Mint...

Our youngest campers are 7 years old. No matter how many come to camp, I am still always shocked and slightly apprehensive every time they arrive, barely past my waist, unable to lift their sleeping bags and luggage, tiny little kids.

Scene last night- bathroom. I'm standing by the sinks, keeping the shower-line moving and helping kids as they brush their teeth and get ready for bed.

Teeny tiny, little girl walks up to me and tells me she has no toothpaste. I look in her toiletry bag and find a brand new tube.

Tiny- "Well look at that! I've never seen this before!" She's impressed by her travel size toothpaste which, apparently she's never seen before.

I unscrew the cap for her (in her defense, it was on really tight, even for me).

Tiny (eyes like saucers- she is awestruck)- "White?!? I've never seen white toothpaste before!"

Me- "That's the good kind."

Tiny (mystified, breathless)- "What does it taste like?"

Me- "You should brush your teeth and try it out."

After several long moments of putting toothpaste on her brush (7 year olds move like turtles), she finally puts it in her mouth.

Tiny (satisfied)- "Mint!"

Camp is not just about fun activities and keeping bored kids busy during the summer. Camp is an opportunity for kids to learn life skills and develop independence. I hope that as an adult, Tiny remembers the first time she saw white travel toothpaste, and laughs at her youthful innocence. But even if she doesn't remember the moment, I know, in a small way, her experience at camp has already touched her life.