continue reading "[hrap/mex] San Miguel's Jardín Principal (or main square)" »

Posted by Fahim HRAP at 10:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

While our team was in Mexico, we ran into some new friends. When we traveled to Mexico City, we met a retired woman named Rolene Walker. She has a mission to walk from San Diego, California to the south of Chile. That is an amazing, interesting, and long journey that she is going on. She says that she's doing it for the beauty of the Earth. Before, she worked in the criminal justice field for labor workers and now that shes retired and traveling, she is meeting new people and getting a more positive view of people instead of a negative one. I believe that this is a very important journey for her and the rest of the people that are walking with her. She says that others only walked to different parts of California, but she is taking an even longer journey by walking to Chile. I also believe that by doing this she is spreading a very powerful message to others. This journey is suppose take take up to two years and I'm glad that I had the priviledge to interview her.

Posted by Nahtahniel HRAP at 10:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

During our stay in Mexico we made a visit to see a museum of masks on July 22. Bill Levasseur founded this museum and still runs it with his wife. They named the museum, La Otra Cara de Mexico which means, The Other Face of Mexico. This museum is open to the public right behind Bill's house. When we entered the museum, everything was very nice. They had a variety of masks that represented different dances and other things. One mask represented a very popular dance called, Baila Vieja (old man dance). The masks for this dance was never painted. The hair is from the bark of mulberry trees and wrinkled skin is carved into the mask. The dance consists of an elderly man and woman. These dances are from different indigenous groups in Mexico. This dance is from the Chontal indigenous group. Of course there were more masks that I noted about but this seemed very essential to state because it represented the elderly of Mexico. This museum really showed another side of Mexico that I did not see. I guess thats how it got it's name.

Posted by Nahtahniel HRAP at 9:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I feel a lot more knowledgeable in the field of paleontology and a bit more comfortable with working online. It’s been fun interacting online and offline as well. It’s been a very fun experience, and definitely worth the while. Also with the last two days we learned a lot about how the museum works, and what they do with all the “junk” they have. I feel like a huge catalog of information. Now then people brag that they got to go “behind the scenes,” or talk to the scientist, I can just say “been there, done that, dude.” -Mohammad El-Abid

Posted by Johanna T. at 3:05 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

This program has been a wonderful experience, it has taught me better computer skills and improved my skills for working in a group. These are both positive changes that this program has given me. Now I also know many methods of communicating with a group of people and completing projects. The change I am most proud of is the computer skills I gained in SL. I am proud of these changes because I am now more aware of how virtual worlds work and what it is like to learn in a virtual world. Another change I didn’t mention earlier is how I am also more aware of the dedication, patience, and hard work is needed to become a paleontologist. Before I was a little blind to what this job entails but now I can say I appreciate what these people do much more than I did before this program. I have gained so much knowledge from this program. -Olivia Bailey

Posted by Johanna T. at 3:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Wow, it’s been a month since the first day of ‘I Dig Tanzania,’ time just flies really fast. Since the first day that I came into this project I did not know a lot about fossils and how fossil hunters work in the field. I learned a lot of things that help me have more respect for fossil hunters and science because this project opened a new door for me about science that I never knew. While being in this project I learned that fossils can be tons and tons of billions of years old. Also, I learned that the fossil that me and my group members were doing has some relation to a dog. One of the biggest changes that I am proud of is that now I am more interested in science because before I used to think that it was boring and no fun but then I learned so many new things that it got me thinking about science and has me looking at it from a different point of view, which is that now science is more important to me. It was fun and I will always remember it. -Catherine B

Posted by Johanna T. at 3:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The I Dig Tanzania project was a program testing the application of a new medium for learning; digital learning. The broader aspects of this feast are profound in their possible implementations for students who are not provided with traditional classroom environments. For me, this program has shown me that such a unique beneficial endeavor can work and can succeed on many scales. The important values I can recall from this program are the promotion of science and education and the importance and complexity of culture. Human culture is a large standing awkward facet of human nature. It is delicate and valuable, providing inspiration and teaching respectable values. It is being, because it is important to people in that it is what defines them, and yet it is indefinable for us. I have learned what culture is to the people of Africa and what it means to me. More personal for me is the importance of sciences. Education is the aspect that fosters passion which fosters entrepreneurship which furthermore leads to success. Sciences need not be a crutch for progress but a love which inevitably achieves this goal. Education is necessary a catalyst, no matter how small, is impactful. These are the important values I have attained and reaffirmed through this program. -Anil Vaitla

Posted by Johanna T. at 3:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

When I first received the email asking if I was interested in this “I Dig Tanzania” project, IK signed up for it in order to get paid, it was just a bonus that it had to do with paleontology. As I thought about it more I realized that maybe it was an opportunity to learn more about the field of paleontology and maybe to get my foot in the door. To be honest, my first impressions of it were “why did I do this?” “I’m being forced to play a videogame,” and “what does this have to do with paleontology?” As the program went on I learned that I thought this was a good alternative to the real thing, especially since we were able to duplicate something that was really happening in Tanzania! My favorite part of working in teams was the research I was able to do on the fossil, I loved learning new things and forming them into a well-rounded essay to display in an ‘exhibit.’ My favorite part of the entire program was these last 3 days when we were finally able to meet the people we have been working with for a week. This experience definitely gave me a better perspective at what it takes to be a paleontologist. It also improved my group work skills and showed that I am one to take charge in group situations. This was definitely a worthwhile and rewarding experience. I hope programs like this continue because they are great opportunities for everyone involved. (And I hope EOL turns out to be a success!) -Jessica Koetzle

Posted by Johanna T. at 2:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Explaining what I was going to be doing for several weeks at The Field Museum this summer to friends and family was a challenge for me. Their questions were many, but my answers only seemed to confuse them to the point of silence. How could anyone involved in the IDT program convey what we were doing together in Chicago, New York and Tanzania? From students, to educators and scientists, our task was to discover whether people from around the world could work simultaneously on learning and sharing our experiences with each other. But this new medium of learning doesn’t allow the students involved to sit back and simply listen to lectures! Because we had to interact with one another on assignments, we had to use effective interpersonal skills to concentrate, and practice time management. I’m proud to be a part of this project. Interactive programs, bringing two worlds together such as Teen Second Life is here to stay. Since going through this I realized how important it is to utilize this technology to teach and learn. -Alicia Nieves

Posted by Johanna T. at 2:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

When I first walked into BioSync, almost one month ago, I knew nothing about Second Life, Tanzania, or BioSync. What has changed since that first day is how many people I know who work at the Field, how many friends I have (positive change,) my knowledge about Tanzania, my knowledge about Paleontology, and what I know about Second Life. I have learned, for example, that Tanzania is a rich source of fossils in Eastern Africa among other things, such as Tanzania culture. I was also fortunate to see videos of scientists working in Tanzania to better my knowledge of paleontology. Another thing I learned was that Second Life is a virtual world where people meet to interact, to learn, or to socialize from around the world. While I am proud of all the achievements and knowledge I have acquired over this program, I am most proud of my learning in paleontology. -Alex Layng

Posted by Johanna T. at 2:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I Dig Tanzania was a wonderful experience- has been great; and from the first day I was very unsure of what I was supposed to do. I have never (in my entire life) used or even heard of second life, and now I have a decent grasp of it. Also I have learned and experienced first hand Swahili culture and parts of the language. But the two things I am the most proud of is that I have (somewhat) gotten over my shyness and was able to make a lot of great, new friends (from New York and Chicago,) and that-even though I thought it wasn’t possible, I am pushed even further toward the direction of being a scientist-especially one for The Field Museum. This is mainly because I was a little unsure of which scientific path to chose, and everyday I work here-(this year and for as long as I can,) I will enjoy every minute! -Jessica Ponce

Posted by Johanna T. at 2:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I am different today than I was on the day we started this project because I have a better understanding of how paleontologists and scientist in general work. It gave me a better idea on what I want to do when I’m older because I got to experience what it was like to be a paleontologist and although I find paleontology interesting I don’t think it would be the career for me, but this camp did strengthen my passion/interest for science. -Sam Lubliner

Posted by Johanna T. at 1:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Today was a day that really touched my heart. Today we went to a march against homophobia. Two days prior to the march we had a discussion because some didn't want to participate. Their reason which I knew was very important and would come up wasRELIGION.Mirza, Nate and Fahim said because their religion does not support homosexuality they would not attend the march. Kemar and Norma said even thought they are heterosexuals they support gay rights. I respect everyone's opinion and I'm glad they let it be known. On the day of the march Fahim ending up coming. I'm glad he changed his mind. Even though Mirza and Nate didn't come I respect their decision because it's their values. It's what they believe in and they stuck to it. Fahim had a change of heart and was brave enough to come. I give him credit for that. At the march we met up with the people from El Centro and marched. I was having so much fun. I was waving the biggest rainbow flag I've ever seen. We were shouting chants in Spanish which was really cool. We had people taking plenty of pictures of us as if we were famous. I am really happy we supported something that is personal and objective.

Posted by Tashawna HRAP at 11:32 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I feel different today than the day we started this project because my interest in the scientists work has grown on me. It has made me more aware and more open-minded on the type of work these scientists work through. It was a very exciting experience and a lot of fun working and just being with the other students in Chicago. I have made new friends that will forever leave a lasting impression on me. They are so much fun. I really hope I can go back to Chicago just to see them again. When I started this project I knew nothing of paleontology and what they do. I have not only learned about them, I have learned with my friends. I am most proud of the way I was able to catch up on things. Not knowing some thing in the beginning and then finally learning something new. Being with my friends was so enjoyable, it will be a memory I hope to relive once more. Go Global Kids.

Posted by Justin A. at 2:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The first day of I Dig Tanzania, I was very excited to meet old and new friends. The first workshop, we met the Chicago kids on Second Life, got split up into teams and were able to cooperate with them through TSL. The same interaction done with the fossil hunt in Tanzania. I enjoyed it very much, and so did everyone else. During the past days of workshop, we learned new things about fossil hunting and Tanzanai. While working in those days, we had the privilege to talk to actual paleontologists in Tanzania via satellite. I thought the experience of being able to talk live to actual fossil hunters, we asked questions and most of them got answered. We also had the chance to have live Tanzanian drumming/singing in front of us live. Us being able to get a hands on experience has such a significance, that I still remember some of the notes.

Finally arriving in Chicago, I was so excited to meet other teens that I couldn’t wait. Interacting live to me was a pleasurable and fun adventure, after chatting with them online. Even though today is the last day, I know we will meet again.

Posted by Jinsoi L. at 2:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Since the program started I have learned a lot of things and made new friends from Chicago. I have become more knowledgeable about fossils and the process that is involved in retrieving them. I also gained a unique insight into how scientists actually work in the field. Besides observing the scientists and their work, we also did our own dig in Second Life. Throughout the various activities in Second Life I learned the different extinction eras and the various unique species in each ad learned how they adapt to their environment in order to survive. Once we found the fossils we assembled them and identified which species it is. During the activities I learned a lot more about the features that Second Life offers and got a better handle on how to interact, create and assemble in Second Life. The thing I’m most proud of learning is being able to see actual scientists and follow their work. We even had a group session where we got to ask questions to the scientists. Thanks for the program I gained a new perspective on the world.

Posted by Thein H. at 2:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

It’s amazing how time flies! Wow! A month! That’s a lot of time, don’t you think? On the first day that we started I Dig Tanzania I was new to everything. I didn’t know everyone and I never heard of Second Life! I mean it’s not a very common thing. If you were to ask anyone about Second Life, chances are they’re not going to know what you are talking about. It will probably take you a while to explain to them about Second Life and its features.

The only difference I can think of is my knowledge about Second Life. I was happy that I was able to join this program because I got to learn about different species and its natural adaptations. However, I was thrilled because I got to meet new people and I was able to be with my BEST friend Sabina Runa.

When I first came to Global Kids, I didn’t know anything about fossils. Well, I knew a couple of things, such as fossils being the remains of dead animals. However, I was never aware of the process that Paleontologists had to face. They’ve earned my respect. In order to be a Paleontologist you need to be dedicated and have a lot of patience.
I feel proud of myself because I encouraged myself to join this program because I wanted to learn about Tanzania and its beautiful culture. Honestly, I learned so many things. I learn about Tanzania’s music, culture, geography and Second Life. I’m so proud of myself because I joined Global Kids!

Posted by Beatriz N. at 2:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

When we first started this program, my interest in fossils was very low. I thought the study was pretty interesting, but this program increased my interest. Being able to see and hear the scientists speak and give the whole behind the scenes tour. Time seems to have passed so fast. Meeting the kids in Chicago was amazing. I’m so proud of the fast friendships we made. These kids were crazy and exciting in all the right ways. They along with everything else truly completed this trip and experience. Meaning none of this would have been as fun and exciting had they not been with us. I’m very excited to visit some of the museums in New York and maybe quiz myself. Now that I can pronounce some of the dinosaurs names I have and seen them and feel proud that I can recognize and say I know some inside. Also Chicago was amazing. I feel like I have grown so much and feel so comfortable with this subject. I know that I have grown so much because of this program. I feel like I have gained a better perspective on people, fossils and the world that is behind all of it. My respect and curiosity is beyond grown. I am now so much more intrigued and full of knowledge. This experience has been so amazing. I am going to definitely remember every minute and every person. This place, Chicago, the museum, has been outrageously awesome.

Posted by Vanessa F. at 2:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Remember you can view my previous reviews of camp by going to my Daniel Voyager Blog and going to the achieve section on left called “can you find it”, then find and click on Summer Camp/D.I.D.I.

Review of day 10

* Movie watching & plans for the weekend
* Campers had to take a minute and think of two thigns to share 1) Favorite part of camp so far, 2) their hope for the next two weeks, campers comments below! - HALF WAY THROUGH ALREADY :(
* We did a quick recap of the week which at this point all campers should all have all FIVE action plan cards with them to hand in on Monday for week 3. Reminder for those of you who wont be here next week - please work on your cards - and get them to us as soon as you get back - once you return we will see how far you are and get you ready for panel!
* We had a exciting poem time which started of by Meghan - Campers had share a poem with the rest of the campers - either one that they wrote or happens to be written by an author, or favorite poem.
* How to enter into the BOHO/Beatnik costume contest, from the late bohemian era - where bohemians blended with hippies.
* Campers told us about their outfits
* Surprise building contest which is related to the poetry day. How to do it?…Find a poem - Either one you wrote, or one you like (include author) and make a notecard. This part is easy…….build a 3-D illustration that goes with your poem - either illustrating the feel/mood of the poem, or illustrating a scene from it - some how has to be connected. Campers had 35 minutes to do this, the event was really fun for all.
* Campers and all had to visit each piece, and let the creator 1) share the poem *just give a notecard* and 2) explain the build. Then to vote for best at the end - well down to: tarkin!
* The VOTE was REALLY close, as usual, so much talent at camp)

* End of week 2 at camp on a high!!!!

Camper Poems

* Nekoslash Innis: There it is! The vision in my dreams! It creeps nearer and nearer. It moves like a spider moves in on its prey. It’s dark shadowy body covered in darkness, it engulfs everything in its path. It moves slowly but surely after me. “Ah!” I yell out for help, but… no one can hear me. It has already long consumed me, I am stuck within my own pool of darkness and depression. It blinded me, haunting me in my dreams, driving me slowly mad. But, I won’t let this thing do this anymore! I can control it! It grows smaller as I become the light and become one with the darkness. I can control both parts of me, no matter how hard it becomes… I’ll do it! It won’t consume me anymore…

* Meghan GKid: But it’s a fave of mine, but Shel Silverstein. Titled “Sick”. ‘I cannot go to school today, ‘ Said little Peggy Ann McKay. ‘I have the measles and the mumps, A gash, a rash and purple bumps. My mouth is wet, my throat is dry, I’m going blind in my right eye. My tonsils are as big as rocks, I’ve counted sixteen chicken pox. My leg is cut-my eyes are blue- It might be instamatic flu. I cough and sneeze and gasp and choke, I’m sure that my left leg is broke. My hip hurts when I move my chin, My belly button’s caving in, My back is wrenched, my ankle’s sprained, My ‘pendix pains each time it rains. My nose is cold, my toes are numb. I have a sliver in my thumb. My neck is stiff, my voice is weak, I hardly whisper when I speak. My tongue is filling up my mouth, I think my hair is falling out. My elbow’s bent, my spine ain’t straight, My temperature is one-o-eight. My brain is shrunk, I cannot hear, There is a hole inside my ear. I have a hangnail, and my heart is-what?. What’s that?, What’s that you say?, You say today is…Saturday?, G’bye, I’m going out to play.

* JOEY Alexandre: The Crystal Gazer, By Sara Teasdale. I shall gather myself into my self again, I shall take my scattered selves and make them one. I shall fuse them into a polished crystal ball. Where I can see the moon and the flashing sun. I Shall sit like a sibyl, hour after hour intent. Watching the future come and the present go. And the little shifting pictures of people rushing. In tiny self-importance to and fro.
Reviews so far!

* Meghan GKid: 1) My favorite part of camp so far has been hearing all the great ideas that you campers have and 2) my hope is that we can support all of you to create successful ventures in the next two weeks!

* Alexander9 Carver: my favorie part was when we built the tents

* JOEY Alexandre: My favorite part was learning new things. And i hope for to have fun the next 2 weeks

* Nekoslash Innis: MY favorite part was learning new things and I hope we can learn new things in the next 2 weeks

* Jetta Egan: my favorite part was learning new things and i hope to learn more and have fun

* Amira GKid: Getting to see each other every day, so that we can move so quickly through the DIDI process and launch quickly, and 2) I hope that you all find venture ideas that you believe strongly in and feel proud about making the world and TSL a better place!

* Me: I think so far its been great fun since the camp started, i love helping your guys out and keeping note on day-to-day reviews, loves uploading awsome camp shots. Two weeks left - enjoy it!.

* Loyne Garzo: Unfortunately i have been unable to attend several sessions but 1) i thoroughly enjoyed tent making aswell as meeting you guys and 2) i hope to have more fun and create a successful venture

* Tarkin Garzo: 1) making tents 2)medieval day nxt week

Posted by Daniel Voyager at 4:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Review of Day 9.

First - budget trivia!

Second - Discuss last two action plan cards

Third - Time for discussion of challenges and next steps

Fourth - discuss Friday Fun Fest - last - time to work on your plans.

Posted by Daniel Voyager at 4:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Today was a day of endless surprises. At breakfast we congratulated the Zerriffi's on their 38th anniversary. Everyone busted out laughing when Ali a.k.a Papa Zerriffi said"oh snap it's today". After breakfast we went to CASA hospital and then their building. It was beautiful. Most of the buildings in Mexico are house s turned into offices or stores. But anyway we did workshops for them and vise versa. We spent most of the day at CASA interacting with the youth. Then we went home and got ready for dinner. We had dinner with the Zerriffi's. This place was so nice and had the best salmon ever made.While we ate we were singing songs, laughing and chatting like a real family. After dinner is when the surprises started. Mirza gave them a glass bird that stood on top of a beautiful crystal. We later found out that she is in love with crystals. Fahim gave them a little bicycle that had a blue outline, orginally made in Bangladesh. Then we gave them I LUV NY shirts that we had signed. At the table we let Nassim sign both shirts. Then we let Mama and Papa Zerriffi sign each other shirts. The funny thing was that when they signed them they wrote the same thing "forever yours" in different languages.Naomi a.k.a Mama Zerriffi wrote it in Spanish and Papa Zerriffi wrote it in Arabic. This was a night to remember.

Posted by Tashawna HRAP at 11:29 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Wow like wow again. We're leaving like in two days. I'm very relaxed and I see my mom all anxious, Wing Mai and Nassim running around doing errands and lalala stuff. I'm just taking my sweet time !! Well I'm very excited to go. I can't wait t see the ruins, work the workshops, and etc. I also want to say something to someone:
thank you so much for the letter and papers, Molly!! They meant a lot to me!! I hope u have fun in Tulum. It's very pretty.
Have fun

Posted by Norma HRAP at 2:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

It’s Tuesday at Camp, day 7 - 1 week = camp days so far. Here is a overlook of day 7:

* Campers teleported to the green grass area over at D.I.D.I. Island to get a summary of today’s tasks.
* Campers played a game called Primtionary where they had to whisper > (without typing or talking) to make us guess the word using only prims.
* Review on campers venture ideas.
* Campers were given their first card of the action plan to gather camper ideas and to feedback to all.
* Campers had to play a job and it was up to them to figure out who does what etc
* Campers built their many visual representations/models/sculptures that represents what DIDI means to them as the DIDI ‘08 Campers. All team members had to put input on the *idea*.
* The plan for above: the first thing they needed was to get together as a group and make a plan, then they had to figure out who is going to do what (who will build, what will be built, finally who will take notes/snaps, who will present)
* Campers moved to the workshop room for part 2 of today which was to to sit down and talk about some points about ventures and review of the last task
* Campers played a game called to make one sentence that makes sense lol

Posted by Daniel Voyager at 8:12 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Yay, week 2 has started with many exciting things lined up for this week. Week two means its business time!. Campers over the weekend planned and was told to think about their missions then to send it to Meghan GKID today/this week. Remember this means that campers if the most points on this mission earn an extra iPod Raffle ticket :)

One of the things i love about Global Kids and D.I.D.I. system is that they talk about the guidelines that people should follow, campers really like this way i think. 1) one mic - makign sure everyone has a chance to share, 2) participation - you are all doing it! and 3) safe space- you are disagreeing respectfully.

Review of day 6 - week 2

* Meet and greet (where campers teleported in)
* Brief summary of what campers will be doing today
* Campers went over to Global Kids event area to do activity 1 which was to talk about peer pressure, self esteem, Behavior, Environment, reasons about this topic
* Campers teleported to the Coffee House on D.I.D.I. Island to do the second activity which was to create an action plan - which will be a series of notecards that you will fill out. Each notecard will have a focus
* Campers were asked if they have a rough idea of a venture they would like to do, many had a idea, many did not which is alright and understandable
* Example of a venture: 1 & 2. the venture idea is to build a ‘ride’ in TSL that teaches about the body. 3. that ride will help thecommunity by educating young people about the affects of things like smoking on the body, 4. this one is health related because it’s teaching about how to keep your body healthy 5. could be personal - coudl be that the person might have had a relative with lung cancer etc
* Campers had to complete a venture notecard, then to give feedback afterwards
* We think that (gkids & mentors) the Campers are starting to have GREAT and DIVERSE venture ideas, it looks like campers ventures will be very succsessful and will (hopefually) get public backing and support
* End of day 6 in week 2

* Have you Missed my previous reviews of camp from days 1 - 5, you can now visit them all here: http://danielvoyagerwebsite2008.wordpress.com/category/summer-camp-08/

Check out my Daniel Voyager Flickr for todays snaps :)

Posted by Daniel Voyager at 8:09 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Today I came late so I missed the morning discussion on media literacy. I heard it was so interesting. Then we had a language practice. We learned words related to a social justice. We had to to make up our sentences using the words we learned on social justice.
The afternoon session was really really interesting. We learned about the Zapatista Movement not only in Mexico but around the world. We had a awesome guest speaker named R.J He enlightened us with all the knowledge about that particular group. The revolution itself inspired so many people around the world. So it has become a Global movement. This people are pretty peaceful. Use strategies and tactics to get their message across. I am totally loving this group. G.K Zapatista vamos!!!!! just kidding. Zapatista movement is a growing threat for the Mexican government. So the Mexican government wants to eradicate this group of people permanently. U.S is giving Mexico 1.4 billion dollar for the so called "Merida Initiative" A.K.A "Plan Mexico." The Mexican government is trying to get rid of them by saying that these people are drug dealers. But the fact is that These people are so peaceful that they don't even drink alcohol. They Don't want any violence. Under them men and women have equal rights. They recognize gay rights. These people will not attack you until unless it is for self defense. R.J was really cool. He gave us some articles which dealt with a variety of human right issues.If we look at the demands of the Zapatista people, it is almost the natural rights which they are deprived of. Some of the demands are mentioned below:
-work
-Land
-Housing
-Food
-Health care
-Education
-Independence
-Freedom
-Democracy
-Justice
-Peace

There slogans are very eyecatching.
-"Everything For Everyone."
-:Nothing For Ourselves."

It is said that once Mexican government tried to buy off them. But they did not accept that saying that it has to be done for everyone who is suffering which perfectly reflects there slogans.
which is pretty awesome.I am looking forward to learn more about them.They are really good with planning actions. They make sure they have media coverage needed and us different propaganda techniques to propagate about themselves. They have supporters now both locally and Globally.

Posted by Fahim HRAP at 3:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

In the continuation of our preparation for Mexico, lots of ideas have been introduced to us. We've also expanded our vocabulary in Spanish. Nassim and Wing Mai want us to be very prepared for this trip. This is why they have established this first time in history- two week long training. Since we are here from about 9:30 until 4:30 we are learning tons of things specifically about Mexico. I absolutely love when we have guest speakers because they have a planned lesson for us that we usually relate to. On Wednesday RJ, a guest speaker, exposed the group to the Zapatistas in Mexico. We've learned so much about this group of people from Mexico. He went into detail about them people and their struggles for los derechos humanos (human rights). The Zapatista are a group of indigenous people in Mexico who fight for natural human rights through revolution. He showed us two videos about the Zapatistas that expressed how they deal with problems violently and nonviolently. it is amazing to continue to learn about Mexico, even in the last five days we have left.

Posted by Nahtahniel HRAP at 3:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

So, I'm positive you all heard about the GLS conference (Games, Learning and Society) in Madison already and basically, I just wanna shed some light...(or darkness)...on what a "hell" of a good time I had.

Let's see now, with all the hotel accommodations, free food, interesting meetings, (including the last one featuring Barry Joseph, Rafi Santo, Jay Bacchuber, and yours truly [(:]), what more do you expect from a conference where the theme is GAMES, GAMES,....AND MORE GAMES!!!...?

Not to mention, you guys missed a hilarious rendition of "Sabotage" by The Beastie Boys covered by the funny...i mean, musical genius himself...(Say Nothing) Barry Joseph! (What?, No Applause, Oh Well) Anyway, all was well, but i don't really wanna have the heart to tell about the chicanery that came about when the P4K gang and I were leaving because it isn't really that important.

Continue reading "[p4k/Teen] The Games, Learning + Society Conference at Madison, Wisconsin" »

Posted by p4kOtis at 1:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)