Little things make a big difference

This past weekend I was installing new rails on my backyard deck and during the course of the construction I got several splinters. I got most of them out except for one very tiny splinter that I am barely able to see which found its way into my left index finger. You would think that something so small would not have the impact on my life that this splinter has, but its arrival has changed how I do most things. Let me begin by saying that I am left handed and so the splinter is disrupting how I write, how I brush my teeth, how I hold my coffee cup, how I drive...you get the idea.

As I was anguishing over my splinter and the impact this small thing has on my life I started thinking of the impact of camp on the life of a camper and staff member. We tend to think of camp as a small thing. You might only come for one week a summer, but during that time you are taught the character traits of honesty, respect, caring and responsibility. These might be small things, but as you learn them and implement them in your life they make a huge difference in everything you do...sort of like my splinter.

Now I am not saying that camp is annoying like a splinter, can lead to infection like a splinter or that you will need to seek medical attention to remove it from your system like a splinter. I am saying that a small thing like camp can change the way you do things. Camp teaches us to be respectful of all people no matter what their background is and you end up living that same principle when you go home. Because camp teaches us to be honest and play by the rules you continue to be honest and play by the rules in your everyday life. Because camp teaches us to be caring we show concern for others and want to make a positive impact on their lives. Because camp teaches us to be responsible we became better stewards of the world around us.

So next time you think that camp is not that big of a deal, think of my splinter and the impact a small thing has on our everyday lives. Camp is a small thing that makes a big difference.

See you this summer!

Your Camp Director,


Dave

Happy Holidays from Camp Kanata

It's almost Christmas and I'm sitting in a Panera Bread location on Capital Blvd. thinking back over the past year at Kanata. We had an incredible year! We made some great new friends and were able to reconnect with some old ones. If it was your first year with us at Camp Kanata we want to get to know you better. It can be difficult to get to know someone when they are at camp for just one or two weeks a year and that is why we have many opportunities for you to stay connected. Whether it is a volunteer opportunity for your church group or you individually, a team-building program for your corporate group or you individually volunteering in or giving to our annual scholarship campaign we want to get to know you better. We truly believe that Kanata is a great place to invest your resources because each and every day we are helping to produce campers and futures leaders with the character traits of honesty, respect, responsibilty and caring.

Thanks for your support of Camp Kanata this year. We are truly blessed to be in the work of strengthening children, families and communities. Have a Merry Christmas!

Your Camp Director,

Dave Bell