There is no such thing as a child-sized gift. Two years ago, as straggler leaves shivered against their branches, Camp Fire Alaska began its 14th Champions for Children Breakfast. As guests convened before the workday began, one boy’s story was broadcast across the banquet hall.
On screen, Kristopher and his parents opened a door into their lives, gracefully sharing the opportunities afforded to them by Camp Fire’s scholarship fund. As the breakfast presentation closed, we asked the morning’s guests to help us support families who, like Kristopher’s, needed an extra push to attend our programs.
As heads bowed attentively to their donation slips, one brunette ponytail wavered as its owner came to a decision. With reverence, Sophia opened her red velvet purse. Gravely, she confirmed her bag’s contents—precisely two dollars. In her new cursive script, Sophia filled out her own donation form, placed the money on the table, and departed breakfast for another day of Kindergarten, her good deed done.
There is no such thing as a child-sized gift. At Camp K this year, youth ran into the word “campership”—scholarships for summer camp. To help explain a scholarship’s value, counselors elected to host a movie night, and screened Kristopher’s story once again. As the room darkened and the movie queued, Devon whispered to his new best friend Sasha, “It was me, I got a scholarship this year. I really hope I get to come back.”
Sasha, deeply offended at the prospect of having to replace Devon (who spoke fluent Pig Latin, rocked their shared bunk bed only minimally, and never seemed interested in finishing his dessert), regarded the obstacle before him. To Sasha, a best friend was in shorter supply than the $33 dollars in his piggy bank. Upon returning home, he carefully supervised his mother as she processed his savings back into Camp Fire. They even called the main office, to ensure Sasha’s money was spent helping kids just Devon.
There is no such thing as a child-sized gift. For the past several years, the primary session at Summer Adventure Program focused on teaching kids practical business lessons. Lemonade stands are adopted for their business structure, and kids spend their week in a frenzy of competitive energy as they strategize, design, and implement their unique visions as budding entrepreneurs.
Each stand strives to out-sell the others during the session’s finale on Lemonade Day, with all profits donated to a local charity. Only the most financially lucrative stand may choose where the entire site’s net profits are channeled.
Last year, the top-earning site netted $868 dollars in sales. The winning stand chose Puppies and Pals, a shelter for dogs, cats, and other animals, as their beneficiary.
There is no such thing as a child-sized gift. Every gift comes from the heart. Every gift is meaningful. It doesn’t matter if the amount is $2, or $33, or $868. At Camp Fire, we teach children to be compassionate, thoughtful leaders who enrich their communities. For some of us, $33 is half a tank of gas. For Sasha, it was all the money in the world – and also nothing, compared to helping a friend.
There is no such thing as a child-sized gift. We wrote this letter to honor these children for their giving. In the same thought, we also honor yours. Your gift, in any amount, is deeply appreciated and will go directly towards families who need just a little bit more.
Thank you, for giving.