Summer Camp in Puerto Rico

Summer Camp in Puerto Rico

Summer Camp in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is a fascinating island to visit – and island existing in tension.  Technically an unincorporated territory or Commonwealth of the United States – Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens who enjoy all the benefits of U.S. citizenship save one: if they live in Puerto Rico they cannot vote for the U.S. President.  While Spanish is the official language, many residents move fluidly between Spanish and English.  Because of this political position, the identity of Puerto Ricans is multifaceted and complex.

We will be going to visit the Centro Sor Isoline Ferré Caimito – one of many centers across the island named for Sister Ferré who was a Puerto-Rican nun.  Known as the “Mother Teresa of Puerto Rico,” she received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in recognition of her humanitarian work.  Ferré became a champion for poor communities in Puerto Rico through the founding of a Centro in Ponce – dedicated to providing educational opportunities, extracurricular activities and day care services to low-income families and particularly juvenile delinquents.  A number of small centers in this same spirit sprung up around the island in an initiative that became known as “religious urban guerrilla.”

We will be working at the Centro Sor Isoline Ferré Caimito to assist in their summer camp.  The camp is for Pre-K-12 graders, and we will assist in general care, crafts, sports, nature explorations, tutoring, English lessons, field trips and anything else that is needed!  We will be able to explore questions of poverty, culture, and politics in country that feels both “international” and “American” at the same time.  This is a great introductory trip for those who love to work with children!

For further information, contact Lu Firestone at x 2422 or firestol@canisius.edu. 

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