Finding ways to keep the kids happy and occupied through this socially distanced summer is more than somewhat challenging. That’s why Lauren Wexler, 92Y’s Director of Camps, has been exploring some interesting ways to fill our campers’ days with fun and variety. In addition to a remarkably broad range of electives (from “Tik Tok Dance,” cell-phone filmmaking; coding, gymnastics, virtual soccer and much more) her newest idea was to introduce children to some well-known personalities and fascinating figures – like Hoda Kotb and Al Roker, who dropped into camp earlier this month for a lunchtime Q&A sessions with the campers.
During a lunchtime (virtual) Q&A with the campers, Kotb was asked by five-year old Leo, “How hard is it to tell the news?” Kotb admitted it can be hard, that “some of the news can be a bummer sometimes.” And in those times, she finds herself referring to Mr. Rogers and his age-old advice to “look for the helpers” when something bad is going on. Kotb revealed she’s always done that in her tv career — when she’s covering a tough story like a hurricane, she immediately seeks out people who are rescuing others from their homes, or bringing water and blankets.
When faced with the question, “What do you do when people don't like your videos or your content, or dislike on you when you go outside?” Hoda was full of resilience-building advice. “Don’t worry if someone doesn’t like your video, who cares?” she said. “If you put your heart into what you make, and put out what you like, and your intentions are good, good things will come back.”
“We’ve been extraordinarily fortunate in being able to bring stars like Hoda and Al Roker to camp,” says Lauren. “Camp is all about connection – and hearing directly about how Today Show stars report the news can really help kids feel connected to the world around them.”
Jenna Bush Hager, Gayle King and Judy Gold will pay virtual visits to camp later this month. “One of the silver linings of this challenging time has been seeing how exciting and rewarding remote programs can be when there is imagination, depth and spirit behind them,” says Lauren. “We’re so grateful to our special guests for adding extra sparkle to our campers’ days.”