The lights dim as the scattered persons assemble themselves into a wide arc, settling idly onto the floor. The room, full of the quiet murmur of conversation. The circle, full of faces met, but not yet known, suddenly lapses as a hushed silence spreads. A flame sparks, illuminating the face of the camp director who speaks, “I am important, I care for my self”. The words, repeated, fill the quiet void. A candle is lit. As the words recede a new phrase is spoken; and another candle ignited. “I am important I care for others.” Each is phrase is echoed by sixty five voices. "I am important I care for the earth.” Each echo is accompanied by the growing glow of dancing flame. "I am important God cares for me”. The director stands and moves to join the circle, the flickering light cast by four lit candles left to shine in solidarity in the middle of the ring of people still uncertain of this new place. The brief pause just long enough to wonder, yet again, “Why? Why me? Why here?"
The director begins to speak, sharing a story, one whose details emerge assembled by threads. A story of kids, and what they face in the world today, statistics surprising, and yet not. Things that are well known, but not always spoken aloud because it is much easier not too. Kids whose lives consist of instability and fear. Children who live in close proximity to many adults but lack a connection to one who really cares. Those who live out of touch from nature, more comfortable with a screen then the company of their peers. Those who have too much, and those who have too little. Those whose monsters are real. Childhood inactivity, lack of imaginative play, and independence suppressed for fear of failure. "Camp," the director says "can address all of these things. It's part of what we call the magic of Kitaki"
It seems weighty, challenging and too much. “Why? Why Me? Why Here?". Sure it seems fun, Limb Tag, Star Tag and Streets and Alleys were met with such joy earlier that afternoon when this currently subdued group ran rampant on a grassy hill surrounded by trees and warmed by the sun. There is a zip line, pool, horses, and a lake, experiences not yet had, but anticipated. Yet somehow it also seems irrational and unreasonable. "In charge of kids 24/7? I can't even rent a car, how can I be trusted with this?"
"...And you are the best suited to help make the magic happen. Because you are a rock star." The assembled faces stretch into a smile as the concept settles in and takes root. A rock star without an instrument, album or record deal. A rock star with only a small group of adoring fans, watching every movement, idolizing. A rock star with values and lessons the music, laughter and experience the pyrotechnics, and a back up band 65 strong. Yet still . . . a role model? A rock star? "No, not me, not here."
"So what are the five reasons why we are here?". Everyone knows. It's only been a few hours but the answer comes easily to mind. Kids. Kids. Kids. Kids. Kids. It all sounds so meaningful, so fun, so impact full and, quite frankly, so world changing. The people here seem genuine, caring, and so full of life, and there hasn't been a kid in sight. Not yet.
"This is the first night, and so it is the scariest. We all come from different backgrounds and have joined together here at camp to do something great. The neat thing about the magic of camp is it isn't just for kids. You will see it and experience it as well. It starts with a smile and a laugh, and it grows into a feeling of comfort, a feeling of belonging and a feeling of home. That is exactly the experience kids have, and we don't want you to forget your feelings right now. Right now you are nervous. You don't know what to expect. You may even be wondering if this is the right place for you. The kids feel exactly that same way. Because, as it turns out, everyone, young or old, is looking for the same thing. We all are looking for a place to belong"
"I have a song. For now just listen to the words." - (Pick what is most appropriate to you: 1. Home by John Popper (for more recent Knights), or 2. Place in this World by Michael W. Smith (for Knights from a few years back)
The music swells and the gathered staff look down, quietly listening, each feeling his or her own hopes, dreams and apprehensions. There is comfort in the words, warmth in the music, and cohesion in the experience. Looking around each face seems a little more relaxed, slightly more at peace. "Maybe. Maybe me. Maybe here."
The director speaks once more. "You are the right people, in the right place, at the right time. No one else could do what you will be able to do this summer. No one else can change the life of a child in the way that you will. You are a rock star. You are a super hero without a cape, you are the ONE person who will be there for a child this summer when the world has seemed to turn it's back. Your impact will echo in the memory of these kids throughout their lives. We have 10 days of training to go over the hows, the whys, and the details, but I will tell you there is really only two things you need to do this summer. Be your self completely, and care unconditionally. That's it. So take a deep breath. The song talked about finding your place, your home. The people in this circle are your family, and this beautiful forest is your home. So Summer Staff, let me be the first to say "Welcome Home."
As the circle lowers their heads in a moment of prayer a thought drifts to the surface, confident and sure. "Yes. Yes Me. Yes Here. I have found my place.....my family.....my home."