Picturesque lake image: David Berry It's summer and we know from watching American films and children's shows that that means summer camp (in America, not here - duh). We also know that summer camp is a time for personal revelations, jumping into a massive, picturesque lake, first kisses and first periods. Maybe a little bullying, but that's where a lot of the personal revelations stem from and definitely some kind of amusing misunderstanding - preferably involving a cute animal and a short tempered camp leader. Or this is what I've gleaned from the information available. However camp has taken a new form in No Body Talk summer camps. Eden Village is one such summer camp, the mirrors at this camp have written on them: "Don't check your appearance, check your soul."
A little cheesy, but is this mixed sex camp on to something? Eden Village founder Vivian Stadlin said: "The specific rule is while at camp, we take a break from mentioning physical appearance, including clothing". Rather than compliment each other on outfits or physical appearance the kids are encouraged to say "Your smile lights up the world" (which is a physical compliment guys), "I feel so happy to be around you" and "your soul shines". Wondering what the shiny soul that means? Me too.
Because hey, a no body talk camp sounds great. But surely this should enable kids to compliment each other or consider things of substance. It's probably healthier to hear "you are really good at diving into the massive, picturesque lake" or "you are really good at wood carving" (I am not entirely clear on camp activities) or even "thanks for listening" than something as abstract as how reflective your soul might be.
Because hey, a no body talk camp sounds great. But surely this should enable kids to compliment each other or consider things of substance. It's probably healthier to hear "you are really good at diving into the massive, picturesque lake" or "you are really good at wood carving" (I am not entirely clear on camp activities) or even "thanks for listening" than something as abstract as how reflective your soul might be.
| We talk, sometimes obsessively, about our bodies and other people's appearance because unfortunately we have nothing else to talk about. That's certainly a truth for me, teen years spent congratulating myself on escaping having to learn an instrument have resulted in my only hobby being...myself. | we will...find something to bitch about... it might as well be about how crap Judith is at the piano rather than her flabby arms or dull soul |
It's pretty miserable, thinking only of yourself. Your foibles, your past mistakes, your physical short-comings, your feelings. I'm glad the summer camp kids don't seem to have any of the 'focus on yourself'/'me-time' gimmicks aimed at them that women seem to constantly have - via yoghurt commercials no less.
There is a fine line between encouraging people to focus on things beyond physical appearance and creating an environment in which we try to pretend we aren't dragging around in fleshy bags of bones and blood. All talking as though we are polite, tight lipped (oh crap that's a physical comment) matriarchs in a Jane Austen novel, speaking while not actually saying anything: "Why, Miss Bennet your soul shines most exquisitely today".
It's probable we will always find something to bitch about but it might as well be about how crap Judith is at the piano rather than her flabby arms or dull soul. "Eurgh, Judith thinks she's like, the queen of jazz improvisation".
Rather like sex education, we seem to find education regarding healthy body image is an all or nothing thing. We instruct on abstinence and encourage silence on body talk instead of discussing consent, contraception and positive body image. It's because we are shy of sex and we are shy of our bodies. But that doesn't mean we should pass that on to the next generation.
It is a case of encouraging people to refocus their concerns and think of others in a more positive manner but maybe we should provide those at camp with something to do rather than something to refrain from. My vote goes to Rock and Roll Camp for girls. Or a summer volunteering for a good cause. Or a summer improving your maths skills. Or read. Or learn a trade. Or all the other things you can do outside of worrying how you look or worrying about talking too much about how you look.
Squeamish Kate
There is a fine line between encouraging people to focus on things beyond physical appearance and creating an environment in which we try to pretend we aren't dragging around in fleshy bags of bones and blood. All talking as though we are polite, tight lipped (oh crap that's a physical comment) matriarchs in a Jane Austen novel, speaking while not actually saying anything: "Why, Miss Bennet your soul shines most exquisitely today".
It's probable we will always find something to bitch about but it might as well be about how crap Judith is at the piano rather than her flabby arms or dull soul. "Eurgh, Judith thinks she's like, the queen of jazz improvisation".
Rather like sex education, we seem to find education regarding healthy body image is an all or nothing thing. We instruct on abstinence and encourage silence on body talk instead of discussing consent, contraception and positive body image. It's because we are shy of sex and we are shy of our bodies. But that doesn't mean we should pass that on to the next generation.
It is a case of encouraging people to refocus their concerns and think of others in a more positive manner but maybe we should provide those at camp with something to do rather than something to refrain from. My vote goes to Rock and Roll Camp for girls. Or a summer volunteering for a good cause. Or a summer improving your maths skills. Or read. Or learn a trade. Or all the other things you can do outside of worrying how you look or worrying about talking too much about how you look.
Squeamish Kate
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