Featured Program: Camp P.O.S.T.C.A.R.D.
“Who would like to read their story?” asked Shayne’s fifth grade teacher as she walked down the aisle toward his desk.
Shayne felt a drop of sweat running down his forehead…and then another. His stomach tightened and he stopped breathing. He would have given his favorite Babe Ruth baseball card just to be able to simply disappear, but he was a tall young man and his striking red hair made disappearing all but impossible. As the teacher walked by and chose another student, Shayne started breathing again. He remembered the last time he read a story and the entire class laughed at him. Unfortunately, nobody in the room realized the tragedy that was enfolding in front of them.
Similar events during Shayne’s life had gradually torn away his confidence and self-esteem. He was a bright young man with so much to offer. Yet, his fear of failure kept him from trying new things, meeting new friends and sharing his many gifts. If this continued, he would never reach his full potential. That was the true tragedy of the day… and of his life.
One day in the cafeteria, Officer Gregory, who serves as the school’s resource officer, saw Shayne sitting alone.
“May I join you?” Officer Gregory asked.
Shayne looked up from his sandwich and agreed. Officer Gregory had become the closest thing to a friend Shayne had.
“I have some good news for you,” he told Shayne. “You have been chosen to go to Camp P.O.S.T.C.A.R.D. this summer. It is a way cool place where volunteers like me spend a week with young people like you.”
After sharing photographs and stories from camp, Officer Gregory said, “Please think about it Shayne. I would love to have you go with me. I’ll even drive you to camp in my cruiser and let you run the siren and lights.” Shayne actually cracked a smile and said that he would think about it.
Camp P.O.S.T.C.A.R.D. is a unique program which allows selected fifth and sixth graders from Maine the opportunity to develop their desire, ability and perseverance to overcome their unique challenges. The camp is run by Volunteers of America, the Maine Sheriffs Association and the Maine D.A.R.E. Officers Association. The acronym stands for Police Officers Striving To Create And Reinforce Dreams. Law enforcement and criminal justice professionals serve as camp staff.
For several days, Shayne considered the offer. He really wanted to go. He wanted to become better at making friends and was determined to try new things. He finally agreed.
In June, as they pulled into camp, Officer Gregory knew that he had to get Shayne busy. Day by day, Shayne tried new things – simple things at first― like setting tables and cleaning the cabin. He helped make the cabin flag, prepared food in the kitchen and then tried more difficult tasks. Before long, he was surprised and proud of his successes. He became a valued member of the camp family and made friends like never before. During the week, the staff worked with him to build his self-esteem and to face each new challenge with a positive attitude.
On the next to the last day, a 33-foot rock wall was delivered to camp. The campers and their leaders talked about the wall.
“Success on the wall is different for everyone,” said Officer Gregory. “In many cases, just trying it is a huge success. I will be there with you and I hope that you all can help me get higher than the two feet I climbed last year.”
They all laughed. Shayne was both excited and terrified by the wall. He had never tried anything that difficult before. He had been so successful all week. What if he wasn’t now? Would people laugh at him? Would he lose his new-found friends? He really wanted to reach the top, but was afraid to tell anyone of his ambitious goal.
The next day, Shayne’s and his cabin mates’ turn at the rock wall had arrived. As he approached the wall it seemed so much taller than he’d imagined. Standing next to this monolith, Shayne resembled David standing next to Goliath. For the first time in many days, he felt that familiar bead of sweat dripping down his forehead. He was as immobile as the wall itself, barely able to move a muscle.
“I don’t think I can do this!” Shayne whispered to Officer Gregory.
“That’s fine, Shayne, but would you help me with the other cabin members.”
Shayne agreed, and one by one, he helped his fellow campers and volunteer staff as they attempted to climb the wall. Some only managed to climb a few feet. Many slipped and were caught by the safety rope. But surprisingly, nobody laughed at them. In fact, they were congratulated for their courage and their effort. Reluctantly, Shayne decided to give it a try. With encouragement from the staff and his friends, and after several attempts at the rock wall, he decided he could reach the top. “I can do it,” he told himself with confidence.
One small step at a time, Shayne finally reached the top of the wall.
“I made it! I made it!” Shayne’s voice echoed across the camp. Back on the ground, Shayne stood shaking― but with an enormous smile and twinkling eyes. He was surrounded by everyone in celebration. “I did it! I did it.”
Shayne’s mother happened to be visiting the day Shayne conquered his fear ―and the rock wall. She broke into tears of joy, almost unable to believe the changes she saw in her son. She was also very happy Shayne continued his friendship with Officer Gregory and several new friends after camp came to a close. Officer Gregory shared information with the school staff and Shayne’s mother about the experience and growth this young man made during the summer. He also offered suggestions about how to keep Shayne moving in the right direction. The following summer Shayne was happily rewarded for his incredible accomplishments in life and school when he was invited back to Camp P.O.S.T.C.A.R.D.
Each of us has challenges in our life. Some are more serious than others. Yet, at Volunteers of America, we believe that with the right attitude and the right support, any individual can change their life for the better. For many of us like Shayne, it takes exceptional courage and perseverance, but it can happen. Volunteers of America is dedicated to helping people change their lives – to conquer their personal wall – regardless of their situation and by doing whatever it takes.
About Camp P.O.S.T.C.A.R.D.
The main goals of Camp P.O.S.T.C.A.R.D. are to establish positive bonds between the children and law enforcement and criminal justice professionals, using that relationship to help reduce crime and the use of tobacco, alcohol and drugs. In addition, this interaction helps to address any stereotypes that the children may have formed. The experience provides a safe environment that stresses appropriate role models, ideals and values. Campers are allowed and expected to share their thoughts, feelings and ideas and learn the importance of self-respect and respect for others, teamwork, self-control and dignity.
Local D.A.R.E. officers, law enforcement officers, school resource officers, school personnel and community members identify children who would benefit from the camp experience. The overall program is designed to coordinate and share information with the schools and community-based services that children will use when they finish camp. An important goal is to help empower children to take more control of and responsibility for their own decisions, actions and, ultimately, their future. The program also increases awareness for schools, parents and communities about the issues that are important to children.
