To the Staff, Artists, and Young Leaders at Ross Creek Centre for the Arts:
We want you to know that we are so grateful for the work that you do. We are also so humbled and thankful for being afforded the opportunity to participate in the programming this past summer. I am certain that each person comes away from these kinds of experiences with their own set of new learnings and gifts. We just wanted to share with you how your work has impacted our wee universe.
Although Moxy was excited to come to camp, we both were a little bit nervous about the time apart. I am a single mother of a 9 year old who has never been away from family on his own.
Ever.
This was a first time for us.
We were ready. Excited. But yeah… a lil nervous. (Ok mostly I was nervous.)
But right from the start we both felt very taken care of by the staff, volunteers, and artists. For us this was not only summer camp but a life milestone.
The first time away from family on his own.
My heart just feels so glad that he got to do this with the Ross Creek Summer Crew. Moxy loved his experience! I know this because of how he speaks of it. He came home brimming with stories from camp. He told stories about flagpole. He told stories about the songs and games he played. He shared how much he enjoyed the camp community. He told tales of daily desserts at camp. Oh and not just desserts but yummy food every day! He retold the play as seen from his perspective. He told fantastic stories of memories made like the night they got to sleep under the stars. He had stories about his creations and the workshops. And perhaps most endearingly, he told me of the friends he had made and would like to maintain.
I know he enjoyed his experience because he came home wanting to work at Ross Creek Centre for the Arts. He informed me that he could begin volunteering at age 14. I love how this is set up for the youth to participate as leaders! It feels attainable for a 9 year old. You all have inspired him!
I know he enjoyed his experience because he is planning for next year and trying to invite his best friend.
I know this experience had impact because he brought home the concept of using “roses, thorns and buds” as a way of debriefing our day. This is such a beautiful container to share feelings. We love it and are using it.
As the single mom of a young man I am always aware of what mentors are on my son’s horizon. During the summer, Moxy saw Eamonn and Macky outside of camp while shopping. They both made a point to say hello to Moxy. This seemingly small gesture is actually quite awesome. He was completely proud that cool young folks like you recognized him. This gesture made him feel connected to community and to our new home in Nova Scotia...He was asked to pick one activity outside of school he would like to take part in this fall and he said “anything at Ross Creek.”
Aaaaand he’s still singing the songs. I don’t know who she is… but I know that Aunt Numa has chickens; and they don’t sleep- no, no, no!
For my part I want to thank Annie for her generosity and spirit in the garden. What a true joy to come to the garden! The garden and the connection with the land is really a collaborator in making the magic happen at Ross Creek...
Finally, BIG THANK YOUS to Jessie and Chris. You should know that I have been moved to tears more than once by Ross Creek’s commitment to making programs accessible to all families in the community; without this we may have not been able to participate.
Moxy, I know, thinks of it right now as super fun and is just magnetized to the experience for all kinds of reasons that he doesn’t necessarily have any language for yet. But as his guardian, I can see from my vantage point the immense impact this kind of programming has on shaping identity, confidence, leadership and team building skills, and worldview; a worldview that peers into the possibilities, manifests magic, and celebrates the abundance in this life. I am most grateful for the exposure and inclusion in the further development of this worldview.
Moxy and I feel compelled to offer our hands and hearts in whatever capacity need for upcoming volunteer tasks and events.
I have written this letter from the heart.
We (heart) Ross Creek,
Camp Parent