We pride ourselves in our incredible staff at ISTC and the value that they bring to our camp. The staff at ISTC are second to none because they are outstanding role models, mentors and leaders and have a solid and experienced background in Coaching and Childcare. They are the best the world has to offer!
Since so many of our staff members are international, they don’t all celebrate the same holidays we do in the United States. We want to share with you some of their holidays!
Australia:
Our Aussie staff will be busy celebrating Australia Day on January 26th. This day involves raising of the Flag of Great Britain at that site by Governor Arthur Phillip, and also marks the anniversary of the 1788 arrival of the First Fleet of British Ships at Port Jackson, and New South Wales. Australians celebrate this day with festivals, picnics, parades, and much more, by both large and small communities!
Mexico:
Dia de los Muertos or The Day of the Dead is a holiday in Mexico that is celebrated every year. On this special day, the people in Mexico are ready to celebrate and welcome the spirits of their families! They celebrate with the delicious food, decorated skulls, and lighted candles to guide their family members home again. Even the gravestones are decorated, and the whole family will gather in the graveyard to wait and pay their respects to their deceased families.
New Zealand:
The Kiwi Staff at ISTC celebrate Waitangi Day on February 6th each year. This day commemorates the first signing of New Zealand’s founding document – the Treaty at Waitangi in 1840, and is celebrated by everyone in New Zealand. All public schools and businesses are closed on Waitangi Day. This day focuses on many of the cultural aspects in the lives of New Zealanders, and is celebrated with different speeches and performances.
United Kingdom:
Contrary to the name, Boxing Day in England has nothing to do with the sport of Boxing! This day is celebrated on December 26th each year (and no, they don’t return all their unwanted Christmas gifts this day either) and is now observed as a bank holiday. In the past, servants and tradesmen would trade “Christmas boxes” from their employers! This holiday is not only celebrated by England, but also by Canada, Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand, Kenya, South Africa, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, Norway, France and Sweden.
