The Power of Seeing

02/18/21

Thursdays are the students’ favorite day at the After-School program because we have games, songs, and skits as part of  our weekly “Hype It Up Time.” They also find out who won that week’s Super Camp trip. Last Thursday, I was excited that Ariel requested the song, “Singing in the Rain,” because it’s  always been one of my favorite camp songs. 

Without seeking my permission, Ariel started us off, and I held back to see if she could/would lead the entire song. She did. Ariel has been attending UrbanPromise for five years, and she knew the words and motions by heart. It struck me that I had  never said, “Now, Ariel, pay attention as we sing this goofy song. One day, you’ll be leading it. Make  sure you learn the words and movements.”  

What else are they learning by doing it over and over again? Praying for one another. Praying for and  thanking God for a safe trip. Speaking words of life to one another. Caring for one another. Overcoming fears of water by operating their own kayak. Taking ownership and seeking reconciliation. 

What else are our young people learning by watching their StreetLeaders and our interns? Seeing Mr. Trent pass the football to a 3rd grade girl even though he could’ve scored the touchdown by himself. Seeing Ms. Alycia passionately write math problems on the board for them to solve and help students write their speech for the contest. Seeing Ms. Tara serve them meals day after day and teach a well-planned Bible lesson every week .  

Next year, Ariel will be old enough to be a StreetLeader. She will have had six years of seeing, doing, singing, playing, loving, and learning. She will have experienced six years of tutors showing up an hour a week to help her learn to read and develop math skills. 

And although we do teach our students about being servant leaders, the real lessons come from witnessing real life examples at camp. The seeds planted while watching and participating in servant leadership are going to yield fruit – fruit that will last and fruit that will lead to the abundance that  comes from walking down the right path: loving Jesus and loving others.