Island Camp - Saryang Island

A few weeks ago, I headed to a nearby island, Saryang-do, for a 3-day island camp. I worked a similar camp last year, so this year I was much more prepared and knew what to expect. One thing about teaching in Korea is definitely having flexibility. And if you've known me long, you know I am not usually the most flexible person. This job has definitely taught me to be more flexible and go with the flow more!

I was in charge of teaching the fifth and sixth graders at Saryang Elementary School, and they were wonderful! Because of some renovations at the elementary school, our class was held in the middle school English classroom. 

I tried to make the camp more project-based than the normal class times. The kids came to camp for 7-8 hours a day, so it was my mission to ensure they had a fun time and enjoyed studying English with a foreign teacher (which they normally don't have). 

My favorite project that I do at all of my camps is the egg drop project. It's such a fun time for the kids and lets them incorporate English and science together. 

First, the students got into group and planned their 'egg capsule' for about 10 minutes. 

Then I gave them about 35-40 minutes to build their egg capsule. Each group had the exact same materials, which included a piece of cardboard, a meter of tape, a meter of toilet paper, 2 balloons, a meter of yarn, and of course, an egg. 

After the time was up, each group showed off their egg capsule and we prepared for the drop!

Then, we headed outside with half of the student two-stories above and the other students on the ground to retrieve the eggs. 

Shockingly, NONE of the eggs survived! I couldn't believe it! I've done this project numerous times and about half of the eggs survive, but this time, none of them survived! It was disappointing, but the student still had a really fun time and enjoyed the project!

Another day, I taught the students how to play 'frisbee soccer', so we headed outside to play. The boys really enjoyed the game, but the girls were a bit hot and bored. I guess you can't please everyone!

On the final day of the camp, I set up a 'prize store' to let the students 'cash in' the dollars they had earned during the camp. The students earned the 'dollars' by winning games or showing good effort and other various ways. The student could then use their 'dollars' to buy different supplies in the store. 

Finally, our last project was to give a presentation about their island. It was a bit difficult for some of them, but my co-teacher and I tried to help when needed. They ended up doing a nice job and showing really good effort. 

Overall, the camp was a great success, and I was really pleased with the outcome. I think the students had a nice time and had fun learning English, which was the goal!