Post by dk on Nov 19, 2006 19:49:23 GMT -5
Retreat and Conference Reflections
Winnie Chow
Not only was it exciting to visit Montreal for the first time in my life, but also travel to the Laurentian Mountains was breath taking and soul fulfilling. It was amazing to be part of a gathering of so many cool, fun, strong, independent youth and women from across Canada. What struck me the most was how the group came together during the retreat. There was so much positive energy in the group in terms of brainstorming ideas to make Powercamp National more unified, but also how we could help each other in our own organizations. The networking that took place was great and I thank the organizers for such a wonderful opportunity.
Flowing stream of memories of the retreat:
Long bus ride, beautiful location, brisk walks, circles, sharing ideas, barking, being chased, great food, sleeping, dancing, the “hip” thing, drumming and singing, told to sing quietly, truth or dare, crazy knitters, talking, laughing, games, drama, rant about the bus driver (5 minute bathroom break), positive energy, and new friendships…
After leaving the retreat for Montreal we arrived at the Clarion Hotel. Envision a mass of women, with lots of luggage, trying to get their hotel keys in a tiny lobby. I distinctly remember this feeling of loss when we entered the hotel because we had spent 3 days with each other in a communal environment and then in a matter of five minutes we all disappeared into our individual hotel rooms. We were all at a loss in terms of how we could connect with each other. So we started shouting out room numbers and frantically writing numbers on our hands, scraps of paper and hopefully if our brain was functioning, memorize 13 or more different numbers and names before cramming into the elevator. This demonstrated how powerful of a bond we all developed in such a short period of time.
During the conference, there was a real tightness to the retreat members and I felt like I was part of this big family. We all continued to meet after workshops and go for dinner and of course, shop! Gene, great job at the spoken word, you rock!
The presentation by FAWEU from the delegates from Uganda truly inspired me. The stories of girls not getting an education because of their periods really blew me away. The organization is working on educating Ugandan families about menstruation and providing washable pads for girls going to school. I could not imagine not getting an education because I had to stay home during my period. I think back to my youth that I used my period as an excuse not to go to gym class was pretty sad considering there are girls out there now who don’t have a choice to go to school because of the “curse”. This presentation really put life in perspective for me and how lucky we truly are in North America.
I meet so many amazing young women who are doing great things in their own communities. And I believe this conference was about them and for them. I want to thank the young women from the retreat who reminded me about my youth and how much fun it was to play truth and dare. I also want to thank the ladies who came dancing with me on Saturday night and help remind me that I don’t miss the pick up bar scene. The girls showed me that we have taught them to be strong and independent. They have the knowledge and strength to know their own boundaries and also know when and where to ask for help. It was wonderful to be able to step back and see it all happen in front of me and it was difficult not to step in. But as someone wise said to me that night “We have to trust we have taught them well to make the right decisions”. And with that said, well-done ladies and keep in touch!
Winnie Chow
Anti-dote: Multi-racial Girls and Women’s Network
Victoria, BCPowercamp
Winnie Chow
Not only was it exciting to visit Montreal for the first time in my life, but also travel to the Laurentian Mountains was breath taking and soul fulfilling. It was amazing to be part of a gathering of so many cool, fun, strong, independent youth and women from across Canada. What struck me the most was how the group came together during the retreat. There was so much positive energy in the group in terms of brainstorming ideas to make Powercamp National more unified, but also how we could help each other in our own organizations. The networking that took place was great and I thank the organizers for such a wonderful opportunity.
Flowing stream of memories of the retreat:
Long bus ride, beautiful location, brisk walks, circles, sharing ideas, barking, being chased, great food, sleeping, dancing, the “hip” thing, drumming and singing, told to sing quietly, truth or dare, crazy knitters, talking, laughing, games, drama, rant about the bus driver (5 minute bathroom break), positive energy, and new friendships…
After leaving the retreat for Montreal we arrived at the Clarion Hotel. Envision a mass of women, with lots of luggage, trying to get their hotel keys in a tiny lobby. I distinctly remember this feeling of loss when we entered the hotel because we had spent 3 days with each other in a communal environment and then in a matter of five minutes we all disappeared into our individual hotel rooms. We were all at a loss in terms of how we could connect with each other. So we started shouting out room numbers and frantically writing numbers on our hands, scraps of paper and hopefully if our brain was functioning, memorize 13 or more different numbers and names before cramming into the elevator. This demonstrated how powerful of a bond we all developed in such a short period of time.
During the conference, there was a real tightness to the retreat members and I felt like I was part of this big family. We all continued to meet after workshops and go for dinner and of course, shop! Gene, great job at the spoken word, you rock!
The presentation by FAWEU from the delegates from Uganda truly inspired me. The stories of girls not getting an education because of their periods really blew me away. The organization is working on educating Ugandan families about menstruation and providing washable pads for girls going to school. I could not imagine not getting an education because I had to stay home during my period. I think back to my youth that I used my period as an excuse not to go to gym class was pretty sad considering there are girls out there now who don’t have a choice to go to school because of the “curse”. This presentation really put life in perspective for me and how lucky we truly are in North America.
I meet so many amazing young women who are doing great things in their own communities. And I believe this conference was about them and for them. I want to thank the young women from the retreat who reminded me about my youth and how much fun it was to play truth and dare. I also want to thank the ladies who came dancing with me on Saturday night and help remind me that I don’t miss the pick up bar scene. The girls showed me that we have taught them to be strong and independent. They have the knowledge and strength to know their own boundaries and also know when and where to ask for help. It was wonderful to be able to step back and see it all happen in front of me and it was difficult not to step in. But as someone wise said to me that night “We have to trust we have taught them well to make the right decisions”. And with that said, well-done ladies and keep in touch!
Winnie Chow
Anti-dote: Multi-racial Girls and Women’s Network
Victoria, BCPowercamp