UPD ‘08 Begins…
Ok, so if you have been in close proximity to me over the last few weeks, you will most likely have realised that I am currently in the United States working as a youth leader on the Ulster Project Delaware (UPD). I just arrived on Friday and 2008’s project has just kicked off.
UPD is a cross community project that brings 18 teenagers to America, 9 of whom are protestant and 9 of whom are catholic. They are then paired up with American teens and live with their families for a month. The project is the longest running Ulster Project in the USA and it promotes conflict resolution through character building, self awareness and the fouding of new and long lasting friendships. I myself took part in the project in 2001 when I was 16. I have since been back to Delaware 4 times and am again staying with my original host family, the Bells. These guys are some of the nicest humans you will ever meet and I truly feel like a part of the family.
I plan on keeping a few notes on this blog just to catalogue the month. As anyone reading this will know, I fail at blogs so hopefully I can continue this without any problems. I will put a few select photos among the text to support the words but you can view the entire photo set of the trip by clicking here.
On Saturday past we had the first of the Discovery Days for the teenagers. These are used as a way to increase teambuilding, build friendships and help to create trust within the group. We spent most of the day doing icebreakers to help the teens become aquainted but we also carried out some exercises to help accentuate cultural differences and promote an understanding around this.
Saturday night seen me get away from the teens to a kick ass keg party with my buddy Neil. Its always amazing to get to see him and hang out - his buddies are all great people so its always good to kick back with them and play some beer pong. I sucked at beer pong on Sat night but I think i just need some extra practice and 12 more beers.
On Sunday, we began the more religous aspect of the project. Two churches, one protestant and one catholic, become the host churches for the project each year and on Sunday morning we went to the protestant church. Now this is the point where I begin to become uncomfortable. I’m not a religous person and I sometimes find it hard to take church services seriously never mind see their point. As surprising as it is for me, I was kind of impressed with the service on Sunday. It was very short and to the point and the Pastor spoke well, more about destiny and purpose rather than a man and a cross. The congregation were very friendly and I met some nice people.
Sunday afternoon saw us in Old New Castle at Battery Park. This is where i stayed in 2001 and I really love Battery Park - it will always hold a special, serene place in my mind due to the many sunny evenings spent there years ago. The teens had an absolute blast and played a load of sport during the trip. It was actually so amazing to see how well they are all getting on already. Having already taken part in the project, I know first hand that it can take time for a group to settle but with this year’s crew, it seems to be happening fast and naturally.
Today (Monday) we took a canoe trip down the Brandywine River. I sadly do not have any photos from this as it was a little risky bringing my camera into the water. Suffice to say though, it was beautifully serene and relaxing. As well as damn tiring! I will try and get some photos from the people on the banks as this is something that needs to be seen to understand just how fantastic this river is.
Three days are completed and it is definately going well so far. The group are getting on perfectly and I am genuinely excited to see them flourish in the days ahead. Seeing teens come together like this is something i never thought would mean anything to me but it is genuinely fantastic.
