This may be long...
I started this event 7 years ago in an effort to make more connections in the unschooling community. Also, to camp surrounded by peaceful families. (as camping has always been a favorite for us, but is often soured by yelling, threatening, and general mean behavior by others) What my family has been gifted by this event is so much more.
When we were leaving on Sunday my son said "I love these people. And they love me".
What an amazing gift.
Each year I am struck by so many things.
First, so many happy families interacting in such fun, joy filled, peaceful ways. It is pretty amazing that you can pick out the kids and the adults who are with our group, and those who are not.
Second, the almost seamless way the kids and adults all interact together. Sometimes its hard to know who belongs to who!
Think about that for a minute. How many places can we go where adults and children are all interacting together in such partnership? I LOVE that my kids know so many adults living peacefully and respectfully with their kids. Gives me the chills!
Third, the connections we were hoping to make? There are so many people that have become more than friends. They are our chosen family. My kids know and trust and love them all. They could go to any one of them with anything and they know it. As a parent, I cannot imagine anything better than that. (And, also cool...I had a few young friends come to me for help with some things. Also such a blessing. To be trusted by children and teens.)
My kids are getting older. This past year looked very different for my family. Less time spent in the field running around. More time sitting around our fire with their friends.
Being in a cabin was a change. It made my experience much less painful and more relaxed, although it also left me feeling less connected. But, when I did get down to the field it was just like years past. Lots of younger kids playing together. Lots of people milling about. Lots of smiles. Lots of connections being made.
I hope you come out of this weekend with even a fraction of what I get out of it.
I hope you feel happy, connected, relaxed, and appreciated.
I hope you found some new family and tribe members.
I hope you made great memories.
I am so thankful to know you all.
Jean Dorsey (and family)
Aug 2015
First, so many happy families interacting in such fun, joy filled, peaceful ways. It is pretty amazing that you can pick out the kids and the adults who are with our group, and those who are not.
Second, the almost seamless way the kids and adults all interact together. Sometimes its hard to know who belongs to who!
Think about that for a minute. How many places can we go where adults and children are all interacting together in such partnership? I LOVE that my kids know so many adults living peacefully and respectfully with their kids. Gives me the chills!
Third, the connections we were hoping to make? There are so many people that have become more than friends. They are our chosen family. My kids know and trust and love them all. They could go to any one of them with anything and they know it. As a parent, I cannot imagine anything better than that. (And, also cool...I had a few young friends come to me for help with some things. Also such a blessing. To be trusted by children and teens.)
My kids are getting older. This past year looked very different for my family. Less time spent in the field running around. More time sitting around our fire with their friends.
Being in a cabin was a change. It made my experience much less painful and more relaxed, although it also left me feeling less connected. But, when I did get down to the field it was just like years past. Lots of younger kids playing together. Lots of people milling about. Lots of smiles. Lots of connections being made.
I hope you come out of this weekend with even a fraction of what I get out of it.
I hope you feel happy, connected, relaxed, and appreciated.
I hope you found some new family and tribe members.
I hope you made great memories.
I am so thankful to know you all.
Jean Dorsey (and family)
Aug 2015
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