“Kindness is always fashionable.” –– Amelia E. Barr

After debating if I should use my blog to talk about something other than style, I realized that style is so much more than just fashion. It’s not about what you wear, but how you wear it. It’s about what you do and who you help — it’s how you live your life. Having recently returned from a volunteering trip, I thought now was a good time as any to share what holds a special place in my heart, beyond the contents of my closet.

I spent the better half of the last two weeks volunteering at a summer camp called Camp Footprints. In a nutshell, Camp Footprints gives children with special needs, or who come from economically underprivileged homes, the best week of their life through things like water balloons, pool time, games, skit nights, and most importantly: love. Lots and lots of love.

I have been involved with this non-profit organization for the past five years, and through it, I have met a very special group of people whom I’m honored to call my second family. The kids at this camp are nothing short of amazing. Despite any disabilities they may have, their sense of humor, intelligence, confidence and enthusiasm for life shines in everything they do. Year after year, I am reminded of the importance of thinking differently, to accept others without judgement, and that to be loved is to be love.

This year was my first time being a team leader, and as such, I was able to watch my group of counselors give 110% of themselves to their campers each day, even when they had nothing left to give. To see this, to see them bond together like a little family, was really something else, and their selflessness was truly inspiring.

The world would a much better place if more people were as kind as the kids and volunteers of Camp Footprints. In my book, their pure hearts make them the most stylish and fashionable people I’ve ever met.

If I may, I’d also love to show you guys my week at camp through pictures. (Read on!)

 

Thank you so much for letting me share my week with you. I’m already looking forward to next summer! If you would like to help bring Camp Footprints 2015 to life, you can donate to my fundraising page. 🙂