The News Isn't So Bad!
Monday, July 20, 2009
Do you know I have not turned on a T.V. in over a month? I think the last time was one of the Sundays in June that actually WAS a day of rest. It was in the morning, and I turned on CBS Sunday Morning, one of Laurie's and my pre-church favorites. Charles Osgood started reciting the news, and it wasn't long before I turned it back off. It was such a contrast to the world I get to live in during the summer. (It ain't called the Heavenly World for nothing!)
I hope you all can tell that I'm not a pessimist...on the contrary...I get to work with a group that keeps me hovering on the edge of Never Never Land. There is no more optimistic age than "camper to college" age, and I am indeed privileged to be surrounded by it. Our nation has endured some tough stretches. World War II, polio epidemics, the fear of nuclear armageddon, oil and gas crises, recessions...there's a lot that can chip away at our basic need for security...that can make us feel vulnerable. I think in times like these, it is important for children to feel that they have a safety net. Of course, family comes first, and for most of our campers, this is the ultimate safety net. But, as they navigate the waters of independence, and become their own person, it is important to branch out, to gain discernment, and to learn to trust others. We were made for community, and there is no more pure iteration of it than camp. Camp is a clean start...not that we always need that. But, it is a chance to redefine...to find and promote the best versions of ourselves. Often this is a different version than the one we have slipped into at school, at work, or at home. Other than camp itself, the thing that I enjoy most about my job is hearing the stories of redefinition...of new starts. We often just know the "camp versions" of these girls...which almost always is the BEST version.
The pictures speak for themselves...another beautiful day. If I sound like a broken record, look at the riding pictures. Carolina blue skies, puffy clouds. Chamber of Commerce...blue ribbons. You get the picture. Just amazing.
As predicted, today was B-U-S-Y! We sent the climbers and kayakers off, and then settled into a semi-normal day. Dave Hartsock, our terrific tennis pro has had a little touch of laryngitis for the last couple of days, and I knew all was right with the world when I heard him yell at the top of his lungs..."Now, THAT's What I'm talking about!" I spent a good bit of time at riding doing some videotaping. The horsemanship girls were practicing for the "fair." As you can tell from the pictures tonight, there is some talent there.
I also enjoyed watching one of our counselors, Jennifer, work with a camper on her kayak roll. I have had the opportunity to watch Jenn work with aspiring kayakers throughout the summer...she has a passion for working with girls and teaching the sport she loves. This camper was on fire...and mostly because of the encouragement she was getting. Pretty cool.
So, I love what I do...and am most grateful for the privilege of having your camper with us. Sleep well. Gordon.
