I didn’t post about an annual event that enriches my life, in part because I am not sure about sharing photos. This month, for the third year I joined a dedicated group of volunteers at Camp Sunshine ,
Watching a newly released Monarch
a weekend sleep over camp for children who have lost someone significant in their lives. The camp designed by grief counselors at the local hospital is packed full of activities to help children process, grieve and heal. It is SO overwhelming to think of the losses these kids have suffered; some of them have lost multiple family members. It is equally impressive to watch how seriously little kids can engage in processing grief.
I have the best job in camp. My spinning wheel and I sit on a deck overlooking Lake Tahoe for a couple of days.
Drought stricken Lake Tahoe with beach that should be completely under water.
In the beginning kids just watch me spin, but I invite them in and as soon as they see other kids spinning they want a chance. Some want two or three or four chances and we have to take turns. Such concentration to produce a yarn of soft, brightly colored wool. Such pleasure as they wrap it around wrists or present the gift of a “necklace” to family members who arrive at the end of the weekend.
Each year I “camp out” at night in the comfortable home of my friends Virginia and Norm and we companionably trek off to camp each morning. Each year amidst the stunningly gorgeous setting of Lake Tahoe, I mourn the losses in my life and in the lives of everyone around me. Each year I go home feeling better.
Oh, this is just beautiful! Thank you for posting!
I totally agree that this yearly weekend experience totally heals any wounds and losses that we might have experienced. And no matter how well I think I may have processed the losses in my life – the cleansing tears always seem to bubble up to wash away the pain. These kids are amazing in how they can still look at life hopefully and positively in spite of what life may have dealt them. Many of them are profoundly deep souls and I love doing this every year. I always feel that I get way more than I give. Thanks for sharing it with us – inspite of challenging traffic jams.