What is True Significance?

What is true significance, really? As Huawni Campers begin to leave our gates, our hope is that in some form or fashion they began, or continued, to discover their true significance. But what is this exactly?

During Staff Orientation a few weeks ago I shared on this very topic. And just to be clear, these are all things I’ve learned over a long time from some very wise mentors (not original!). So, for you Huawni Parents, I want to share the cliff notes from my opening session. First, I want to define the word true. Isn’t it funny how often we use words without every really using it in the correct connotation? I do this all the time! True is defined as real, genuine, or authentic. True means it’s reality, whether we like it or not.

This phrase sits at the heart of the University of Texas campus, “Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free.” At Huawni, we believe that the truth sets us free. We believe in a freedom mindset versus a fear-based mindset. So, when we operate more out of our true person, or true self, we actually experience more freedom. Think about how many decisions we make based upon a fear of something. The fear of what others will think. The fear of failure. What would it look like to make decisions based upon just doing the right thing? At Huawni, we provide space and an environment for this to happen.

Significance is the idea that each of us is created one-of-a-kind. Another word for it significance is essence, something inborn in us. Not learned. As I’ve mentioned before DNA is scientific proof of this, as no two people have ever had the exact same DNA. At Huawni, we believe that every summer camper is a genius. Our hope is that camp can be a catalyst and even launching that sparks the genius inside every camper.

Here’s an insightful video expanding on our significance.

So how exactly do our summer campers discover their true significance (sometimes called the Huawni Magic) at Camp?

First, we put our campers in a very unique environment. Open air-cabins. Almost everything outdoors and in nature. Simple fun (i.e. mudfights at the Carving Trees) without smart phones. Traditions and ceremonies that give campers the consistency that they crave and many times don’t have at home. Space and time for deep, authentic friendships to blossom.

It’s when campers hit their breaking point that they experience break throughs.

Once campers are in this environment, some really cool things start to happen. First, they have the freedom to fail. When is this ever acceptable? They fail cabin inspection. They are rude to a friend and have to apologize. They don’t win the spirit stick, even though they had a killer skit. Second, at summer camp kids get uncomfortable. They have to adjust to a warmer cabin. They have to share space with 11 other kids their age, some of which they don’t like. They are challenged to take safe risks, like swinging across the OC rope, anchoring the last leg of Run for the Roses, or confronting a friend about hurtful words. What happens when kids are squeezed a little is miraculous. They learn more about themselves. They deepen friendships. They build perseverance and character. It’s when campers hit their breaking point that they experience break throughs. We even sing this at Sing Song. The line from the song Summer says, “Look back on all your summers, some good and some are bad.” It’s the idea that the highs and lows of our summers actually lead to growth…which is good!

The only two things that are strong enough to accomplish [discovering your true self] are suffering and prayer. – Richard Rohr

So true significance is the true, genuine, authentic me. Even though our false self (the ugly, non-genuine part of me) rears it’s ugly head more than we like, our hope is that Huawni more and more becomes a place of discovery and freedom. So that one day your child leaves our gates knowing their true significance and purpose, and because of that, go make a lasting impact on the world.

We are so excited to have Session 2 Campers here today! We can’t wait to see more and more the uniqueness of this bunch!

How have you seen your child blossom at Huawni?