CAS

Part of the UWC curriculum is CAS which is like co-curricular activities. CAS stands for Creativity, Action, and Service, so every week we do activities that fit into one of these groups. We have our core CASs which we are required to attend and then you can also go to any to any other ones that fit into your schedule and you have time for. My core CASs are Refugee camp, Hiking and cycling and Fashion.
I didn't sing up for fashion, fashion is is the last thing I think about, especially since I came here and where whatever is most comfortable. When I herd I was in Fashion I just laughed and was like what the heck, I might as well go and just see. So I went and found out that it is more like sewing which was more interesting to we so I'm just going with it and seeing what happens, I'm hopping we can make ridiculous costumes out of recycled materials to promote recycling so that's a bright side :).

here's what we made last week! haha ... I wish

Refugee camp is a refugee camp about an hour out of Mostar with people still without homes because of war 18 years ago. What we do is go to the camp every Saturday and play with the children there for a couple of hours, teaching them games and a bit of English, and they help us with our local language. We are also working on getting hot water heaters for them for when winter comes, and also cleaning up a room where the kids can all play inside. The kids are all really helpful and fun, it's nice to play with some younger kids, since at school I'm only with kids my age. I'm also really enjoying trying to learn the local language and communicate better with the kids.

Here is a shot of the kids tackling one of the other UWC students.

Hiking and Cycling is incredible ... every couple weeks we will be going on hikes, we've only gone on one but it was amazing because I missed the wilderness, I missed being blown away my the size of the mountains and lying in complete silence, only listening to the wind in the leaves. I do not mind this city, but I miss the out of control peace of the wilderness.

(Photo by Jess)

so theres a bit of what I've been up to, not quite like xc skiing and playing base in the orchestra, but I'm happy with the changes and I'm enjoying trying new things (even fashion :P )



above: before and after pics of an epic ruby match (also a CAS)