It Takes A Village To Start A Kid Collecting

IT TAKES A VILLAGE TO START A KID COLLECTING …by Cheryl B. Edgcomb Watching a kid enthusiastically take to stamp collecting is a hearteningsight for all of us. It not only reminds us of our be

IT TAKES A VILLAGE TO START A KID COLLECTING …by Cheryl B. Edgcomb
 

Watching a kid enthusiastically take to stamp collecting is a heartening sight for all of us. It not only reminds us of our beginning years, but also shows us the future faces of our hobby.  With so many activities and choices for kids today, it is not enough to simply hand them a packet of stamps. Novice collectors need to be encouraged in the ways of our hobby. Stamp Camp USA, one of the most successful programs for nurturing young collectors, provides youth programs that do just this. 

The Stamp Camp program introduces stamp collecting from basics, like sorting and handling, up to beginning exhibiting, in both creative three-dimensional and traditional formats, in a day-camp setting filled with hands-on learning activities.  During the camp activities the kids earn "stamp camp cash" (play money), which they use to purchase donated philatelic items and supplies at the very lively end-of-camp auction. Stamp Camp culminates with an awards ceremony, where each participant receives philatelic mementos and appropriate recognition and reinforcement. 

Knowing that it is not enough to simply introduce kids to stamp collecting, Stamp Camp USA has developed an adult leader program that requires no previous knowledge of stamp collecting, only a desire to work with children. Stamp Camp has expanded its program into local communities by planting a core of trained volunteer leaders in different areas of the country. Through collaborative relationships with the American Topical Association (ATA), United States Postal Service (USPS), and the American Philatelic Society (APS) Stamp Camp has conducted training workshops at the annual national conventions of these partner organizations. Stamp Camp is actively seeking additional philatelic, educational, and youth service organizations as partners in promoting stamp collecting and training adult leaders. 

Stamp Camp USA is the brain child of Cheryl Edgcomb, retired Postmaster of Nelson, Pennsylvania and one of the original USPS Ben Franklin Stamp Club leaders. After operating for several years as a small grass-roots community program, in 2003 Stamp Camp incorporated as a program separate from the Postal Service that could partner with all philatelic and community groups. The Internal Revenue Service has recognized Stamp Camp USA as a tax exempt 501c3 organization.  

A life-long collector, Cheryl remembers the enjoyment that was shared with family members in her household during her childhood, a contributing component that helped reinforce the positive learning experiences she received as a novice collector. Stamp collecting, now four generations strong in her family, is still an activity shared and passed down by family members. Cheryl's daughter, Shannon, instructs local Stamp Camps, and her grandson Christian, having attended his first international stamp show, Washington 2006, is now an avid stamp camper and exhibitor.

One of the intriguing aspects of Stamp Camp USA is that it is a program that actually uses “used” materials to teach from.  In an age where recycling and going “green” are key topics, this is precisely the type of activity that helps to put materials that are normally thrown away to exciting new uses.  With community volunteers now helping out by sending used stamps, covers, and craft materials to Stamp Camp USA, these items that were about to be trashed are now being turned into children’s creative 3-D stamp exhibits that are being enjoyed by many.  Not only is this material being recycled, it is also serving as the catalyst for learning, both through artistic hands-on activity, as well as literacy based learning activity. 

The diversity of its partners is an important strength for Stamp Camp USA. In addition to traditional philatelic groups, Stamp Camp also partners with a multitude of community, civic, and educational groups to promote stamp collecting as a family activity - 4-H, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, YMCA, YWCA, public libraries, Head Start, and home school networks.  This work is made possible because a "village" of collectors, dealers, and youth-oriented volunteers support the program with their time, dollars, and resources.  Who are some of these folks? 

• Postmasters from the National League of Postmasters and National Association of Postmasters of the United States have become trained Stamp Camp leaders and personally assisted or led various stamp camps. Both organizations have hosted kid's camps as well as adult leader workshops in conjunction with their state and national conventions.

• Stamp Clubs and Shows at the local, regional, and national levels have hosted Stamp Camp USA programs. Some New York stamp clubs have organized projects to soak, sort, and prepare donated materials for use at Stamp Camp events. 

• Senior Citizens have developed into a strong community resource; some participate as stamp camp assistants. Others coordinated by the Pennsylvania Foster Grandparent and Retire Senior Volunteers programs work in their community senior citizen centers and assisted living or skilled nursing facilities to sort and soak stamps and prepare packets for use with the kids programs. Not only do these seniors assist the Stamp Camp USA field office, but these participative activities help seniors to thrive as they play an active role in the betterment of our nation's youth. 

• Stamp Collectors and Dealers across the nation are providing operational support through donations of philatelic and administrative materials, financial contributions, and volunteering at Stamp Camp events from the local to the national level.

• Community Groups When they realize how adaptable philatelic programming can be to enhancing their existing operations, various community organizations have begun partnering with Stamp Camp USA to introduce our hobby through educational programs and positive after-school experiences. These include school districts; Communities That Care, serving children in at-risk situations; Scouting; 4-H; Human Service Providers, who work with children in regular settings that include educational instruction, as well as life-skills applications, which can all be reinforced through philatelic channels, college and university summer programs; public libraries, community centers; child development centers; and special needs support groups.

The many members of our "village" work toward a common goal, to provide positively reinforcing experiences for children using worldwide postage stamps. Too often stamp collectors have been preaching to the choir when looking for beginning collectors through philatelic channels.  Stamp Camp USA is taking a fresh approach to expanding our hobby, by marketing the joys of philately in ways that introduce stamp collecting to children and adults that might otherwise never be exposed to the scope, magnitude, and incredible diversity of the tiny pieces of paper we collect. To learn more about the program, to host a Stamp Camp in your community, to become a trained adult leader, to contribute time, money, or philatelic material contact Cheryl Edgcomb, Executive Director Stamp Camp USA, 117 Court Street, Suite A, Elkland, PA 16920-1477; or call the Stamp Camp USA field office at 814-258-5601; or by email to sstampcampusa@stny.rr.com.  It truly does take a village to start a kid collecting.  Stamp Camp USA would like to welcome you and your group into our neighborhood.  Contact us today! 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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