Sunday Snippet: Camp Creates Change For Good
Twelve years ago, when Maggie and I assumed the directorship at WeHaKee Camp for Girls which created a change, unknowingly to us the musical Wicked was blowing away audiences on Broadway as well as throughout its many stops in cities across the United States. Being a bit out of touch, I was intrigued by this great music campers were playing and singing at camp that year. As a result, I quickly learned more about the unique perspective that Wicked brought to the Wizard of Oz story.
It is a story of how seemingly little things in our lives can have a profound impact on the direction of our lives. But it was also a story of the profound influences a relationship can have on each participant within that relationship. The people we meet and the circumstances we meet with them change our lives!
In essence, that is the story and the power of camp. We arrive as one person, but through the innumerable experiences and relationships we forge, we leave a changed person, a person with broader skills and deeper values. Throughout our time at camp, we experience fun and exhilarating times, but we also encounter challenges in our relationships. The challenges can create painful emotions, but ultimately they help us learn how to be a better person and a better friend. The camp experience creates change for good in all of us!
A video is circulating on social media celebrating the producer of Wicked, David Stone. Kristen Chenoweth (Glinda) and Idina Menzel (Elphaba) reunite for the first time in 12 years to sing what I consider as one of the most meaningful songs from this musical packed with remarkable music and messages. For Good features the two lead characters lamenting about what has been and how it has shaped each other’s lives. It explores the challenges often faced in relationships where we may choose to do mean or harmful things to protect our own feelings and emotions as the relationship develops. It continues to then examine disappointment in our own behavior while realizing the benefits we have received from knowing another.
Camp creates a world of good for our campers by helping each of us change as we grow and learn with others. That is why relationships are at the heart of what WeHaKee offers girls and young women. Thanks for reading and have a great week everyone!
