A few takeaways from two months at American Camp in France

As I wait for the taxi to take us to the train station, here are a few musings. I feel like barely any time has passed, yet it's been a wild two months here. I've met some amazing people: counselors, locals, and campers alike. I've danced more this summer than I had for at least three years combined. I've probably also eaten more bread than the past years combined. I've become tan, fat, and happy. I haven't had a proper shower in six weeks. My French is better. My "ESL hands" are greatly improved. I can sing songs about llamas, Tarzan, kissing in a tree, following you deep sea baby, and bananas- oh, so many bananas. My tolerance for wasps has increased a hundredfold. Here's a few more observations:

Never underestimate the power of a 8pm instant Nespresso to get you through an evening program.

Speculoos spread is the stuff of Gods. (There's a reason I don't buy Nutella or cookie butter at home.)

Speculoos s'mores. Get ready, kiddos. #amvilisfun

A photo posted by Sophie Wallerstedt (@sophiewalle) on Jul 23, 2015 at 11:44am PDT

French kids love their bread. And Haribo gummies. And chocolate. And s'mores. And popcorn. And pancakes.

My campaign/legislative session experience definitely prepped me for this work- except at camp, every day is a fourteen hour day.

I know the lyrics to at least half of the France Top 50- and probably have some sick dance moves to accompany most of them, too. (I'm never going to forget how to Whip Nae Nae)

Thirteen days is plenty of time to make strong connections with others, kid or counselor.

It's amazing what Dijon mustard can do to spice up/save a camp meal.

It's amazing what omelettes can do to bring down a meal.

I've also learned some life skills, including how to:
-crack backs
-make Greek frappes using just instant espresso, sugar, water, milk, and a water bottle
-start a fire with a flint and a tampon
-talk in English using words easily understandable by French speakers
-eat flan without using hands

And truly, it doesn't matter where you're from or what your native language is- as long as you can be your most ridiculous self possible, you'll make a great counselor. I've worked with some incredibly people over the last two months, and they all brought different skills and energies to the table. I'm so thankful to have spent the first part of this adventure making new friends and forming lifelong connections.

Merci à tous!

Liberty

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Sophie À La Carte!

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