As she eyed the hand-crafted games and activities scattered across the parking lot, 4th grader Kiara turned to her friend and said, “This carnival is dry.”
If, like me, you’re not sure what “dry” means in this context, it’s current slang for boring or lifeless.
Ouch!
Her comment weighed on the Director who overheard. The Camp Directors put in loads of time and effort – coming up with creative games, crafting, painting, planning. They go all out – using their limited budget to create something spectacular.
But of course, kids hear that they’re going to the UrbanPromise Summer Carnival, and they may imagine a big tent, rides, balloons, and cotton candy. And we can understand their disappointment. It’s just not in the budget.
The girls moved on to explore the carnival. Before long, they were laughing with friends, competing at handcrafted games, cheering each other on, and waiting for their turn at the dunk tank. Later, the same director caught up with them and asked what they thought.
“It’s awesome! When are we doing it again?” one of them said with a grin.
What changed?
Not the decorations. Not the activities. No professional jugglers or unicyclists.
The girls simply weren’t comparing it to what they imagined anymore. They were laughing with friends, being encouraged by caring adults, and making memories together.
Every summer, our staff create those moments again and again— because we have people who pour their hearts into every game, every conversation, and every child.
It turns out not every carnival needs a Ferris wheel. Sometimes, all it needs is love and creativity on full display in the parking lot.
Tony Vega
StreetLeader Director & Alumni
