Jordan went to camp recently and came back declaring he had a great time. He was in the water club, shot the first bullseye in archery, made a beard in the mancave and stayed in a yurt. So he learned skills, gained confidence and got to interact in positive ways with people who are different from him.
Jordan attended an American Baptist camp. Earlier in July, I posted the article "Real Diversity" in which I explained that the American Baptist denomination, like the U.S. of the near future, has no majority ethnic group. We want to set a positive example of how to work out this level of diversity well.
Jordan's camp was reflective of the larger denomination. Five ethnic groups were represented by the ten campers and two counselors in the group. The female counselor was from another country and was the only one to represent that group, all the other groups were represented by more than one person. The group was diverse in other ways, too. There were both urban and suburban kids. At least one child had significant disabilities. The campers had different interests, also, which is why there were three different clubs and a wide variety of activities. There was one similarity -- the campers were all from Christian families and both counselors were Christians. Worship was a part of the camp routine.
The diversity wasn't planned by the camp. People signed up for a convenient session and were assigned on a first come/first serve basis. I am excited that this was a natural representation rather than an engineered grouping.
Jordan didn't come home talking about intercultural experiences and differences. He talked about friends and activities. That's the way it is supposed to be.
Camp offers many positive benefits, which is why I send my son and encourage others to send their children. Interacting with a diverse group 24/7 is one of those benefits.
What opportunities have your kids had to interact with people who were different from them?
God camp for teens -- the Christian Youth Conference at Ocean Park offers worship, Christian education and fun in an intense -- and diverse -- Christian community. This years two week session starts next Sunday, August 4th, but there is still time to register.
Jordan attended an American Baptist camp. Earlier in July, I posted the article "Real Diversity" in which I explained that the American Baptist denomination, like the U.S. of the near future, has no majority ethnic group. We want to set a positive example of how to work out this level of diversity well.
Jordan's camp was reflective of the larger denomination. Five ethnic groups were represented by the ten campers and two counselors in the group. The female counselor was from another country and was the only one to represent that group, all the other groups were represented by more than one person. The group was diverse in other ways, too. There were both urban and suburban kids. At least one child had significant disabilities. The campers had different interests, also, which is why there were three different clubs and a wide variety of activities. There was one similarity -- the campers were all from Christian families and both counselors were Christians. Worship was a part of the camp routine.
The diversity wasn't planned by the camp. People signed up for a convenient session and were assigned on a first come/first serve basis. I am excited that this was a natural representation rather than an engineered grouping.
Jordan didn't come home talking about intercultural experiences and differences. He talked about friends and activities. That's the way it is supposed to be.
Camp offers many positive benefits, which is why I send my son and encourage others to send their children. Interacting with a diverse group 24/7 is one of those benefits.
What opportunities have your kids had to interact with people who were different from them?
God camp for teens -- the Christian Youth Conference at Ocean Park offers worship, Christian education and fun in an intense -- and diverse -- Christian community. This years two week session starts next Sunday, August 4th, but there is still time to register.
A yurt? so cool. I've always wanted to stay in a yurt.
ReplyDeleteJordan did enjoy the yurt, though he said walking to the bathrooms in the dark wasn't always fun...
DeleteThank you for sharing this. I grew up never seeing anyone different. To me we are all creatures in God's image. A true blessing to share life experiences with friends and be completely color/nationality blind.
ReplyDeleteYes, agreed!
DeleteSounded like a fun, educational time. I've never even stayed in a yurt! I was fortunate to grow up in New York City, where I was exposed to different cultures and religions right in my own neighborhood. I'm glad your son had a good experience - that's the best of what camp is all about.
ReplyDeleteWe inherited a house in a suburb and live in a basically monocultural neighborhood. In our old apartment building we had occasional contact with other cultures. Our homeschool isn't very interracial but we do have several religions represented, though sometimes by only one family. Yes, a good experience is what camp is about!
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