June 2018 Summer Camp is a blast for the Kids!

Author: Christi Cline
Editor: Jessica Lister

In case you haven't heard, Pyeongtaek Youth Rock!

Earlier this year I had heard about a couple different camps being offered. As a mother of four, who is deeply invested in their children’s well-being, I was worried about what kind of experience was offered. I also worried if my kids would be safe. I talked to the parents of the kids who attended last year’s camps and found that the Pyeongtaek Youth Center group received consistently high praise. One parent said it was one of the most memorable moments of their time in Korea. In my heart, I believe kids need good opportunities and challenges to develop and grow, and this camp sounded like the right kind of opportunity. I signed them up and crossed my fingers that I was doing the right thing. After all, it does no good to live life as a worry rat. But for good measure, I volunteered to attend as a camp counselor. You know, so I could see for myself what really goes on at camp. 

Let's go to camp!

The day came to pack our bags and get on the bus. My twin daughters were excited to attend their first camp. I was anxious because I wanted to do my part to help make camp an enjoyable experience for everyone. I would soon learn I had nothing to worry about. Our first event was the rope course. I don’t know what I was thinking when I agreed to join the difficult level course. I kind of consider myself out of shape. I seriously started to rethink my choices and wonder if the kid I saw who stayed on the ground was the smart one. But then I was hooked in and it was time to start. It was too late to run away. I may or may not have screamed a time or two, but I did the course and found myself enjoying it! 

Our adventure continued with no thought of slowing down! 

Take a look at this video to see some of the fun stuff we were up to!

I have no clue how some of the kids still had the energy to stay up until midnight giggling and playing games. I consider myself a night owl and I was ready to hit the sack. When it was time to say goodbye I thought it was pretty cool that the kids could take home pictures of their camp experience!

I admit that I am a little sad that our fun has come to an end! 

It was a memorable experience but more importantly, I discovered the truth about the Pyeongtaek Youth Center. As a parent, I can say confidently that your kids are in good hands. I was able to see first hand the counselors treating the kids fairly and with kindness. As a volunteer, I was able to see the leaders and counselors in action working hard to make this a good experience for the kids. Their efforts showed they truly care about the community. The theme of this camp is "Better Life in Harmony" and I think that sums it up nicely. Because of this, I look forward to helping out at the next camp! If you have kids that are interested in this kind of experience, then you don't want your kids missing out on the next one!

Mark your calendars! The next one is in August and you can sign up HERE!

Pyeongtaek Local News reports https://blog.naver.com/seo8587/221306224836

News & News reports https://blog.naver.com/newsnnewsn/221296269601

Kilhoilbo reports http://www.kihoilbo.co.kr/?mod=news&act=articleView&idxno=757126

May Camp Reflection & June SIGNUP!

Our first 5th and 6th-grade summer just took place last week at the Moobongsan Camp in northeastern Pyeongtaek. It was a smashing success. We started working with the Pyeongtaek Youth Center last year to make these camps a reality and they have done smashingly. In 2017 we did two camps: one grade school and one middle school. This year we are doing four camps: two 5th and 6th grade and two middle school camps. All of them are overnight camps a Moobangsan camp facility and then a day near or on Ca

The first camp kept the kids running from morning to night. We don't know if we have ever seen kids run so much. The campers are provided with both structured and unstructured play time with activities ranged from tag games to Nurf archery wars to pony rides. Eight counselors supported 34 young Korean and American campers in their quest for adventure and new friends. It was delightful.

We even had lunch at Sam's Attractive Coffee in Paengseong and had BBQ catered by JP BBQ. It was quite the event.

Check out the video below to for a quick peek into what the camp was like:

We have another 5th & 6th Grade camp coming in June! You can get signed up here:
https://tockify.com/pyeongtaek.events/detail/337/1529709600000

We Go Together Summer /Fall Camp

South of Seoul is excited to announce the first FREE Pyeongtaek City Youth Center camp for Korean and American students!

We have been working  for months with the Pyeongtaek Youth Center to create this (and another upcoming) FREE summer camp for students this year. We also added Sig Flips the Table as our personal adviser in order to make sure military parent's needs and opinions were well represented in the organization process. Everyone's efforts paid off. The first camp will be held is for grade school students (birth years 2006, 2007, 2008) and will take place over two days (8/2 and 9/9) . Even though this this camp is spread over two days in two months, it's considered the same camp so students who register for this camp must be available to attend both days.

SIGN UP HERE

The camp is first come first serve. 

The first 15 applicants will be accepted to BOTH days of camp. Due to space, only two kids from each family can attend. Remember, these are not two different camps, but the same camp over two days.
Additional applicants will be placed on the waiting list.

• REGISTRATION DEADLINE: 7/20
• LOCATION: Pyeongtaek Youth Center (Near Lotte Mart. They have a HUGE amazing facility with so many resources. We are so lucky they are interested in working with US families.)
• COST: FREE 
• LUNCH: Included. (Provided by Pyeongtaek Youth Center)
• DATES: Wednesday August 2nd and Saturday September 9th 
• CAMP TIME: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
• ATTENDEES: 15 American students / 15 Korean Students
• EVENT MANAGERS: Pyeongtaek City Youth Center and South of Seoul
• TRANSPORTATION: Provided for Free. (Transportation to and from the Camp Humphreys area with pickup locations in from on Camp Humphreys walking gate and PIEF Center.)
• Each camp will have a South of Seoul families representative in attendance. 

SIGN UP HERE

CAMP DAY 1: 8/2 Camp (Wednesday) 

Children will organize into groups and get to know each other through group games and play. After lunch, children will go to the woodworking studio at the Youth Center and work on a project with the new Korean friends they made.
CAMP DAY 2: 9/9 Camp (Saturday)

Let's take everyone to the market! Children will explore a traditional Korean market, buy ingredients then make themselves lunch. Afterwards, they will try their hands at Korean and American styles of cheer-leading.

A quick heart-to-heart about being a no show at free events:
It's VERY important that if you register for ANY free events that you attend or at LEAST give 48 hours advance notice so that others on the waiting list can be included. Many highly organized free events for foreigners hosted by other organizations have up to a 70% same-day no show rate. It puts great stress on the organizers who lose hope and a desire to serve the US military community.

Honestly, between us, we all have a social responsibility to honor both the work and generosity of area organizations and the tax dollars used to fund them. It's a huge undertaking to host these free events for foreigners while dealing with the culture and language barriers. We can fulfill this responsibility by simply showing up as promised.

For this particular situation, if everyone who signs up followings through, there will be more and more free camp opportunities. So please help a wonderful opportunity grow by simply showing up for the free camp you signup for :) 

SIGN UP HERE