Interdependence Day skits and songs; body rolls on the 
tallest mountains in both Vermont and New York; finding a mummified possum in our chicken’s hay; back-country brownie cook offs; mock wilderness first-aid scenarios; staring off mountain tops into the cloudy abyss; paddling into sunrise and mist on completely placid lakes. At SAM Camp, we’re having too much fun!
But this kind of party doesn’t come easy! Before our trips this year, the SAM Camp community talked about growth being evident when there is a change in what we know and what is familiar. When it happens around us, in nature perhaps, we think of it as powerful and beautiful. Rivers shape the landscape, depositing our beloved mountains into the sea, while we sit back and enjoy the show of messy force and violent cascades. When it is us being shaped, however, we often want the rivers of change dammed immediately! Not SAM campers… Well not always at least.
SAM campers embraced their many opportunities for growth this past week! Performing for hundreds, talking about who they are while listening to and gaining compassion for others, accepting the falling rains and pushing through demanding physical challenges, SAM campers have not only grown but appreciated the opportunity to be uncomfortable. We’ll try to keep it in mind that these moments find us when we least expect it (oops, argh, yikes, yuk, ouch, ah ha) but we can appreciate them still!
Did you know that you can fit an entire meadow in your pocket? A giant,white pine on you fingertip? One thousand carrots in the palm of your hand? In seed form all of this is possible! We started this session learning about an individual seed. Some fly, some stick to you, some are tasty, some depend on fire! All are amazing. Though all have a bit of what they need to nourish themselves inside it takes the right conditions for them to grow! We made a plan to plant peace and harvest justice. We discussed the conditions that would make this possible within our community and elsewhere. “Promote the voices of others”, “be a good listener” and “stand up for your values” to name a few. While we work to nourish each other and grow our own identities at SAM this session we are also growing a one-foot section of gutter garden with our own seeds in it!
We’re looking forward to seeing many of you here on Friday for pickup and visiting day! If you’re picking up your camper you can do so and hit the road anytime between 9 and 12. for folks who wish to stick around for a be we encourage you to take part in the following schedule!
9 am – Singing on the hill
10 am – Silent meeting and session debrief
11:30 – Lunch
1 pm – 1st session campers depart (don’t forget meds and instruments!)
4 pm – Visiting Day Families depart
Too much fun!
– Jeff
