For about ten years now, our family has joined a group of 5-10 other families at the beach during the Memorial Day weekend. What follows are some of my reflections on the experience and why I treasure it.
1. Conversations: So many of these! From raising children, to vacations, to good books, to outdoor activities, to playing the harmonica.
2. Net-working: The best example is advice that my husband gleaned and received from conversations from last year at the beach with this group. He was able to report on things he had done successfully this year based on some of the things he had learned last year.
3. Learning from each other: On this particular trip, I was able to discuss some ideas for a new position in a group I hold with someone who is an international expert in the field of social media and promoting a cause and gaining support for it. I also chatted with an owner of a large franchise who manages a lot of employees. We discussed relationships with groups of different nationalities and how to handle conflict and the value of creating liaisons with various sub-groups in the organization. I also talked with a very successful entrepreneur about ideas of things I could do with my piano business and skype lessons.
4. Friends for children from families with similar ideals.
5. Enjoying the talents of the group
6. Good examples of marriage relationships, religious stability for children from the adults in the group
7. Good examples of working together: We had a group of 58 people which was a major effort for meals. We divided up the tasks over the days and each family contributed to cooking or cleaning. One person did the organizational chart. One person spearheaded the cooking. One person arranged for a boat rental. The young teens often took chairs and umbrellas down to the beach to reserve the spot for our group. Those who arrived early did the shopping and putting away of the food. Some people swept and wiped off tables while others went to buy donuts for the group.
