Food for thought — camp style

Dear camp friends and families,

*Almost* wherever you are, if you are in the 'States today, it is c-o-l-d. Camp is drastically cold; pipes are freezing to buildings we didn't think they would (good thing Joseph is a call away to fix things as best he can.) While we go about our work, planning for both summer camp and the many groups who visit CFA and grow in our outdoors experience, the weather can be a nuisance and a distraction and it is sometimes hard to envision the lush green trees of summer and the shrieks and laughter of a hundred kids in motion. With that in mind, here's three little thoughts to share and some memories of seven months ago, in the spirit of camp.

I am always doing that which I cannot do, in order that I may learn how to do it.

—Pablo Picasso

It's easy to make a buck. It's a lot tougher to make a difference.
—Tom Brokaw

The most I can do for my friend is simply be his friend.
— Henry David Thoreau

Stay warm, keep loving those around you, and see you next time!

Stuff I Learned at Summer Camp

Whether we like it or not, when Christmas shows up, the end of the year is close at hand. Summer camp seems incredibly far away, and it really is, if you count the months— just about as far away as you could be. I don't know about you, but all of the love and togetherness of Christmas makes me miss camp and all of the CFA folks we love the most— even while I'm enjoying my family and out-of-camp friends.

Yet it seems like a wildly appropriate time to remember All The Good Stuff from summer. The lessons you learn, whether you're a counselor, camper, or even a parent on the sidelines at Closing Day, mean just as much when we sit down with friends, family, or even on your own at the holidays.

In case you've forgotten, some of those lessons include—

#1 — A good friend will always help you with your safety gear.

#2 — Take every opportunity to be a little silly in the name of fun.

#3 — Have some faith in yourself to try something new.

#4 — Love your brothers and sisters. If you don't have brothers and sisters, love the people you're with like they're family.

#5 — Music comes in many forms. It is powerful stuff, especially around a campfire.


#6 — You can make anything you want out of lanyard, beads, Popsicle sticks, and paint.

#7 — Caring about people means lending a shoulder of support whenever they need it.

#8 — Be respectful of other people, but don't be afraid to dance like nobody's watching.

#9 — Responsibility means seeking ways to take care of everyone, not just yourself.


#10— Find happiness in the simple stuff.

Happy Christmas. Happy Holidays.
Love, MaryAshley