Bettye Foster Baker>
508-696-9983
Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the great German theologian who stood against the Nazis, once said, “The test of the morality of a society is what it does for its children.” That is true of governments as well, but it is “we,” individuals, organizations, the people themselves who have the greatest opportunity to engage our children in ways that touch their spirits, their hearts, and their conscience so profoundly they never forget and it becomes a part of them.
I discovered such a place on the Island this summer by chance, The Sense of Wonder Creations summer day camp in Vineyard Haven where children I know from Oak Bluffs, and across the Island come and spend summer in the arms of those who help them discover the wonders of our world through daily creative activities in art, music, nature and community awareness. All week the children work with caring and gifted counselors and counselors-in-training under the extraordinary leadership of soft-spoken director, Pam Benjamin. There are counselors, mentors, and several students from Europe: Claudia Borghini from Milan and Irene Baldi from Venice, Italy; Alex Rakovshik from Moscow, Russia, and Mark McColgan from Dublin, Ireland, who bring with them the richness of other cultures and the commonality we all share. Many counselors attended the camp as children. An extraordinary performance poet, Ben Williams, read one of his poems last week that perfectly characterized the camp and campers.
A Haitian artist who brought his paintings was at the camp a week ago, just in time for the children’s individual fundraiser to assist a Haitian orphanage. Each camper had to perform a task in their community to get pledges which included, jumping on one foot, or jumping rope, or reciting a poem or singing a song or whatever skill they felt comfortable demonstrating. One child whom I know best (guess who) recited the first part of Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address which she’s been learning for a while. Remarkably, the children raised over three hundred dollars for the House of the Children of the Lack in Haiti. What better way to teach children their role and responsibilities to help others in the global society in which we live.
Each week the children focus on a theme and express ideas and impressions through art and music. On Friday’s, parents, grandparents, friends and family of campers are invited to a wonderful program where the children share all that they have learned during the week through original plays and skits written and performed by the campers with enthusiastic counselor participation, while Pam Benjamin captures these once in a lifetime moments with her camera. The children utilize musical instruments they have made such as natural gourd flutes, drums, as well as commercial bongos, conga drums, guitars and tambourines to make music. Fancy hats are also made and worn by both campers and counselors. The “band” led by one of three group counselors is remarkable, both in rhythm and authentic native beat combinations through creative improvisation. My granddaughter, Julianne Walker, seven, made a xylophone from wood and metal along with clay bowls and paper maché masks, which she was very proud of. “I can swim in the sea,” she shouted one day, escorting me to the shelves to view the children’s work. What confidence this camp instills in children. Not to mention the joy in their eyes climbing an ancient oak, swinging from a seated rope from its tallest limb and requesting play dates with new friends.
Another camper, eight-year old Iverson Charles Gandy of Belton, Mo., grandson of Diane Gandy, created his colorful flute from a gourd which he blew in perfect counterpoint to the drumming and children’s movements during the program. Diane’s take on the camp was simple: “I loved the philosophy of the camp; appreciation of diversity, awareness of respecting the environment, and the feel of a small caring community.”
Iverson’s take was equally heart-warming. “It was great! It was fun. I got to meet all kinds of people. There were fun activities. I definitely liked the pottery activity. And I loved the counselors!”
Grammy D (Diane) was in agreement with Iverson. She said she found out about the camp online and once she read the short descriptions of the various camps, “SWC was the one that stood out above all others.” When her friend Orla told her that she had sent her children there years ago, Diane said, “I knew it would be a winner!” And it was. She said Iverson is still talking about the experience, and how much he misses everyone. On the last day of camp, as it used to be on the last of school, for some, tears attest to the joy of the experience and the sadness of leaving something that made a difference.
The late Vice President, Hubert Humphrey, in his last speech took our responsibility one step further. He said, “. . . the moral test of government is how that government treats those who are in the dawn of life, the children; those who are in the twilight of life, the elderly; those who are in the shadows of life, the sick, the needy and the handicapped.”
This underlying moral concept has been a consistent American challenge since its inception, yet there are those such as Pamela Benjamin who has made that commitment to children for over 20 years, to help them find their creative voice towards becoming the best of who they are in relationship to a diverse community and world that requires a love of the environment, its people, peace and justice. And she signs her e-mails, “Love.”
On Sunday, July 25, at 9 a.m. at Trinity Episcopal Church Kathryn Aaron, an interpreter of 16th and 17thCentury music, will be performing and Rev. MarkBozzuti-Jones, priest for pastoral care at Trinity Wall Street Manhattan, will be the preacher and celebrant. Ms. Aaron is a graduate of the Peabody Conservatory of Music and is currentlypursuing a master’s degree at Yale’s Institute for Sacred Music. She is a member of the choir at Trinity Church in Southport, Connecticut.
On Sunday, July 25, at 10 a.m., Union Chapel will have its annual interfaith service. The speaker will be Rabbi Caryn Broitman of the Martha’s Vineyard Hebrew Center. The prelude begins at 9:45 a.m.
On Sunday, July 25 at 9:30 a.m. the Tabernacle worship service will feature guest preacher, Father David Stokes, Associate Pastor, St. Sebastian’s Church of Providence R.I.
On Thursday, July 29, and Friday, July 30, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. the Cottagers, Inc. will have their annual African American cultural festival. An exhibit, Black Nantucket from the Boston Museum of African American History will be featured along with a Salute to Katherine Dunham. There will be an African American marketplace featuring crafts, jewelry, and clothing. Experts will conduct mini-talks on jazz, history, culture and crafting. A belly dancing workshop and line dancing will be featured throughout the day. Free and open to all.
Whenever it’s raining, the children’s room at the Oak Bluffs Library will feature a special craft, music, games, books, and more.
Sunday, July 25 at 7 p.m. the 175th Anniversary Celebration of the founding of the Camp Ground in Oak Bluffs will feature an historical presentation by Marge Hopkins. There will be special music by Stefan Young, followed by birthday cake and ice cream for all. Free.
Monday, July 26 at 7 p.m. the family movie night at the Tabernacle is Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. All are welcome. Free will offering. Please bring a non-perishable food donation for the Island Food Pantry.
Tuesday, July 27 at 8 p.m. is Martha’s Vineyard Film Society movie (every Tuesday at 8 p.m.) This week’s movie is Shooting Beauty. Cost is $8 for non-society members, $5 for members.
Wednesday, July 28 at 8 p.m. is the Community Sing at the Tabernacle. All are welcome for a fun evening for the entire family.
Have a special celebration or event in the works? Guests coming to share the Island experience? E-mail me and tell me all about it. All the best!
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