Sunday, April 26, 2009

Courage

FRIDAY, APRIL 24th - 2009

Today Joe had the best day at school that he has ever had - EVER!  Those were his words.  Apparently the whole 6th grade had a "courage retreat" today.  A non profit organization called Youth Frontiers came to their school for courage retreat.  Youth Frontiers partner with schools to "create more positive school communities through programs that help young people realize the importance of living a life of character." (I took that description off of their website).  
They put on a bunch of different activities and games for the kids.  They also talked and shared their thoughts and feelings about courage.  They talked about having the courage to stand up for what's right, to stand up for your values when other's don't.  They talked about fears and being bullied and accepting people for who they are.  They talked about resisting the urge to follow the crowd and to act with moral courage even when they are afraid.  

Joe had such a positive experience.  He loved it so much.  
I was happy that he had such a good experience.  And as he gets ready to enter junior high school it's so important to know who you are and have the courage to stand up for your beliefs.  Hopefully this lesson will stick with him.  He already wishes they could have the courage retreat again.  It clearly made an impact on him.  

On a totally separate note, Brian brought home this very soft and comfy bathrobe today.  Joe immediately laid claim to it.  He disappeared into the bathroom for a few minutes and came out looking like this:
He slicked back his hair and that is a pillowcase that he is using as an ascot.  He's so funny.  Everything is a costume and he'll use any opportunity to put on a show.  I swear he'll win an oscar someday.  When he first came out, I couldn't help but laugh.  It reminded me so much of the Saturday Night Live skit with Christopher Walken called "The Continental".  If you haven't seen it, here is what he looked like in the skit.  
I don't know how to add video's or links (me - technologically challenged and I don't care to learn).  If you are interested in seeing the skit just look up Christopher Walken on SNL, "The Continental" skit.  There are plenty of you tube videos.

4 comments:

prism said...

LOL.. that cracks me up. I think Ethan and Joe would get along. Ethan loves costumes, too, although he mostly does elf, knight, etc. costumes.

Teresa said...

That sounds like a great organization. Good to hear it had such a postive impact.

Sheri said...

I love Joe and his ability to always change character. Evan loved seeing a picture of Joe. But now he keeps asking, "Where's Kimmy?"

Shauna said...

I'm impressed by the usage of the word "ascot." I had no idea that's what it was called. Thanks for the vocabulary lesson!