Three Helpings of Gratitude
This Thursday, before the turkey and gravy, before the football and the shopping, my family will join hands around our dining room table to say thanks. And while everyone’s traditions may not be the same, I’m sure you too will spend some time in the coming days and weeks to reflect on those things most important in your life. Being a part of this summer camp has brought me incredible joy, and it certainly will be in my thoughts come lunchtime on Thursday.
Here are three reasons I’m thankful for Windsor Mountain:
The Staff. I think I can say this without exaggeration: some of the greatest people in the world work at our camp every summer. The recipe that makes them great is easy to understand, yet hard to find. They are in equal parts compassionate, silly, caring, and vivacious. They choose to spend their summer playing with kids, dressing up in costumes, fixing boo-boos, and telling bedtime stories. And even when they’re not at camp I’ll get calls or emails from them with ideas for next summer, or ways that we can make the camp experience even better. I was talking with a few staff just a couple days ago, and I couldn’t help but feel so proud of the people on our team.
I’m thankful for the beautiful mountain we get to live on. As I write there’s a thin layer of snow on the ground just outside, and a powerful wind pushing the trees around. There are moments in each season here where some picturesque view stops me and reminds me how lucky I am to witness it. Everyone should have some place in nature to get away, to breathe clear air, to be. For many people, including myself, Windsor Mountain is that place. One of the first things I hear new visitors say when they step out of the car is “It’s so beautiful up here!” It’s true.
Finally, I’m thankful for all the campers who make this place their home during the summer. We have a diverse population here, kids and families from different places and backgrounds. Every summer we ask them to be their best self, we ask them to take risks, we ask them to build a community. Every summer they step up to the challenge and make this place the powerful, special place that it is. If you need any convincing that the future’s in good hands, come spend a lunch at camp sometime. I’m in awe of those kids.
When I’m finished counting my blessings, I can’t help but get excited for next summer. So much good happens here. I know those people and those moments I care about most are only a few months away. We are on a mission to make the world a better place, and I feel so lucky to be a part of that. All of us at Windsor Mountain wish you a happy Thanksgiving, and hope that you have many reasons to be thankful too.
Curtis