Epistle—7th & 8th grades

7/26/08

Welcome Friends to JYM 7&8 epistle.  All of our activities in JYM brought us together as we rekindled old friendships and kindled new ones.

Despite the seemingly ridiculously early hour on Monday, we began JYM actively.  Doing improv we enjoyed very fun games while seeing how friends reacted on the spot.  During original play, we were further woken up while being able to play without competition or boundaries.  The first time we gathered for community worship we enjoyed listening to the ideas from other generations within our community.

On Tuesday, Bill Gavin came to talk to us about conscientious objection.  We were able to share our own stories while we learned about C.O. history.  Chris and Mike came to talk about Powell House and the wonderful things that happen there.  We shared some games as a community of both Powell House and JYM.

Wednesday we woke up ready for Beach Day despite the cloud-filled skies outside our windows.  We soon realized there was no hope for the beach, as we braved a flooded campus on our way to JYM.  Although the rain raged on, some took advantage of the moment to slide down a natural slip ’n’ slide on a hill.  We filled our day with togas and Tibetan ringing bowls, Big Wind Blows and Jailbreak, couch piles and Fun(d) Fair preparation.  On the Inn porch, we too in the Fun(d) Fair, and contributed to it by selling tops (we sold them all!) and organizing a Quakerly sponge toss (starring the Quaker Oats Man).

Thursday began with a hilarious round of Honey, If You Love Me.  We split up by gender to talk about important social barriers and issues in our age group, which we felt was important to be able to do.  Later that day, Leigh Strimbeck came and gave us some interesting cooperative activities involving movement and a form of martial arts.  We were well-represented at the year’s Café Night - Maia, Michelle, Marin, Jan Carolyn, Maryana, and Jennifer entertained us with some great acts.  This year’s auction included a watermelon and the Peanut Dance.

Friday arrived too soon, but it came with a visit to the Nature Center, singing, and worship with all of JYM and the JYM closing.

It was one of the best weeks ever, and we all lived happily ever after.

NYYM/JYM