By Jayme Schlimper, Overnight Programs Manager and Curator of Education Collections

Hello all, with another great season of Summer Camps @ HMNS coming up, let’s take a moment to get a little sappy….but only a little…..with a little comedy thrown in to even it out because I don’t do feelings. If I did though, I would tell you all that since I’ve been able to work with and teach kids, I’ve been so grateful to witness how differently a child’s brain works. While frustrating at times, if you pay attention, kids might be able to teach you a thing or two. I know that in my time here, I’ve gotten to share my knowledge with lots of children but they’ve also taught me a couple things here and there. Here are some of those things.

1. Always stay curious – there’s more to learn
2. Nothing is common knowledge – sometimes adults assume people know everything… kids remind us that there’s always someone who doesn’t
3. Inclusion is cool – making friends is as easy as saying “hello”
4. Sometimes listening is hard…. like when an adult tells you that something is NOT for you but you hear “of course! That thing is definitely for you!”
5. Ask all the questions – even if they sound dumb. Regardless of what others think, at least you’ve learned something. And that matters.
6. Bugs are cute sometimes and also weird…and also cool. Things can be weird and cool all at the same time!
7. Things that scare you can be cool too!
8. Don’t be afraid to be silly sometimes! There’s nothing wrong with doing something silly just because you feel like it!
9. The expected answer is not always the only answer!
10. There are so many ways to solve a problem!
11. All this time… I’ve taken my motor skills for granted! It takes a long time how to learn how to cut using scissors!

There really are so many things we can learn from kids. While they are young and a little bit insane, they are also blank slates – always learning and soaking in the world in the most open-minded way. I think we would do well to try and be a little more like them in that way. But hey, I’m no expert.

If you have a kid in your life who’s naturally curious and you happen to be looking for a place where they can learn all sorts of new things and experience what it’s like to create and discover with others who share their same interests, consider enrolling them in Summer Camps @ HMNS!