In When it comes down to it, when we think of our hopes and aspirations for our children, isn’t happiness the bottom line? Spiritual, emotional, vocational, relational happiness. Dr. Maureen Neihart studied what it is that makes people happy over the long term. In her book “Happiness is a State of Mine” has an infographic showing five key factors. They are: Scheduled Pleasurable Activities, Relationships, Meaning, Encouraging Hope, and Service/contribution. Camp reinforces them all:
Scheduled Pleasurable Activities – This is a mini-definition of summer camp at Ferncliff. Campers rotate through nature hikes, swimming, games, art, fishing, singing, boating, etc. No couches at camp. Children are actively engaged from the time their feet hit the floor to time they are tired enough to happily hit their bunk.
Relationships – Camp is where you make friendships with a cabin full of peers and make friends with a with a cool, college age role model. At camp kids are free to shed the expectations others may have saddled them with at school. Ferncliff is a bully-free zone. The peer pressure at camp is the pressure to include everyone.
Meaning – Camp is all about giving children a chance to develop and “own” their own faith. When they worship at camp is it not in the tow of their parents and it is not “churchy.” The context is creative and thinking is encouraged. At Ferncliff, science and spirit, faith and fun, are not distinctly separated.
Encouraging Hope – At camp, the positive is always lifted up. If the electricity goes out, we make it an adventure. If the rain comes, plan B becomes just as much fun. Got a long walk in the heat? Learn a new silly song to pass the time. Never done that before? That’s okay, give it a try, no one’s grading you.
Service/Contribution – At Ferncliff, we teach that helping others is part of what makes us healthy and happy. We make kits for families who have experienced disaster. One night each week we host a Party with a Purpose, an evening of music and dancing during which campers are packaging meals for international school feeding programs.
