After our traditional Sunday breakfast munching on Dunkin Donuts’ and sipping on hot chocolate, our camp came together to listen to an inspiring talk from Mott Hoidal, who created the not-for-profit business, World of Change. Sitting on the Commons Deck shaded by our majestic pine trees overlooking Long Lake, our campers listened with great interest as Matt asked some very poignant questions to the group. “Who knows how much change is sitting around, doing nothing around the world?” Matt asked. Campers’ hands went up, and all kinds of figures were suggested, but we were all amazed to learn that there are ten billion dollars in change not being put to use in our world. Matt asked a follow-up question to our boys.
“How much of this change gets thrown out or is not used on an annual basis?” Once again, our boys attempted to come up with the answer and were shocked to learn that over sixty million dollars of coins are lost or not put into practical use on an annual basis.
Matt held up a jar that holds $100 in coins, and he continued to educate our boys on how much good this jar of coins could do for those in need. He highlighted that our boys had just had a delicious breakfast and were not concerned about what they would be served for lunch. However, he also mentioned that one in every five children in our country does not have enough food to eat on a daily basis. He shared that one dollar would buy four meals for hungry children. This caught our boys’ attention.
Behind Matt was a truck with six distinct coin slots: one was for food, another was for housing– mattresses that are needed for children to sleep on, a third coin slot was for education– school supplies needed for children on a daily basis, a fourth slot was for animal nature programs– providing care for impoverished animals who are incapable of caring for themselves. A fifth slot was for health medical supplies, and a sixth coin drop was for play– highlighting the importance of exercise and recreation for those who are not fortunate to have the structure and environment that we hold so dear at Camp Takajo.
The camp provided coins for every child to be able to make a decision of where they wanted to see the money go. Campers lined up, and it was fascinating to see the time and consideration most campers took as they walked around the truck and gave careful thought before they deposited their coins into one of the respective slots.
I’m sharing the link to World of Change so that you can see the good that this organization does for so many and in the event that you’re interested in having your son continue his relationship with World of Change after the camp season comes to an end. It’s essential to me that our boys have an appreciation for all that they are given and at a young age they learn to be philanthropic and give back to others in need. On many levels, we hope that our boys are learning this on a daily basis while living in camp because there is always somebody who can use a helping hand.
The needs of those who require funds from organizations like the World of Change are so great that it is crucial for our boys to understand the value of giving and helping those who are impoverished at an early age. I truly believe that the camp experience is helping reinforce what you’re teaching at home. It’s building character. It’s teaching children that there is a greater purpose other than focusing on one’s own needs, and this morning’s outdoor assembly highlighted that lesson.
Meanwhile, reports from our Subs and Okees are that our boys are continuing to have the best week of their lives. Our Okees spent yesterday at La Ronde Amusement Park, which is the Six Flags of Quebec. This park features more than forty rides including nine thrilling rollercoasters. After an incredible day at the park, our boys finished their day at Stade Saputo soccer stadium watching Montreal play against NYCFC. Today, our Okees enjoyed go karting at the largest indoor go-kart facility in Canada. Parents, if this is any indication of their driving skills, I suggest you hold off getting them their permits next year when they’re sixteen. Our Seniors ended their day at a massive paintball facility and touring around Old Montreal which was an exhilarating way to finish their day.
Each of our SubSenior trips, Saint Croix River, Mount Katahdin, and golf, have come together in Acadia National Park. Last night our boys enjoyed a beautiful, scenic cruise around coastal Maine, Acadia National Park, and the islands of Frenchman Bay, followed by a lobster bake. Today, our boys started their day on a guided hike up Gorham Mountain, which boasts sweeping views of the Gulf of Maine with sightings of Sand Beach and the Otter Cliff. Our boys reported they enjoyed hiking down the mountain more than up the mountain. They also appreciated the LuLu Lobster Boat Cruise later in the afternoon– a traditional Down East style lobster boat where they had a chance to experience the life and work of Maine lobstermen who demonstrated how lobster traps are hauled. Our SubSenior’s day ended at the Great Maine Lumberjack Show where our boys witnessed thrilling lumberjack sports of woodchopping and sawing, tree climbing, axe throwing, and everyone’s favorite, log rolling.
Finally, back at home, our day ended as the campers and staff came together in the MJG Playhouse for a Junior variety skit and talent night. We enjoyed the singing and acting of those who are brave enough to perform. The show capped off another terrific day at camp.
