By Anna Pileggi | Project Leader
Many of you may have heard of the best seller series “The Hunger Games”; it is also a block buster movie. The heroine of this trilogy is a 17-year old girl who with her resourcefulness, skill, determination, compassion, friendship and love brings down the “Capitol” in this new, futuristic world. It’s a fabulous series and one that I highly recommend! One of her most valuable skills is archery. She is undefeated with her bow and arrows. You can imagine how excited I was when I saw the picture of Samantha (Sam) from our Camp Trailblazers Manitoba program, I was instantly reminded of “Katniss”, the heroine.
The school years, from kindergarten to high school, can be some of the toughest years to endure. Children are all searching to understand who they are; trying to discover what they can offer; and longing to find a place where they belong. Add to that a visible difference, whatever it might be, and suddenly you stand out too much; you are too different to belong; and you are vulnerable and an easy target. Taunting, bullying and isolation are unfortunately very common experiences for children and teens with facial differences. How then can we prepare and effectively equip our youth to go out into the world and not just survive, but thrive?
As parents, educators and health care professionals working with this unique group, I believe it is our responsibility and obligation to be mindful of the messages we impart to them every day. We can help our children and youth find their inner strength, embrace courage, develop determination, and inspire them to succeed. Every child is able to achieve their full potential with the proper support. How can we accomplish this? Start with helping them to look deeper in to them selves. Help them see beyond physical appearances and differences in both themselves and others. Finding ways to tap into their heart, mind and soul to discover their talents, abilities, compassion, imagination, kindness, interest, enthusiasm, sympathy, humour, creativity, passion, friendship and love, we are able to discover our true selves. And notice the potential good in others. It is our goal to impart these on all the children who take part in our Camp Trailblazers programs.
A special thanks to all of you donors who support our program! Thank you!
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