Spring is alive and in full bloom in East Texas. The green pastures are filled with wildflowers. Bursts of yellow, flecks of peach, and the Bluebonnet State flower blanket the fields. This week, I was not the only one who beheld the beauty of camp.
I led a group of middle school students in a leadership program at Camp. During the week, we emphasize the importance of people, passion, vision, and leaving a legacy. Coupled with team-building activities, horse rides, and zip-lines, the students have an opportunity to learn while playing. It's learning in disguise. On their final day, we shared a closing discussion on what they learned and how they can implement their discoveries at school and in the future. The first few students responded with answers I expected: listening to others, working as a team, etc. Then, one student surprised me. She explained how grateful she was for the space to think. She said, "I've never really thought about what I am passionate about or been able to enjoy nature." Another student chimed in, "I am glad I was able to escape from the noise of the city and be here instead." More raised hands responded similarly, expressing the freedom to be in the country away from the distraction and schedule of home. My heart smiled. These students were free to discover themselves. They experienced new adventures and were pushed outside of the comfort of cell-phones and the school setting.
As I write this, Mothers and their young daughters explore the woods near my cabin. Five-year-old faces are wide with wonder, and I am glad for the opportunity to work in a place which gives space to reflect and enjoy nature.
May you create the time to enjoy the beauty of God's creation, to ponder questions, and allow the glory of life fill you.
All my love,
Gennavieve
I led a group of middle school students in a leadership program at Camp. During the week, we emphasize the importance of people, passion, vision, and leaving a legacy. Coupled with team-building activities, horse rides, and zip-lines, the students have an opportunity to learn while playing. It's learning in disguise. On their final day, we shared a closing discussion on what they learned and how they can implement their discoveries at school and in the future. The first few students responded with answers I expected: listening to others, working as a team, etc. Then, one student surprised me. She explained how grateful she was for the space to think. She said, "I've never really thought about what I am passionate about or been able to enjoy nature." Another student chimed in, "I am glad I was able to escape from the noise of the city and be here instead." More raised hands responded similarly, expressing the freedom to be in the country away from the distraction and schedule of home. My heart smiled. These students were free to discover themselves. They experienced new adventures and were pushed outside of the comfort of cell-phones and the school setting.
As I write this, Mothers and their young daughters explore the woods near my cabin. Five-year-old faces are wide with wonder, and I am glad for the opportunity to work in a place which gives space to reflect and enjoy nature.
May you create the time to enjoy the beauty of God's creation, to ponder questions, and allow the glory of life fill you.
All my love,
Gennavieve
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