Day 3 - Our values: personal, social, global

We had a great day today at the We Care Camp. Our morning began with a wake-up call in the form of a guitar jam of “Smoke on the Water” from the incomparable volunteer Simas. The campers were clearly grateful for the gentle reminder to come out of their beds and into the field for some light calisthenics.

Following the morning exercise, campers began the day’s thematic activities. Our focus for today was “Our Values: Personal, Social, and Global”. The campers began the program by focusing on the core values that they held personally and how they could find common ground with others to build their community. The  students did this by identifying their own values from a list of 36 separate choices and were then to work with a partner to choose which they could both support. Then they extended to a group of eight and reach an agreement. The groups presented their work in the poster form.

There were two competitive activities that challenged their minds and their bodies. The camp first moved outside for a game of Extreme English where they were again put in the position of having to use their knowledge of values. However, in this exercise, the position they had to assume might be that of a crab walk, a straight-legged run, or other physical endeavors. The campers were divided into teams who ran a spirited relay race using both their bodies and their minds. The students continued their competitive spirit with a quiz game that tested their ability to answer 15 questions. Laughter and learning were shared by all.

One of the highlights of the day was the visit from the Cultural Attache from the US Embassy in Lithuania, Meghan Luckett. We were treated to an excellent overview of the need for diversity – not simply as a moral value – but also as a distinct social and economic advantage. Ms. Luckett guided us through a presentation and various activities that showed how inclusive groups were both more productive as well as being a moral good. Ultimately, the students were highly impressed by her work and were able to speak quite eloquently about their own experiences and the need for inclusivity in society. 

In the evening the students put all of this into practice. They conducted simulations of social situations that had them examining how to handle sensitive interactions that both enabled them to explore ways in which social prejudice could occur, but also how to handle potentially difficult interactions in a respectful manner. This was accomplished in three ways. First, students engaged in a simulation where they interviewed other students who were acting as a variety of people attempting to rent a room. Secondly, they interacted with fellow students who were adopting a variety of professional positions. And finally, students acted out personal social situations in a Forum Theatre activity where they learned better interpersonal communication. Through all of these activities, students put to use their values and communication skills and carried on lively discussions.

In the end, all students seemed to have a good time and were very engaged in the day’s work. They were challenged to engage not only in tolerance of others, but to make their communities a better place through truly inclusive actions. In this way we can all help create communities that reflect our values and also offer freedom and opportunity to all members of our respective countries.