Camp Boggy Creek

Me and Kimmy Here's my perfect two-part recipe for Joy and Happiness:

Part One:  Select that activity or activities that YOU love to do.  I know some people that love to walk, or maybe it's cooking.  Others like to read, or could it be riding your bicycle.  Whatever it is, you don't need any type of encouragement to accomplish it, because it brings you a deep sense of satisfaction just to be doing it. Let's call it your Passion.

Part Two:  This part can be tricky to find, but it involves doing your passion in the company of those that have a need for what you are doing. Most of the things we truly enjoy doing can be of benefit to someone else. For instance, suppose you enjoy dancing. Well, someone out there is so very eager to dance too, but they're too shy to dance alone. Can you imagine reading your novel out loud to a blind person who is just delighted to hear the story?

Sandhill CraneWell, if you understand what I mean, then it will come as no surprise to hear that the weekend of volunteering at Camp Boggy Creek was nothing but a great big Joy-Fest.  This free-of-charge, Paul Newman inspired, "Five Star" camp was host to about 30-35 families this past weekend. One member of each family included a child with a serious or chronic heart condition; but the theme was to treat everyone the same and to have FUN in the process. Siblings and parents alike enjoyed any number of indoor or outdoor activities, including swimming, boating, fishing, archery, crafting... you name it, including a full theatre. And there were volunteers to help with each activity and to accompany the children in the course of each step.  Because we were all suited to our fun "jobs", we enjoyed it in equal measure.  

Newman's Own

You couldn't script a better time.  There was even dancing after breakfast, and I had to pinch myself to believe that I was doing the "chicken dance" and "electric slide" at 9:30AM.  Personally, I was volunteering in the Dining Hall/Kitchen. To be around that much food was a challenge, but somebody had to enjoy it  When everyone showed up at meal time it was in essence like a huge family reunion.

Family weekend camps run fall-winter-spring. In the summer the camps are just for children, and are a week in length. Each camp session accommodates a different physical challenge; for example, there are camps for Spina Bifida, hemophilia, rheumatic disease, cancer, and children on ventilators... to name just a few. A large medical facility is available on site, along with a Dr, RN's and even more volunteers with medical training. They are ready and equipped to handle any on-site event, and this makes for a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.

As I wrote in the previous post, there are currently eleven Hole In The Wall Camps scattered around the planet. Boggy Creek is located in Eustis, Florida. I had a wonderful time sharing some of the things that I love to do. In gratitude I express my deep appreciation to the many staff members, and the volunteers, that make these camps a reality. And I'm sure that everyone can join me in giving thanks to the Spirit of the late great Paul Newman, along with his many co-founders.

Doing and sharing just feels good together!