Camp Caballero!

In Peace Corps a lot of your work is done with children ... they are the future. (Corny, but true.) In Paraguay youth under the age of 25 make up almost half of the population. In development work worldwide a lot of time is focused on educating and empowering female youth, and trust me I agree this is important, it is something I work on every day of my service. 

Women in every country are taught growing up to be careful. We are taught not to walk alone at night. We are taught not to dress too provocatively so as not to attract unwanted sexual attention. We are taught to always keep an eye on our open drinks at bars. There are even classes designed specifically for women to defend themselves. And of this things are great, I think its important for girls to be aware of the world we live in.

But, there is another side to this. Our young men need to be taught as well, they need to be taught the values and morals to make them grow up to be responsible adults. To grow up to be men that will be leaders in their communities and can inspire other young adults as well. 

Spurring off these ideas Peace Corps Paraguay is planning their first annual national boys leadership and life skills camp, Camp Caballero (Camp Gentleman). The camp is designed as an all-male camp that would teach values through sports, a popular activity for Paraguayan male youth, in order to better attract participants and maintain their focus. By having a camp solely for young men we can address issues that are gender and age specific and teach our lessons in a way that is specially geared towards them in hopes of making the greatest impact. For example, we will teach gender equality by having male AND female coaches for sports activities. Also, we will have respectable, successful, Paraguayan me give presentations on gender equality and prevention of domestic violence. In addition to gender equality and sexual health awareness, the participants will work to develop the values of responsibility, respect and planning for the future during our structured sports sessions and other camp activities.

This project is especially dear to my heart, I am on the planning committee. Any amount of money you could donate could help make this camp a success!

Please Donate - Camp Caballero!