First Meeting with Campers

Today 20 fresh faces filled the MERF (Mentone Education Resource Foundation) house. We talked about the vision of The Mentone Collective and the importance of inter-generational relationships, ways we can break down agism, and equal community exchange. Our conversation evolved from looking at the story of Ruth and Naomi to video recording interviews. With two minutes left in our session, one girl asked, "So what is the point of recording these interviews with video cameras, rather than just listening?" I realized I had forgot to mention the ever so important detail that we are making a movie! Through the film we hope to keep all the treasured conversations and stories as well as be able to share with others our experiences and interactions as a collective.


Below are several responses from girls about the meeting: (The activity period at camp that girls spend at The Mentone Collective is called Project Phoebe)



"Project Phoebe started with two words: inter-generational relationship. I immediately thought it was going to be full of puzzles, card games, and dominoes. Thankfully there was a twist. Instead of entertainment we were going to establish a real relationship in the form of memories using Flip cameras. We are going to document their memories by asking questions about their life experiences. In turn the senior citizens are going to record our answers to the same questions. This was awesome, but it got better. The clips we film are going to be made into a movie, which is going to be screened to Mentone and all of camp. Project Phoebe is off to a great start. From that moment on, inter-generational relationship was so much more than just two words." -Janie, 16



"When it comes to the idea of "serving" I have always been conflicted. Part of me says, "God calls us to serve and care for those less fortunate than us." but the other part wonder, "what if they don't want my help? What if I make them feel inferior or belittled? What if they think that I think I'm better than them?" so when it came time to sign up for Phoebe I did so enthusiastically but the traces of those questions lingered in my mind. But as soon as Ashley started describing this opportunity as an "equal exchange," all my worries dissolved. This idea of "I give you something, and you give me something in return" was completely new to me. Sure, I had always heard the "I thought I was going to help them, but they taught me so much more," but I never understood it fully until now. I can't wait to begin documenting this experience using technology--previously a generational divider--as a generational-bridger. I know it will be such a meaningful journey and I am so blessed to be part of it!" -Anna Russell, 16


"In our first time going to Project Phoebe we looked at the first two chapters of the book of Ruth. From these two chapters we studied the relationship between Ruth and Naomi. This proves the love of God that can be shown in an "inter-generational relationship." In the beginning Ruth is giving to Naomi, but then Naomi begins giving to Ruth. This is an important part of a relationship--equality. It isn't just the younger one being a friend to the older one, but it goes both ways. This was such an awesome/eye-opening lesson to learn and I am pumped to go and visit with these seniors around Mentone. Hopefully I will help to teach them as much as I know that they will teach me!" -Taylor, 16