Boys Camp

Day 1 of our “Do the Right-Write Thing!” Summer Camp, our boys collected more than 100 pounds of trash from Four Mile Run, a tributary to the Potomac. Then, we visited Carderock to sit, write and create in that gorgeous setting appreciating nature. Topic for the day – The Nature of Writing and Writing about Nature!

DAY 2 “Do the Right-Write Thing!” program, we spent the day giving back to low income children in Alexandria. After the visit from Jazz the DreamDog, all the children got their own books and music CDs to take home and teach their parents the fun songs and dances we did together. Hard to tell which “kids” had the best time.

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Girls Camp

Day 1 – Girls’ Week started with an absolutely gorgeous day for our session entitled the Nature of Writing and Writing about Nature. A visit to Carderock on an exquisite 80 degree day inspired the most beautiful poems about nature. We hiked the trail, picking up a huge black bag of glass, plastic and paper left behind by others. The girls enjoyed both the writing exercises and the community service project and said it was “the best camp ever!” Yeah! Kids Making a Difference… round2!

Day 2 – Kids Care Day! We visited the Child Family Network Centers sharing a DreamDog Day with the children at the center. This time, we went to their small facility near Shirlington. This center does not have 35 children, like the one near Mt. Vernon, but boy, did these little ones love hanging out with their big buddies, singing and dancing with Jazz the DreamDog and getting their very own book to take home.

Day 3 – Compassion towards all Creatures Day. Today we went to the animal shelter and “loved on” animals awaiting adoption. We cuddled kitties and petted pups. We talked about our connection to all beings and their poems and stories reflected such tender-hearted caring. These girls are AMAZING writers. There is such emotion in their creations. Can’t wait to share them with all of you.

Day 4 – Meals on Wheels Day, delivering food to our residents in need. The girls came to each house with homemade cards, bearing smiling sunshines, hearts and flowers wishing them a “Day filled with Sunshine!” The girls delivered more than food — bringing smiles, happiness and even a few tears of joy when they handed their cards and sang “You are my Sunshine!”

Day 5 — Random Acts of Kindness Day! After an amazing camp out by the Potomac with swimming, s’mores and roasted bagels on a stick for breakfasts, we headed out to give back to our community. The girls thought of all the ways they wanted to make people smile. The girls brought in bags of toys and stuffed animals to give to their special friends at Child Family Network Centers. It was like the holidays in August, thanks to Jazz the DreamDog and this awesome group of DreamDog Kids!

Child empowerment statement:

I (name of child) am a special human being.
I am unique – there is no one else like me in the whole world.
I am happy with who I am and who I’m becoming.
I have fun with my life and love to share my laughter and joy.
I am loveable, loving and know that I am loved.
I tell the truth and am trustworthy.
I am courageous, strong, and confident of my abilities.
I am the best “Me” that I can be.
I am smart and creative.
I use my brain and my imagination to help myself and my world.
I know that there are things that only I can offer this world.
I will discover what they are and share my special gifts with everyone.
I know all this because “The Magic is in Me!” TM