2010 All Volunteer Conference

For three days volunteers from all over the country as well as staff met in Los Santos for an All Volunteer Conference (AVC). It was a great opportunity for us to meet volunteers in other provinces, groups and sectors. I know the PCVs in group 64 as well as those in my province. However, there are many other PCVs serving in other provinces doing different things that this conference gave us the chance to meet, collaborate and exchange ideas and information.



The second day we had a HIV/AIDS presentation from AID FOR AIDS. There, we learned about activities, information and resources for us to use in our communities to educate and inform.



The third day, we had the opportunity to attend round table discussions on a variety of different themes from every sector. Business plans, working with youth, water systems, composting latrines, home gardening and agribusiness initiative. Also, two officers from the US Embassy presented information on the current political and economic atmosphere of Panama.

Throughout the conference we divided ourselves into different teams, based on our group. We were competing in various activities which made up the Campo Olympics (Campo = Country). The activities included…

Water relay race. PCVs carry water in hollowed out gourds from a 55 gallon drum into a drywall bucket as fast as they can. Whoever fills their bucket up the most in 2 minutes wins.

Salomar. Barking? Yelling? No, greeting. The Panamanian way to say hello, in the country. Most of the participants were from the Azuero or Cocle, where these traditions are the strongest.



Pop-a-Squat / Campo Servicio. Squatting against a wall for the longest.

Human Cock Fighting. In the pool, this one got intense.

The Perfect Orange Peel. When Panamanians eat oranges, they peel them with a certain gusto. The winner on this one was a member of our staff. Her peel was a continuous sliver about three feet long.

Soccer. 5 v 5.


The last night we had a Peace Corps Prom. Superlatives were given, we looked our best, open bar (boxed wine and local beers) and got some dancing in. After the dance, the party moved up into the bar, then into the pool.

AND our staff put on a show for us!