Hello Mari & SSH Summer Camp Staff,
I just had the pleasure of making my first, but I assure you not my last, visit to SSSH Summer Camp. WOW! What a great experience. I want to say thank you and share kudos with you...
I had the privilege of observing and participating in some of the best programming I have seen in my 20 plus years of working with children. The facilities and the grounds are something every child should experience. (We) were warmly greeted throughout our visit by smiles from the children and adults, most of whom I didn't even know. Common courtesy, please, and thank yous was the language spoken in each setting resulting in an environment of feeling safe and respected.
We started our visit by participating in the arts activities. First a drumming acitivity that addressed multi-cultural themes, the artists lead with questions rather than answers which allowed for more buy in by the children. The drumming solicited good listen skills, sharing of ideas and lots of smiles & joy. Next we made "Monkey Drums", as a follow up to the drumming. While working on the drums the adults and children were engaged, respectful, creative, working in harmony sharing materials and acknowledging successes.
Lunchtime was delicious, nutritious and amazing. Everyone practiced good table manners, passing food to one another rather than reaching, and at each table I heard more please & thank yous...Emily Post would have been impressed. After clearing the lunch tables and while still seated in the dining room Tommy read a couple passages from a book on world hunger and shared his thoughts on how this connected to the weekly theme of justice. When it was necessary to quiet the room, there was no yelling, no whistles no threats. Tommy simply held up his hand and waited patiently for everyone else to follow his lead. In just minutes the room was quiet and respectful again and we moved on...this technique doesn't happen or work over night. Obviously the children and adults knew what was expected of them and they rose to the occasion with dignity & respect. Throughout my visit to the camp I felt that programming of value, rules of respect and good clean fun were building blocks thoughtfully put in place by the adults in charge to provide an outstanding summer experience for the children, one that they will never forget. I guess the highest compliment I can make is to say that I would proudly send my own children, if I had them, to SSSH Summer Camp and only regret that I didn't have the pleasure when I was a child. Thanks for all you do to make this world a better place for the children, and one big kid with grey hair and a moustache.
Jim Arter