Safe Spaces at Summer Camp

The following piece was written and recorded as part of the Fleur de Lis Camp “Virtual Password” series during the COVID-19 shut down.  It is geared toward children and adults of all ages who are part of that camp community. 

Something I’ve been thinking a lot about lately is safety.
How does safety feel?
What do each of us do to find that warm, relaxing feeling?
Having a safe space is very important and yet not everyone has one that they can go to right now. Certainly I hope each of you do, whether it be your bedroom, backyard, basement, or a certain traveling path.  Your own junior path maybe?

The unique thing I have found about places that feel safe is that my imagination always lets me return.  No matter how hectic, sad, or scary life feels (and it will feel that way at times), if I close my eyes and think hard enough of a place that made me feel safe, it always brings me a sense of ease.

Something I hope we all have is an extra-special safe spot at Fleur de Lis.  One of my favorites is still my own bed at camp (and I have not had a bed at camp for many years)! But strong it is.  I can picture it as a camper in a tent, as a staff member in with the junior cabins, or even in the Farmhouse under the slanted ceiling.  

When I picture it the sun is out and it is rest hour or my free period.  
I come with a book, a sketch pad, a friend, or just myself
I can hear the breeze, distant doors slamming, and the birds in the trees
The warm summer haze and the sunlight on my bed give me a big hug.
Everything relaxes in pure bliss….
This is the only place I need to be right now.

I imagine the specifics of my bed and I hope you see yours.  The sleeping bag or comforter, maybe bug netting, and of course any animal friends.  We are never too far away or too old to have a child’s bed at Fleur de Lis.

So go ahead!  Make that bed in your mind and know that it is waiting for you.  It is a perfect 10, regardless of what it would score in a real inspection.

Or picture another space:
The dining hall lawn as classes start
The dusty road under your feet
The barn when we sing and stomp together
Evening circle as your hand gets a squeeze
Or the Hemlock Grove with the sounds of laughter from The Cottage and splashing from the lake

Think to yourself, “I want to wake up in the morning where the mount laurels grow,” and it will be so.
Be safe dear Ladies, Maidens, and Maids.

The password for today is: “Just stay here at Fleur de Lis."

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Video posted here:
https://www.facebook.com/FleurdeLisNHCamp/videos/643645006368611/