Bonfire Bonding
Posted on Monday, September 12th, 2022 at 8:24 pm.
Nothing says “summertime” like a good old-fashioned bonfire! In the U.S., this summertime tradition is as old as the nation itself. After all, there is no better time or place to connect with nature and with other people than around the warm flames of a blazing bonfire.
In June, AuPairCare au pairs and host families alike took advantage of the beautiful San Diego summer weather they were having and met at Leisure Lagoon Beach to gather around a bonfire! The fire, the perfect temperature, and the eventual sunset all combined to make for one unforgettable evening.
Like any good bonfire, the host families, host children, and au pairs gathered around the campfire to roast hot dogs and marshmallows, sing songs and warm their hands by the fire.
For some au pairs, it was the first time roasting hot dogs and having smores! Needless to say, the au pairs were delighted by the opportunity to partake in the American custom of using long sticks to roast marshmallows over the open fire and then eat them between two graham crackers with a piece of chocolate! They didn’t hesitate to ask for s’more of them!
As anyone who has spent time camping knows, gathering around a bonfire is a terrific way to build a sense of community and togetherness through shared experience. And that’s exactly what happened with these cultural exchange participants. The au pairs sparked conversations amongst themselves, bonding over their commonalities and delighting in their differences.
The usually shy au pair Akie from Japan stayed long after the event ended, continuing to socialize with her new friends. Au pair Mary from Germany expressed that the bonfire event had been a “happy, healing” experience for her after she had been struggling with homesickness.
Additionally, host families had a chance to connect with other families in the area. Some even set up playdates with their kids. After, some host families asked if the bonfire could become an annual event.
It’s safe to say that some great connections were made that day. With many s’more to come!
Categories: Participants, Program Spotlight
| About Rebecca Pasini Deputy Assistant Secretary for Private Sector Exchange | |
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Rebecca A. Pasini joined the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs as the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Private Sector Exchanges in July 2023. A career member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister - Counselor, Ms. Pasini has been an American diplomat since 1997.
Ms. Pasini previously served as the Director of Public and Congressional Affairs in the Bureau of Consular Affairs from 2021-2023. Other Washington assignments have included positions in the Bureau of Consular Affairs, the Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs, the Office of Foreign Missions, and as a liaison to the Department of Homeland Security. She has also completed multiple overseas tours, including as Minister Counselor for Consular Affairs in Islamabad, Pakistan, and as the Consular Chief in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and Belfast, Northern Ireland. Other tours included Mexico City and Kuwait.
A Maryland native, Ms. Pasini has a Ph.D. in Political Science from Indiana University, a master’s degree in National Security and Resource Strategy from the Eisenhower School, National Defense University, and an undergraduate degree from Mary Washington College.
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