Volunteers of America Northern New England succeeds by supporting an individual’s desire, ability and perseverance to change and overcome his/her unique challenge(s).
The Wall: By Glenn Michaels
“Who would like to read their story?” asked Shayne’s fifth grade teacher as she walked down the isle 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 school’s 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 that 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.”
Camp P.O.S.T.C.A.R.D. is run by Volunteers of America, the Maine Sheriffs’ Association and the Maine D.A.R.E. Officer’s Association. The acronym stands for Police Officers Striving to Create and Reinforce Dreams. Law enforcement and criminal justice professionals served as camp staff. “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.
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. One by one Shayne tried new things – simple things at first like setting tables and helping clean the cabin. Then he helped make the cabin flag, helped prepare food in the kitchen and other more difficult tasks. Before long he was surprised by and proud of his success. 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 second to 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 friends? He really wanted to reach the top, but was afraid to tell anyone.
The next day, Shayne’s cabin had their turn to use the rock wall. As he approached the wall it seemed so much taller than he’d imagined. To see him standing next to the tower resembled David and Goliath. For the first time in many days, he felt that familiar bead of sweat dripping down his forehead. He was as stiff as the wall itself and could barely move a muscle. “I don’t think I can do this!” Shayne whispered to Officer Gregory. “That’s fine, would you help me with the other cabin members.” Shayne agreed.
One-by-one, he helped campers and staff try the wall. Some only manage 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 decides he could reach the top. “I can do it!” he said with confidence.
One small step at a time, Shayne finally reached the top of the wall. “I made it, I made it,” echoed across the camp. Back on the ground, shaking but smiling, he was surrounded by everyone in one big celebration. “I did it, I did it.” His mother was visiting that day and broke into tears. She could not believe the change in her son.
Shayne continued his friendship with Officer Gregory and several new friends after camp. Officer Gregory shared information with the school staff and his mother about Shayne’s experience and growth during the summer. He offered suggestions about how to keep him moving in the right direction.
Shayne returned to camp the following summer. But for a very different reason. It was a reward for his incredible accomplishments in life and in school.
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 right support, any individual can change their life. As in Shayne’s case, for many of us it takes exceptional courage and perseverance. 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.
Won’t you join us in our mission of service? To learn more about how you can help send a child like Shayne to camp, please contact Volunteers of America Northern New England at 207-373-1140, help@voanne.org. Thank you.
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