A Lesson in Life From A Fish, a Loon and a Bear
Black Bear, Loon & Walleye: A Fable from the Northwoods a story by Sara Button holds a special place in our hearts. As Directors of Swift Nature Camp an Nature Summer Camp in the Northwoods of Wisconsin,our campers can see this story unfolding right in front of their eyes. It is so special we keep a copy in our camp library for all to read.
Black Bear, Loon & Walleye tells the story of three friends–one furry, one feathered, one sporting fish scales–and each wishes for the gifts of another. Black Bear longs for shiny scales to look flashy and impress his friends; Loon wants to sport and enviable fur coat; and Walleye wants to fly. But when their wishes mysteriously come true, each realizes a disadvantage: Bear’s scales can’t keep him warm, Loon can’t fly with fur weighing her down, and Walleye has bad eyesight and is no good at flying even with feathers.
In this rich, modern-day fable, Black Bear, Loon and Walleye take a wild adventure that teaches them lessons that are as universal as they are timeless. The friends learned a valuable lesson that day, to appreciate each others gifts, but most of all to value their own. Trying new things is important, because you might find something that you really enjoy. But if it doesn’t work out, you still get to know yourself better. From that day on, the three friends agreed to always appreciate each others gifts, but most of all to value their own.
This is a story for all generations and a reminder of the importance of trying new things, understanding our own true nature, and having faith that we are all perfectly designed to fulfill our own unique purposes in life. Know yourself well! Value your gifts!
At Summer Camp the opportunity arises daily to promote each child’s personal development by providing fun, friendship and leadership in a supportive and noncompetitive environment away from home. Camp provides children an opportunity to act on their own, be self-reliant and try things for themselves. Camp provides few long lasting consequences, so children know that if it doesn’t work out they can start over much like the stars of our book.
At camp we read to all our campers each and every night, for the children they can hear the loons out side with their playful sounds. It truly makes the evening one to remember. If for you, getting to the Northwoods is not so easy for you, you can use the books enclosed CD that has loon sounds along with a guitar background and a reading of the story.
If you are looking for a summer camp for your child try Summer Camp Advice a free reference for parents looking for the perfect Children’s Summer Camp.