The Path Taken in Finding Our True Identity

Written By: Athena and Podella

​I know this might sound crazy, but do you believe in miracles? In July of 2012, our answer would have been a big fat NO! But then it happened, the miracle that changed tow little seeds into strong, powerful, vibrant, confident, and empowered young ladies…Camp GLOW- the ultimate miracle that played an integral part in the life of the individuals we are today. Looking back at the past life experiences, it is agreed that August 6th-12th of 2012 had been the best week of our lives. On the 6th, shy, timid girls arrived at the Kuru Kuru Training Centre knowing not what to expect, but surprisingly that week changed our lives for the greater good, NOT only ourselves, but the people in our communities. This was the beginning of a new era for all GLOW Girls.

Camp GLOW enabled us to meet girls our age from different parts of Guyana. This was a privilege that we all embraced and cherished dearly. At this fun-filled high-tempo atmosphere at camp, different educational sessions were taught that made us more conscious of the important decisions that we were to make in the future. How we are to treat and respect each other. Before the ending of camp, all the girls were tightly knitted together in a special bond that is up to this day, unbreakable. Trust us! This is pretty cool to know that this sisterhood of girls can form their own little network, relating to each other daily.

Camp GLOW did not only take us on a journey of knowing ourselves, who we are in aspects of our personalities that make us unique, but also from a camper to a Counselor in Training (CIT). On our 2nd Camp GLOW, eight super cool GLOW Girls got a chance to share their experiences with other campers through the CIT program. This was also the perfect opportunity for GLOW Girls to reunite in person to hug and catch up on stuff. WOW!! You can imagine the amount of excitement and screaming and hugging that filled the atmosphere. We cried tears of joy whenever we saw our GLOW sisters. We were all confident and eager to continue what we do best, to empower young minds.

This dynamic role came with a lot of responsibilities and challenges, but as our GLOW song said, “when giving up seems easier that trying, its then you light your fire from within.” This is the motivation that kept us going to share our past experiences with fellow young women. It was so touchingly awesome to watch girls come out of their shell and blossom with ideas, talents, and bravery. It truly reminded us of our first year at camp. We saw girls with different backgrounds, ethnic groups, and personalities all bonded like old friends. WOW!! This is truly another memory that is embedded neatly in sweet parts of our Camp GLOW memories.

Another bitter-sweet atmosphere, we had to leave this place that felt like home. No one never wanted to leave camp. Its like letting go of the most cherished heaven on earth, but as usual, all good things must come to an end, but this end would be the beginning of a new life of all GLOW Girls. At the end of each camp, GLOW Girls were challenged to undertake a community project, along with the help of super awesome Peace Corps Volunteers, very dedicated GLOW Girls, and help from persons in the community. A mini Camp GLOW was successfully held in the Linden community. We saw over sixty eager girls excited for the Camp GLOW experience. We had a blast! We are confident that girls were empowered through this exercise. It is unbelievable how one weekend can change the lives of so many women.

We are having a casual conversation on how we would also like to share our experience with others in Guyana, not only in Linden, than Whooosh! The miracle happened again. We got a once in a lifetime opportunity to travel all the way to Region #6 at a place with a totally different atmosphere, a place where persons don’t know you, but you are always welcomed, a place where our GLOW sisters resided, a place where you can see the sunset in a distance and smell the lush vegetation, a place where you can breathe fresh air and feel relaxed!! None other than the Blackbush Polder! This experience was calmer, but fun-filled with empowerment. The hospitality in Blackbush Polder was remarkable! Thanks to part of the GLOW family that resides there: the mini camp in BBP saw some shy and beautiful young ladies being empowered. Although, it was a mini camp, we interacted and met most of the girls regardless of ethnicity.

So this is our Camp GLOW experience: from not knowing who we are to finding our true identity. No matter where we go, who we meet, the empowerment spirit dwells within us. This is Camp GLOW, the ultimate experience, to obtain maximum greatness.

WHO RUNS THE WORLD???? GIRLS!!!!!