Sunny, our solar powered vehicle, was just too white when it came so we decided to dress it up with a lot of bumper stickers that reflect our values and humor as a place where Faith and Fun Flourish. One of my favorite bumper stickers is this: Humankind: BE BOTH

At summer camp we teach and model kindness. Can you think of any higher value to reinforce? Be kind to yourself – you are irreplaceable, loved and of great value for who you are. Be kind to others just as God has been kind to you – it will pay great dividends but that’s not why we do it. Be kind to God’s creation – it’s God’s gift to us to be enjoyed and revered. What does the Lord require of us but to seek wisdom, love kindness, and walk humbly with God? Micah 6:8

At camp kindness starts as they drive in the gate and are greeted warmly by summer staffers who reduce their anxiety by telling them the names of their counselors and their cabin and answer initial questions. It continues as they meet their new family for the week and they learn one another’s names.

Later in the week Ferncliff campers learn kindness by making disaster kits that go to families who have lost their possessions. They learn it when they scoop rice, soy, and dried vegetables into bags that will be lunches for international feeding programs. They see it modeled with our games where no one is chosen last and everyone is included.

Henry James said, “Three things in human life are important: the first is to be kind; the second is to be kind; the third is to be kind.” In the parable of the Good Samaritan Jesus taught that the determining factor of the hero was kindness. It’s not about competition to get to the top of the pile, but more about stepping aside to give someone else a chance.

At night our counselors ask the campers things like “where did you see God at work today?” Invariably it is in acts of kindness that children say they saw God’s hand. It wasn’t in who was fastest, strongest, or smartest. It is in acts of kindness that people see God.

I hope you will help Ferncliff to continue to be a camp of kindness. A place where campers experience God’s love and kindness showered on them. We try to give away kindness at camp. But you know what? You really can’t give it away. It comes back to you.

Thank you for the kindness you have shown Ferncliff. I hope it keeps coming back to you.

Appreciatively,

David Gill