Today marked the first day of the last week of camp. Looking back, there are many lessons that I’ve learned about myself and about life. If not for the children I met, I would not have learned these lessons. When we, as adults, take on the role of listener, it’s amazing how much wisdom and love children actually have to share. I would like to use this blog as an opportunity to share some of the stories of children I’ve grown close with and what they have taught me.

The first story I would like to share is that of a boy I met last year at camp that showed me the importance of being an advocate for those you care about. When I met G* last summer, he was aggressive and defiant; yet I could tell he was simply showing these behaviors because he didn’t feel like things were fair for him. Although his behavior proved difficult at times, I formed a positive relationship with him because I was able to treat him fairly and give him the benefit of the doubt when he needed it. This summer, G was at camp again. One day in particular really struck me. He was getting in trouble for something I wasn’t aware of and he seemed to have boiled over, eventually crying. It didn’t seem like the camp counselor who was talking to him was able to get through to him so I went to talk to him. By just sitting and listening without judgement or assumptions, he was able to open up to me. Fast forward to the end of camp where he now is always respectful of me and open with me. We have a mutual sense of trust and responsibility that we can hold each other accountable for. Because of this relationship, I am able to advocate for him with other counselors, in turn making things much fairer for him.

Another camper, R* has showed me how much people, children especially, value loyalty. R makes sure I play with her every day and doesn’t let me slack. She points out when I spend time with other children and not with her. Based on our conversations, I know her values of loyalty come from a place of uncertainty and wanting to belong. Like most people, R wants to feel loved. Because of this, I make it a point to spend some portion of my day with R every day. I’ve also made sure to try to make people in my personal life feel more loved by me. R has taught me how I react under stress: I begin to isolate and close off from others and try to recoup. However, I now know that I need to set boundaries so I can still take care of myself and show up for those who need me when they need it most.

I could go on for pages about the different stories of children, but these two stuck out to me the most. Other children have taught me so many lessons; how to never take yourself too seriously, how to respectfully ask about cultures other than my own, and when to admit you’re faults. Children have so much grace and love to give and they truly never get enough credit. Beyond their funny moments and the strange things they say, children are some of life’s best teachers. I hope that during the last week of my fellowship, I can convey the stories of camp in my project.