By Sarah Schwartz, Elementary School Program Director
The past three years working at ROCK have been life changing to say the least. I began my time as the Elementary School Program Director in August of 2007 when I was given an amazing opportunity to attempt to make a mark on the lives of Vis Valley’s children. Since then, I have been challenged to learn and grow not only professionally, but personally as well. My first school year at ROCK was a whirlwind of kids, programs, parents, teachers and staff. I did my best to keep up and attempt to plan programs that met the high standard that the other ROCK program directors set (THEA!). Just as I was about to let out a sigh of relief, my next big challenge was right around the corner… ROCK Camp 2008! Duh Duh Duuuuuuh!
Picture yourself riding in a charter bus down a windy country road with fifty elementary school kids waiting in anticipation for a weekend away from the city. Needless to say I was terrified! It seemed like all the “emergency” situations that I had planned for were coming true-car sick children puking in the back of the bus, others not making it to the bathroom “in time” and wetting their pants, not to mention the extreme heat! As we pulled into CYO Camp in Occidental, CA I was wondering how I would ever survive, let alone make it back to the city with all fifty kids!
The bus came to a stop and the kids cheered with relief, the long drive was over and we were finally at camp. As the kids stepped off the bus the energy shifted; there we were, in the middle of nowhere with a weekend of pure fun ahead of us! Without wasting much time, the group swarmed the cool waters of the swimming pool. Watching the kids play in the water was when I truly understood what ROCK Camp was all about. Kids playing, smiles on their faces, water splashing all around and not a care in the world. The rest of the weekend was by no means a breeze and things continued to go wrong for the entire 3 days, but none of that mattered anymore. Having had a part in bringing those kids to a safe place full of fun, challenging activities just for them was one of the best gifts I have ever received. Despite the heat wave, the kids’ energy and excitement remained high up until the minute we pulled back into San Francisco. And to my relief, not only did I survive, I brought all fifty kids home safely-full of camp stories to share all summer long.
