“There’s no joy so great, and no satisfaction more expansive, than knowing you’ve been of service to a child.”
“Too many American children miss out on summer learning and fun. This isn’t because their parents don’t want to provide the experience, but might not be able to afford the cost, don’t have reliable transportation, or can’t squeeze one more complication into an already challenging schedule. Missing out on summer camp matters, for the kids who lose an opportunity to grow, but also for our country and our communities since we lose a chance to develop our country’s next generation of citizens and leaders.
Like many cities across our country, Annapolis runs a program to meet the needs of kids who might not otherwise attend camp. Unlike other cities, the camp at the Stanton Center is enriched by the dedication and love of an extraordinary group of volunteers from St. Anne’s.
Every member of our church can feel proud about what we do at the Stanton Center. The Stanton Center building, but more importantly the people who give that building life, provides a safe and supportive space for wonderful kids. If it weren’t for the Stanton Center, dozens of them might not have a place to go for the summer. They wouldn’t swim, learn how vinegar and copper can power a lightbulb, put on a musical play, have their first exposure to computer programing, or run around the gym with friends. They would miss out on field trips to the zoo and a chance to practice math and reading. Most of all, they would miss being loved and supported by a community that owes them the chance to succeed.
The Stanton Center is a blessing to the kids who attend camp there, and after spending a couple of months volunteering as a part time camp counselor, and seeing it all firsthand, I know that St. Anne’s is a critical part of making the summer program work. And the kids know it! Almost every day I saw them run up St. Anne’s parishioners, some of whom they had known for years, and give them the biggest hugs imaginable. Often, they told the St. Anne’s volunteers “I love you”. On the faces of those kids, I saw the good work of our church and I was sometimes moved to tears.
At the Stanton Center I was reminded that God distributed talent equally, but the folly of humankind means that opportunity is less well shared. So many of the Stanton Center kids are destined for great things, if only we can collectively provide them with the guidance, love and support they need to succeed. Through the work of our volunteers and the response of the kids, I saw the Holy Spirit at work and the love of Jesus made real.
The children who attend the Stanton Center benefit from the work of our parish, and I was told several times that the camp wouldn’t be possible without the support we provide. But if the kids benefit, so do the volunteers. I learned and laughed alongside these wonderful kids, and I enjoyed my time with them immensely. That doesn’t mean there weren’t hard moments, but I always felt a sense of peace and satisfaction at the end of each two-hour shift. There’s no joy so great, and no satisfaction more expansive, than knowing you’ve been of service to a child. If St. Anne’s is a blessing to the Stanton Center, so too is the Stanton Center a blessing to St. Anne’s. By giving us the opportunity to be of service to God and to so many of God’s extraordinary children, the Stanton Center does as much for St. Anne’s as we could ever return. I was deeply enriched by the time I spent there this summer, and I’m deeply grateful for this new and beautiful blessing in my life.”
Thank you!