Envision a world that is a dream come true for most children, but especially for the youngsters that this village welcomes: the innocent dreamers who escape doctor’s appointments, hospital visits, and illnesses for a week. Once inside this magical village, known as Give Kids the World (GKTW), these tiny yet fearless youths transform into princes and princesses, making all the rules, ordering dessert for breakfast, and wishing Halloween and Christmas into the same week. Each week, volunteers (known as angels) give over 1,200 hours to grant these dreams.
The reoccurring theme throughout Steve’s stories was one of experiences; experiences that we strive to create as NextGen members of the TEA. Although our industry focuses on these delightful escapes into our imaginations, these precious moments of pure happiness mean so much more to the families who can escape the worry and hardships that comes when a loved one is ill.
Hearing tales of these moments and touring the site where they take place day after day gave my fellow TEA NextGen members and myself a renewed purpose as to why we strive to create these experiences. After a delightful lunch at the Gingerbread house, where breakfast and dinner are served each day, our group headed towards the nature trail to finish the tail end of a mural. Applying our creative talents, we turned abstract shapes into hidden Mickeys and small hippos, leaving our distinct flare upon the land. Teamwork and shared passion for our industry allowed us to finish quickly, so we asked for our next task: decorating the main park for Christmas. We hung various wreaths and garland, making the stage for the Winter Wonderland at GKTW come alive.