It Takes a Village to Raise a Child

It is a wise African proverb that it takes a village to raise a child.  But perhaps more pertinent to our Manheim Summer Camp Program, is the resolute proposition that it takes nine well instructed counselors to mentor a room full of unique and extraordinary campers.  Getting to meet and interact with the kids this first week has been an enriching experience to say the least.  Behind the laughter, kickball, and periodic drama, I've found that each camper brings such a novel perspective on life to the table that it's hard not to feel overwhelmed at times.  And while it may take a village to raise a child, these kids have opened my eyes to the converse of this adage.  Within five days, they have shown me that all it takes is a child to raise a village - or a camper to teach a mentor the most basic joys of life.  The progress these kids have shown already in such a short period of time has reminded me to imagine, to hope, and to think big.  Hearing Seth speak with more confidence each day, or seeing Wilson draw stars instead of nothing is ample testimony of this.  But what's more exciting is not just the fact that the mentors are making a difference with these kids, but that these kids are impacting each other as well.  They, along with all of us, are part of the village - the big picture - or our 'community' (also our word of the week).  And in the weeks to come, I believe these kids will be able to take our village to new frontiers of seeing, being and understanding.  

- Matt L.