With the theme of gratitude, campers and volunteers spent the day reflecting on what we are thankful for and what we've learned this week at JASY camp.
It’s a beautiful day the Lord has made. This is how we begin camp every morning. Well, that and the iconic “Gooood morning, JASY Campers” greeting which kicks off camp at 9:30am. We take a moment to bow our heads and thank God for the opportunity to gather for that day, rain or shine, to play, learn, and grow together. Today’s theme was gratitude and we found throughout the day there is much to be thankful for.
Team coaches and venue facilitators spent the day prompting campers to appreciate what they have in life, what makes them happy, and the lessons they were learning that day. Learning how to jump and dive in at the pool today, campers would share something they were thankful for before leaping off the side. On the soccer field, Team Green Empire spent some time in a pep talk about the special opportunity each camper has been given to attend JASY. By being respectful, working together, being kind to others, and trying their best on the field, the campers can demonstrate their thanks, said the coaches.
Caribbean Games explored the appreciation for dance, which of course had all of the campers showing off their moves. Lastly, our Olympic Village facilitators have helped the campers write in memory books each day. Today they were asked to write about what they are thankful for. The most common answers included food and water, life, family, and JASY Camp. Some campers even asked for help to write down specific names of JASY volunteers who most impacted their days this week.
What our JASY Campers have GRATITUDE for:
Being alive, to have a mother, to have friends, to have something to eat, to go to school, knowledge, shelter, water, life, Jamaica, Earth, to be blessed
“I am thankful for my life and a happy family. I am thankful for the volunteers at JASY Camp. Thank you.”
“Thankful for the kindness and love the volunteers have shown me at JASY Camp.”
Discussing the simplicity of their gratitude, and the inclusion of JASY Camp in their thanks, helped to open up our group reflection time tonight. We asked ourselves what gratitude we have realized through JASY Camp. For some, this experience has brought new perspective to the abundance of basic needs, resources, and opportunities we have. For others, this trip has confirmed their thanks for the ability to give back and for having grown up learning the importance and possibilities of serving others through our abundance.
While we have each gained a different memory, perspective, and emotional experience of JASY Camp this week, we all have gratitude for the individuals who developed and continue to organize the JASY program each year: St. Patrick’s Foundation, First Presbyterian Church of Pittsford, St. John Fisher College, our JASY friends in Jamaica who take care of the volunteer teams with housing, security, transportation, and venues, and the campers, our Jamaican youth athletes. To work together with each other to further the JASY mission and have the chance to develop relationships with impressionable children is an opportunity we will always be grateful for.
See the action of the day in our daily video: https://youtu.be/apew1jm87ok
Tomorrow is our last day of JASY Camp! Stay tuned for a recap of camp stories and Closing Ceremonies.
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