|
| Facing my fears |
|
| copyright 2003 Girl Scout Mid-Continent Council |
Today's girls face images and pressures far beyond those presented to us when we were young. Children rush from activity to
activity while we pile on the academics because we want them to be globally competitive. Lost in the process is the simple
concept of play. Stated another way, play is a rehearsal for adult life; an opportunity for a child's imagination to run
free and to try on different roles before entering the main stage of adulthood. Play is an opportunity to succeed or fail,
learn from mistakes and start over without repercussions.
In Girl Scouts the "rehearsal" is a tactile experience, one that involves all five senses, the ability to test
one's boundaries in a safe, supportive environment. The rule? You don't have to complete a challenge; you only have to try
it. It's not important if a girl is tall or short or athletic or unskilled. What is important is that a girl can face her
fears and triumph. The adults don't solve the problem; the girl solves it for herself. Scouting allows a young girl to try
on a role, and then cast off those that don't fit, all while filling her toolbox with things she will need in the future.
Zipline is a classic example. You can do as little or as much as your confidence allows. Want to limit your experience
to simply touching the ladder? That's ok. Want to climb up and sit on the platform before returning to the ground? That's
ok too.
At the age of 43 I watched as my 6 year-old daughter strapped on a harness, climbed a tall ladder and sat on a platform
with a certified instructor who whispered in her ear. I couldn't hear what was said, but both were smiling. After several
tenuous minutes, my daughter gave a nervous thumbs up and launched. She landed in the loving arms of women and girls waiting
at the other end.
And then it was my turn. I hesitated, haunted by my strong fear of heights. My daughter, a seasoned scout of 2 years
said, "Time to face your fears, Mom. Just go as far as you feel is safe." I'll confess to screaming the whole
length of the trip. But I did it, landed safely and my confidence soared.
Then I realized. Play doesn't end with childhood. We are all "rehearsing" for challenges to come. To that
end, find a child . . . then go out and play.
| Fearless Olivia shows how to approach life |
|
| copyright 2003 Girl Scout Mid-Continent Council |
| End of the line |
|
| copyright 2003 Girl Scout Mid-Continent Council |
Want to find out more about Scouting?
Start here with our local council - MidContinent Girl Scouts.
Then go out and play!
Click here to find out about Mid Continent Girl Scout Activities
|
