Thought for the day: "Few will have the greatness to bend history itself; but each of us can work to change a small portion of events, and in the total of all those acts will be written the history of this generation." Submitted by Cyndi.

Day one of the ten days began with our team meeting at 7:45 AM where we read the journal from our orientation and arrival activities. At 9:00 we gathered in the lobby and received our room assignments for the classes and launched into our time with students. We worked with the students until 10:30 and then combined with another team for the last two hours of class. Both the single and double teams seemed pleased with the arrangement.

After lunch eight of us spent time with the students on a nearly four hour hike in the Tatra National Park. Dubbed by Teresa, the camp director, this was the “easiest hike” – seven gradual miles up and down the Strazy (can’t write Polish name correctly with an English keyboard) trail. Right!! I see more hikes in our future.

During reflection, after dinner, many successful teaching strategies were shared from our first attempts to teach these very bright capable students. Activities included basketball and word games, extemporaneous speaking, introductions, and sharing a high school year book. We know there will be challenges, but face the days ahead with optimism and confidence.

Submitted by Sue