I don't know if there is a word in our language- or even 100 all strung together that can adequately describe the magical transformation of what happens at Teen Camp. (But I am going to do my best and try). The theme of the camp this summer was Finding me Through Divinity.
We worked so hard to get to take 7 teens (and 2 advisors) to teen camp. We baked goods, wrote scholarship essays, made art and prepared our hearts. The travel to get there is filled with excitement and a long day. Learning to move as a group can be challenging but when we finally arrive at camp- the magic begins.
Cabin assignments and bunk selection is made easier by some of the choices already made for you. There were two boys cabins, two girls cabins, and a cabin for non -gendered persons. Advisors always sleep by the door- the rest is up to the teens. After that, we head into our first groups where we meet other campers. We meet in various group throughout the week. You've got your "just teens" group led by elected teen leaders. There's the "youth group" which is the Center you came with. Then, there the small process group the "family group". Made of 2-3 advisors and 5-6 teens - this is the group we spend most of workshop time with. There were 10+ workshops this time. Each of them aimed to get us to know ourselves better, practice some of our spiritual practices, and ask ourselves important questions. Teen get to practice expressing themselves, receive validation, and practice listening to others.
With all that hard work there has got to be some balance. This time at camp we got to slide down the big giant slip'n' slide as opposed to sledding down in on baking sheets in the snow last winter. The other options were swimming in the pool, the arts and crafts table, writing in camp stroke books, basket ball, tether ball, kickball, walking the labyrinth, taking a hike, just chillin' with friends, working with a licensed prayer practitioner....the list goes on......
Are you hungry yet? Great! The food in the kitchen is ready- just listen for the bell! We had a variety of things from Chinese food, Fettuccine Alfredo, Chili Dogs, Tacos and my absolute favorite Tetris Tots. The name of the game this year was making sure everybody stayed hydrated. With several of the days reaching over 100 degrees we stayed on top of filling our water bottles with ice and water and staying in the shade.
As if our hearts weren't already full each day we got to participate in several nurturing practices. You may wonder what this means? It could be group singing or dancing, passing around the love awards, practicing affirmative consent hugs, Angel Wash or As and Bs. These nurturing practices are so meaningful for teens. While everybody gets to choose their own limits and participation- it is pure magic to watch as barriers drift away and they can both give and receive unconditional love from others. It is like watching the harshness of the work melt off their faces and a warmth that lets them know they are special and desrve this kindness.
I bring you back changed beings. I am proud of who they are - we have some really great teens. But the magic that transforms them into even better people at each camp is simply out of this world. I appreciate all their hard work at fundraising and all of our community support. Most of all, I am proud that they are able to use the opportunity, stay present - even through the tough moments and grow. Thank you CSL Santa Rosa for being part of the village that raises our youth into he best adults they can be.
Jennifer Caldwell
Youth and Family Coordinator
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