Note to the parents of Grant County:

I spent a week with your children this summer – I was at camp with 10 young men from Grant County.

I was apprehensive, uncertain, curious, excited, and a bit insecure about a week with a small group of teens amidst hundreds with a week full of unknowns. I had few expectations as I knew little of what to expect, but in one week I saw bright beams of hope and seeds of growth I rarely experience so closely.

It was good to see teens outside the pressures and expectations of our society. Without cell phones or iPods. Without the constant pressures of school or even the guidance of parents.

They met kids with very different backgrounds, with very different stresses. I saw them play as only kids can play, with enthusiasm, boundless energy and unending imagination. It was good to see kids play as kids rather than kids playing at being adults.

They did silly things; they did serious things. They rolled in the grass and battled with water, shaving cream, and silly weapons. They showed off their wacky skills, they dressed up, they danced silly dances. They also watched as leaders did the same, silliness with gusto.

Yet, they also showed they care. They care about life, they care about you, and they care about each other.

In quiet times of talking they shared their frustrations, their anger, their hurt. They shared their struggles. And, in the midst of these, they found common ground and they loved each other. Perhaps it is hard to see at times, perhaps they feel most safe guarding their feelings rather than sharing, but they care deeply about life, faith, questions, their future, and the people closest to them in their lives.

I don’t know much about children; my son and recently adopted daughter have many years before they approach the challenges and opportunities of their transition to adulthood. I hope I am able to see the same adventuresome spirit, the willingness to share, the caring for each other.

I left encouraged to listen; I encourage you to listen. Listen to your children. I sense this transition is not easy; it never has been. But they need us to listen. They need us to respect their struggle, their passion, their hopes and dreams.

I do not understand or agree with all of what I heard. But perhaps through listening we will become safe and they will begin to listen to our stories as well.

Andrew Janssen, a local physician, is a Grant County Young Life leader.