Poverty Simulation Camp

did you know that 20% of the world (USA & other western countries) consumes 80% of the world's resources?

if you're like most people, that probably doesn't mean a whole lot unless you actually see a visual representation of what that looks like.

this past weekend, i helped out with a 'poverty simulation' camp. our goal was to grow in compassion, learn about God's heart for the poor, and to empower others to share what they have with 'the least of these'.

we had 10 campers. all girls. they were told in the beginning that they could only keep 4 personal items that they had brought with them. (one of the campers brought $200 worth of stuff for a 48 hr camp! there is definitely something wrong with that picture.) hair ties counted as one item. everyone opted to keep their sleeping bags as they soon learned they would be sleeping outside under the big black expanse called the sky - without a tent. i was in katydid heaven!

we did a series of simulations throughout the weekend. the most eye opening being at meal time. the first night we had the 80/20 dinner (described above). below you will see table # 1.

20% of the campers = 4 people. they represent the Americans.

80% of the food went to these 4

(there were tons of leftovers, which most people would throw away. we put it in the fridge and it will be served tomorrow night at the Holler's community night.)

while 80% only got 20% of the food. there were no left overs.

i was in that 80% - and it was not easy. or pretty. or fun. it was hard to watch "the Americans" with soooo much food, while the rest of us "starved". we were 18 people sharing 4 plates of food. the Americans tried to share, but they couldn't. borders were closed. no NAFTA here :)

i always hear people say "we're so blessed", but are we? i mean, really? when 80% of the world is starving because of our consumerist consumption how is that a blessing? we are the most over weight nation in the world, while millions are dying of starvation. something is wrong with that picture. we have more than enough - and it's killing us. literally.

God didn't create poverty, sinful man did.

"wealthy countries like ours have the highest rates of depression, suicide, and loneliness. we are the richest and most miserable people in the world" (Shane Claiborne).

anyway, this was just one aspect of the camp but i think the one that had the most profound impact on me. by the end of camp, several campers were going to make a conscious effort to eat less and give more away. that's a good start.