I was planning to blog about something different, but when I was out on The Ranch this morning during bus arrival, I was moved by a singular sight: children holding hands. (Take a look at Marla’s Pic[k]s today, and you’ll see what I’m talking about.)
Where else do 11-year-old girls walk together holding hands?! Or male counselors feel comfortable and connected enough to dress up and dance to “Copacabana”?! Singing takes the place of texting, and cheering is what you do to encourage someone rather than laughing at him. Four-year-olds understand the meaning of the word “respect.” Where else do shy children take center stage and “Jump In” holding a microphone?
It’s because we’re truly one big family, a connected community; we share a culture of compassion on The Ranch.
Where else do children get to practice “habits of the heart?” They did it yesterday with gusto when they swam their hearts out to send underprivileged children to camp. Whether they could swim or not, they racked up the laps with whatever aid was needed – their own power or a barbell or a swim instructor. At the end of the day, earning 10 cents a lap which the Coleman family pledged on their behalf, they had amassed $2,000 (yes, we rounded it up!) for Morry’s Camp.
Also, yesterday, we were joined by two counselors from South Africa. Mbali and Mdu will be here for the remainder of the summer, sharing their spirit. (Ross, Pam, and Tony met them last year when they volunteered at their camp.) Today, the pair started making their way around divisions introducing themselves with the now famous “Jump In” song that originated at Camp Sizanani in Soweto. The Pioneers were delighted when they recognized the song they have been singing all summer!
Speaking of spirit, it was off the charts today – and on top of the tables – in the Chow Hall when Mbali and Mdu taught Pardners some chants like G-R-O-O-V-Y, and they taught them “Shake your booty.” As G3-3 Counselor Erika put it, “We show them the Coleman Way and they show us their way.”
We’re literally and figuratively holding hands around the world, opening our hearts, sharing our good fortune. And showing each other love.
Now that’s what I call the power of fun!
