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Life in a Mud Hut: My Peace Corps Story

October 8, 2026 • 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
This is a FREE event!

From the Peace Corps to a Mud Hut: Maggie’s Gambia Story — What exactly is the Peace Corps, why was it created, and is it still around today?

Join OWLS Club Executive Director and former Peace Corps Volunteer Maggie Okponobi for a two-part journey into the Peace Corps and life thousands of miles from home.

We’ll begin by exploring the history and mission of the Peace Corps and what it means to serve, then travel to The Gambia in West Africa, where Maggie spent 2½ years living in a mud hut, teaching, fetching water from a well, navigating some seriously HOT temperatures, learning a local language, and adjusting to daily life far from other Americans and everything familiar.

Through stories, photos, laughter, and lessons learned along the way, Maggie will share an up-close look at a life and culture very different from our own—and an experience that continues to shape who she is today.

Afternoon Session
Arts & Culture
Education
Special Event
Special Guest

Special Guest

Maggie Okponobi

Executive Director, OWLS Club

Venue

OWLS Club

2715 E Jackson Blvd
Elkart, IN 46516
(574) 336-2652
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OWLS Club Membership Agreement

Informed Consent and Assumption of Risk

I am aware that there are significant risks involved in all aspects of physical training. I understand that the reaction of the heart, lungs and vascular system to exercise cannot always be predicted with accuracy. I understand that there is a risk of certain abnormal changes occurring during or following exercise which may include abnormalities of blood pressure or heart rate; chest, arm or leg discomfort; transient light-headedness or fainting; and in rare instances, heart attack, stroke or even death.

Program Risks

I understand that the programs and classes offered are of a nature and kind that are extremely strenuous and can/may push me to the limits of my physical abilities. These risks include, but are not limited to: falls which can result in serious injury or death, injury or death due to negligence on the part of myself, my training partner, or other people around me and injury or death due to improper use of or failure of equipment. I am aware that any of these above mentioned risks may result in serious injury or death to myself and or my partner(s). I do not/will not hold any fitness instructors or Trinity UMC responsible for any of the potential risk.

PAR-Q and Waiver of Liability

I willingly assume full responsibility for any and all risks that I am exposing myself to as a result of my participation in the programs/classes and accept full responsibility for any injury or death that may result from participation in any activity, class or physical fitness program. I hereby certify that I know of no medical problems that would increase my risk of illness and injury as a result of participation in a fitness program. With my full understanding of the above information, I agree to assume any and all risk associated with my participation in programs/classes.

Acknowledgment of Strenuous Activity

By signing this document, I acknowledge that I have voluntarily chosen to participate in a program of progressive, physical exercise. By signing this document, I acknowledge being informed of the strenuous nature of the program and the potential for unusual, but possible, physiological results including, but not limited to, abnormal blood pressure, fainting, heart attack or death. By signing this document, I assume all risk for my health and well-being, and do not hold any fitness instructors or Trinity UMC responsible for my health and well-being. I understand that questions about exercise procedure and recommendations are encouraged and welcome.

Photo Release

Unless I otherwise contact an OWLS Club official, OWLS Club has permission to take and use my photograph while engaging in on-site OWLS activities.

Membership Policy

If you do not pick up your key tag or come to a class, your membership will expire after one year.

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