Everyone knows how it feels to do something for the first time. Those butterflies in your stomach can turn to lead in just a few seconds as you approach the threshold. What if it's terrible? What if the people aren't nice? What if everyone else knows how to swim, play a game or sing a song, and you don't?

 

The first few weeks of camp are filled with both joy and anxiety, and our staff - who have been there, felt that and understand deeply - are there to welcome the children and get them over that threshold. Sometimes it's easy - "Would you like to join our game?" - and sometimes it takes a bit longer. 

 

Earlier this week, I watched a new child walk into the Tigers room, holding tightly to her mother's hand. It was her first day, and she was not at all sure that she wanted to be here. It took about 30 seconds for another child - new, herself, just two weeks ago - to pop up in front of her, introduce herself and invite the new child to play.  A smile for mom, and off they went.

 

I can't claim that we taught that child to be warm and welcoming, to be someone who draws others into the circle, but I can say that it embodies the spirit of Camp Montessori. It is a joy to watch the reunion of friends who haven't seen one another in a year. 

 

Is there ever discord? Of course. Are there ever tears? Of course. But we lead with love and with confidence that every child is an essential member of our camp family, with all the joys and responsibilities that implies. Whether a child will be headed down a two-story water slide or splashing in a toddler water table, each is conquering his or her fears and discovering the strengths, skills and friendships to be found on the other side of that threshold.