Passing the Candle of Joy
Friends gathering at Tuscarora tribal campfire
Many people believe that joy and happiness go hand-in-hand. Though they are similar, the Tuscarora tribal campfire this week helped elaborate on the true meaning of joy. As the tribal leader of Tuscarora, Josh Cooey began the conversation by asking how you would define joy. To a crowd of young campers in a time of transition, joy had many different meanings and forms that fit their individual lives. A simple word — one syllable — yet powerful in many ways. Joy was described as pure, stemming from gratefulness. It was decided that while happiness is situational, joy is a constant.
The next question: how is it that we can find joy in situations that are bad? One boy recalled the day his sister was born premature. He stated that although he wasn’t able to see his mother for a while throughout his sister’s healing process, the nurses took time out of their day to make sure all of his questions were answered so he would feel more comfortable with the situation. He admired the nurses for their constant dedication to him and his family. He knew that the nurses had other obligations and people to tend to, but what they did for him that day brought him joy.
The Tuscarora tribe agreed that joy is something that allows you to figure out your identity, and having an identity can help plant your decisions on something you are able to fall back on. Joy allows you to realize your true self and help you discover a path of your own, which is especially critical in these young teenagers’ lives.
Some of the boys saw joy in the all-camp games, when members of the green team helped those of the gold team. Although their teams were against each other, they still worked together as a whole to accomplish a common goal, which allowed everyone to experience joy.
One boy compared joy to closing campfire, saying that it all starts with a single flame that is continually spread until it becomes a giant candle that helps make the world a better place. Joy is seen as a golden glow, a constant flame in everyone’s hearts that makes you feel like you’re on top of the world.
The conversation ended with an idea for how to lift the spirits of yourself and those around you, and it centers around rating your day on a scale of one-to-ten. If you rate your day as a seven, you do three “points” worth of kind gestures to those around you to bring yours up to a ten. The goal is to make your day as positive as possible while helping others at camp. Finding a way to serve others and show your servant’s heart through your daily choices helps keep the candle of joy aflame.
By Chloe Skeese
More Highlights From This Friday
- Blake R. earned Ranger in Woodworking
- Ian S. earned Ranger in Blacksmithing
- John S. became a Warrior in Nature today, which is his third Warrior level activity. That means he is now a Journeyman and eligible to attempt the challenge to become a Keeper of the Flame!
- Evening Program was “Free Choice Friday”! Boys could choose to return to any of their favorite Free Time activities after dinner, including the waterfront, ping pong and foosball under the Dining Hall, games on the field, music at the library, or fishing around the lake. They could also opt to play “Touch the Fence” at the tennis courts, or climb at the climbing wall. It was a relaxing way to end the day, and gave the boys some freedom of choice.
Hanging out during “Free Choice Friday”
- Breakfast: grits casserole with sausage and cheese, bacon strips, oatmeal bar, and a fruit and yogurt spread with granola.
- Lunch: build-your-own wraps with grilled chicken, tomato, lettuce, parmesan, and ranch, plus kettle chips, a chili station, and a salad bar with homemade edamame hummus and prosciutto pasta salad. M&M cookies for dessert.
- Dinner: baked ziti with roasted green beans, warm bread, a stocked salad bar with homemade pimento cheese and fruit, and iced chocolate cake for dessert.
Music at the Esefel Library during Free Time
The rollercoaster with friends is always a hit!
Flying high on the blob!