A pack of rowdy 9-year-olds hurl mud at each other from the banks of a stream, screaming and yelling with abandon. In the middle of the stream stands a counselor, being pelted from all sides with mud and noise, but with a grin too big for his face, returning fire with vigor.
A few girls, covered in leaves, dirt, and charcoal, slink through the bushes above a campsite. Below, another group of kids laugh around a fire ring. The girls glance at each other unsmiling, pleased with the knowledge that they remain unknown. Soon the group below leaves their campsite, and the three girls slowly stand up. A moment passes. They break into smiles and laughter, congratulating each other for their skill.
Warm water, almost hot, brushes the skin of two children as the follow a third through a beaver pond. A massive lodge looms across the water, and afternoon sun heats any skin it touches. They are all happy, talking, sharing stories and moments. They may never see each other again, but it does not matter. For now, they are the closest of friends.
These were all events of this summer. Moments in time. Memories. They were times I and others were happy. Times where the masks on our faces were almost forgotten. I am a teacher and mentor for these children, yet I am also their student. My lessons are those of the outdoors. Theirs are ones of love, freedom, and determination. Their actions speak louder than my words and the message they convey is essential.
Despite all that is going on right now, we are still human. We need freedom and wildness. We need connection and love. We need to be willing to take a risk, to go somewhere, do something new. We must remember to get outside, where we belong and ultimately came from. Finally, and most importantly, we are creatures of love, not hate, and to forget that is to forget ourselves.
As we proceed into a politically heated fall and winter, these ideas are ever more pertinent. We were all children once. At one point in our lives we knew at least part of what my students taught me this past summer. Perhaps we forgot somewhere along the way. Do yourself and the world a favor-- Try to remember.
Fiona Carroll lives in Averill Park.
"Love" - Google News
October 04, 2020 at 06:34AM
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We all still need connection and love - Times Union
"Love" - Google News
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