One week as a volunteer at Næsbycentret
6. juli 2010
Last week I have been an international volunteer in the staff at
Næsbycentret. A very special experience, being the only Dutchman
between about 400 Danish and Norwegian scouts. When I left for
Danmark, I knew a little bit what to expect. But I didn´t know what
my tasks would be. Now I know that all staff members, or Næsfolk as
they are called, do everything what has to be done. Every day there
are a lot of jobs, like coördinating, preparing or leading
activities, the material yard (Jagtvejen), cleaning the toilets,
the office, the shop Biksen, food supplies and of course, in
Danmark most important off all, the kitchen.
For me it was a week of learning and experiencing everything
about Næsbycentret. At this moment I´ve done almost all the tasks
that have to be done. During the week I always was happy with the
help of the other staffmembers, because my Danish is not so good.
Allthough they say I´m doing well. Some were amazed by the way I
handled the children, selling sweets at ´Biksen´ shop. With dozens
of young children in the row to buy sweets, sodas and ice, my
Danish improved quickly. I must admit, it became easier and easier
every minute.
The highlight of this week was the activity the Danes call
'Faellesdag'. It is a common day for all groups in the field. The
theme of this day was the American pioneers, settling the wild west
in the early 19th century. So the scouts did all what is needed to
convert Ohio River Valley into a real society. Around the teepee on
the prairie of Næsby, the children built places like a saloon with
bar and poker tables, a beauty salon, a medical center, a church, a
bakery and a nursery. The carriage was of course provided by the
local stagecoach. Of course at that time true craftsmanship was the
basis of everything. And so it was in Ohio River Valley. In the
afternoon all the products that were made could be sold. It brought
a lively trade among all the new residents.
Also very special was that all participants sung a birthday song
at flag on my birthday. In Danish of course! The rest of the day I
received congratulations from dozens of children, though I found
out a lot later what they said to me... In the afternoon
there was a birthday cake. Homemade, of course, as usual in
Danmark. In the evening at the big campfire I presented a Dutch
song and yell. It wasn´t the easiest job to be the only Dutchman
teaching it the whole group. Fortunately, almost everyone knew the
tune of ´hoofd schouders knie en teen´ (head shoulders knees and
toes). And they learned the yell ´B I Z ondergoed´ amazingly fast.
Especially the children liked the Danish version of the Dutch
´banaantje`-yell!
Today is the last day of Centerlejre 101. And also the end of my
week in staff. It was lots of sun, a lot of new experiences and
above all great fun! All staff, thanks for a great week! You are
doing a fantastic job!
Marcel Dijkstra
Home at Nanne Zwiep Scout Group in Enschede - The
Netherlands
