Granny camp’s Surprise ewards

I was quite frightened when Pickett told me she was holding a week-long “Granny Camp” in August. I wasn’t sure I could tolerate five children ages 6 through 9 for a week.

“Why not?” sh said. “We have done that at least 10 times before over two generations.” Good point.

It can be pleasing to hear children’s voices around the house for awhile, even if they can get awfully loud. So they knock over lamps, disrupt conversations, quarrel and get homesick. They are children. They can’t help it. I have learned to take a break and distance myself when it gets to be too much. Pickett, a former preschool teacher, has a much higher tolerance for chaos.

This year, the kids swam every day with teacher Zoey Plapp for an hour and a half (while I took a break). They got baby octopus toys and learned about these amazing creatures via books and the movie “My Octopus Teacher.” It is fun to watch them marvel at new-found wonders of our incredible world and universe.

For me, the most touching moments came when we had each child check out three books at the Halifax Library. We heard Sue Brooks, the story lady, tell them a tale about “Ten in the Bed” and watch her with a mouse puppet.

Then we started reading. I decided to help Delanie, a quiet 6-year-old who is entering first grade this year in Mechanicsville, MD. At that age, she shouldn’t be expected to read at all.

Delanie is in the third generation of a family that originated in El Salvador. Their mom, Joseline, has been like a sister to our daughter Sara, who helped out that week.

With some guidance on my part, Delanie picked out a book entitled “Are You Ready to Play Outside?” We looked at some words. She recognized one: “Yes.”  Then another: “The.” We sounded out “rain.” The second time the word came up, she knew it!. We started getting into bigger words, like “everything.”

After dinner, everyone was supposed to read a book (not a smart phone.) Adults were asked to pick out a child to help. “Delanie!” I shouted, as the little girl smiled.

When I almost forgot about it, Delanie came into the room with a book in her hand. “Mike, it’s time to read!” She ran to the parlor and sat there with her book. I followed her.

Again she knew “yes” and “the” and “rain” right away. I gave her lots of encouragement several times when she wanted to quit.

Finally, we reached the end. She grabbed the book and ran to my wife. “Pickett, I read the whole book!” she said and then went off to play.

I wasn’t sure who got the most out of this episode. She or me. It made me appreciate teachers, who do this every day. I have been reading a book by Thomas Merton called “No Man Is an Island,” which says there is a lot more joy in helping others than helping yourself.

I have tried to be the island most of my life, and I think Merton is right. You must share your efforts.

So I am sharing this story. With you.