Diversity is known to all of us in different ways, depending on our experiences and what we remember from those experiences.  Some of us may claim we have experienced prejudices and discrimination.  Some of us may know of stories where we felt belittled and insignificant because we did not fit in the group or culture we entered.  Some of us are oblivious to any of these experiences, so we wonder what others are relaying.

There was a time when our differences were relegated to the color of our skin, what cultural heritage supports us, to which ethnic group do we belong, what racial affinity do we acknowledge, our sexual orientation, religious backgrounds, age and claimed disabilities. Affirmative Action, equal employment opportunity, and military equal opportunity ensured we are in compliance with the law in these matters.

Nowadays, we allow further segregation by including family structures of blendedness and birth orders, career choices and social economic breakdowns, educational attainment and diversified connections, neighborhood demographics and political loyalties.  One step further takes us to the various levels of consciousness.  We divide ourselves whether we are five-sensory or six-sensory beings.  We split ourselves considering the acknowledgment of the presence of God.  We often ask ourselves if God does exist, in what form and gender?  Even within a cultural aspect, we stratify the many hubs within that cultural framework.  We break it down further by coming up with several sub-categories.  The loop becomes endless as it is within our nature to breakdown and analyze our surroundings.

So when it comes to interacting with one another, it truly is not difficult to find what we seek.  If we seek differences, we are able to discern then quickly.  If we seek similarities, we equally become adept at locating these traits and qualities.  If we look for what is missing, we will see it.  If we search for what is working well, we are also able to spot them instantaneously.

Our history is filled with trails of heart-wrenching stories of people who dared to have their differences be known. Some received tireless encouragements from mentors, coaches and teachers who saw potential beyond accepted norms and dared to light up the fire of greatness.  Time and time again, history records triumphs and victories over adversities and challenges, illustrating to others that the power of our greatness lie not only in our differences, but also in our uniqueness.

The camps featured here are a few of the many camps designed for children and adults to learn to appreciate one another, to accentuate their own specific uniqueness, and to learn to esteem themselves in the lightest form possible.  These camps seek volunteers, paid and unpaid, who love children and wish to impart this love through experiential learning.

How are you making a difference in the life of a child?

By Gina Alzate, World Tours and Cruises

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:  GINA ALZATE