Camp Daggett BlogReflecting back to my “soggy sneaker days” as a young lad growing up in northern Michigan, is always a nostalgic journey down memory lane to say the least. During those years, I was blessed by a great environment that was not only inviting to go out and get my feet wet, but supportive to grow up and reside in as well. I was blessed by role models that not only talked the talk, but walked the walk. As we well know, walking the walk is one of the most challenging and critical parts of our social obligation to society. Let’s take professional athletes for example, and yes this is a poor example for the most part; but please bear with me to check and point. Back in 1993, Charles Barkley (NBA Hall of Famer) declared that “I am not a role model! Just because I dunk a basketball does not mean that I should raise your kid.” Well, though Charles was a skilled athlete, I really don’t think he would have embodied the concept of “The Other Fellow First.” But at least he was honest and intelligent enough to openly admit it. Let’s just count our blessings for state of Michigan athletes Barry Sanders (once of the Detroit Lions) and Curtis Granderson (once of the Detroit Tigers) as two that portrayed extreme positive sportsmanship and solid character as highly skilled athletes. In my very strong opinion, these were and are great athletes; not just good athletes like Sir Charles. I hope the New York Yankees truly know how lucky they are to have Mr. Granderson as part of their baseball team. As far as Mr. Sanders, he is still that strand of gold that we are so proud of and strongly hold onto as Detroit Lions fans. Let’s face it, young people look up to adults and aspire to emulate what they see and do. Though we may not choose for this to happen, it is a natural happenstance, nonetheless. In conclusion, we have an obligation to our younger generation to set a fine example as accountable, responsible adults.
Consequently, you would be extremely proud of the adults that carry the torch and provide positive light and leadership for the campers and program participants at Camp Daggett. They know how critical it is to provide the necessary attention and set a wholesome example for each and every person that comes to visit. Quite frankly, it is simply a crisp breath of fresh air in an already natural environment to witness such grace by these caring people. My team of program directors is second to none and is the epitome of a wonderful, powerful, influential “trickle down effect.” This effect eventually trickles down to those we ultimately serve – our youth, our families, our neighbors, our communities, and ultimately - our society. Camp Daggett is truly blessed to have such great people giving it their all, and then some, to help make the difference.
I would like to leave you with a poem that was shared with me many moons ago and applies to all youth in general, not just little boys:
To Any Little Boy’s Father
There are little eyes upon you, and they’re watching night and day,
There are little ears that quickly take in everything you say;
There are little hands all eager to do everything you do.
And a little boy who’s dreaming of the day he’ll be like you.
You’re the little fellow’s idol, you’re the wisest of the wise,
In his little mind, about you no suspicions arise.
He believes in you devoutly, holds that all you say and do,
He will say and do in your way, when he’s grown up, just like you.
There’s a wide-eyed little fellow who believes you’re always right.
And his ears are always open and he watches day and night.
You are setting an example every day in all you do.
For the little boy who’s waiting to grow up and be like you.
(Author Unknown)
Yours in service,
Brent A. Marlatt - Executive Director