In December, Rebecca Geary, executive director, and I attended the National Association of Independent Schools People of Color Conference in California. We were lucky to hear a presentation by Dr. Anita Sanchez, who just published the book “Indigenous Wisdom for Modern Times: The Four Sacred Gifts.”
The gifts are:
The Power to Forgive the Unforgivable: Allow yourself to be set free. At the BDC we practice forgiveness every day. For some kids it may seem unforgivable when they find out that one of our animals will be used for meat. However, those same campers will continue to love the camp.
The Power of Unity: Understand that you are never alone. Our intention is to create a space that celebrates all types of people. We play BDC soccer which may have four goals, one goal, or no goals as opposed to traditional soccer with two teams and two goals. This allows those who may have been previously shut out of soccer to experience it.
The Power of Healing: Reunite with your wholeness. At the BDC, you must pass a raft test to swim out to the raft. Some eager campers want to try the test before they are ready, and we feel it is important for them to try and see for themselves. If they fail, we use encouragement and work with them to achieve this goal. We model not giving up and
continuing to work to get better without ever sacrificing safety.
The Power of Hope: Where hope exists, love persists. We believe in showing hope but not by ignoring issues. We sing “You are Loved” by Catie Curtis along with “If You Miss Me at the Back of the Bus.” One song lets folks know they are loved and the other acknowledges the hope of civil rights.
In a time where many may be feeling hopeless, the Farm & Wilderness community works tirelessly to convey that there is always hope. There is always the Light in everyone. If we work together in unity, are able to forgive and heal, our community is stronger. Like the fire at Flying Cloud, you may not see the light, but you can always feel the warmth and if you build it up, it will eventually warm your whole self.