With fancy gloves and flowery hats, a group of 30 girls will gather for tea next Tuesday. They have never been invited to a tea party before, especially one where they are treated so royally. This group of girls from the age of 6 to 11 will be at Royal Family KIDS, a summer camp designed just for children who have experienced abuse and neglect from those who are supposed to love them the most. They are children in foster care and they don’t often get a chance to have a vacation, much less to attend a summer camp tailored to them.
The Tea Party
The girls will take part in many activities while at camp – swimming, fishing, games, water slides, zip lines and ropes courses – but the tea party is by far the favorite event. No other time are they able to dress up and feel elegant. They are treated to sweet cakes and tea complete with milk and honey. Some of the tea choices include Carmelita, Peach Paradise, and Boldly Blackberry. The tables are decorated with various tea pots, fancy cups and saucers, and trays of finger sandwiches and sugar cookies. And, of course, British “Miss Manners” will offer them sugar lumps and give advice on the best way to enjoy a cup of tea – pinkies up!
The atmosphere alone encourages them to use their best manners and to indulge in the royal treatment they are served by loving adult volunteers. Feelings of unworthiness, guilt or shame that these girls have carried with them throughout their young lives as a result of child abuse are replaced by a sense of significance, worthiness and care.
Beyond Words
Good hospitality in the form of a tea party can have this effect on people of all ages. To receive special attention and treatment often brings out the very best in a person. It can also communicate to that individual that she is valued. The Tea Smith is proud to contribute to that kind of atmosphere by providing our teas.
Who do you know that that could use a boost of self-confidence or a reminder that they are cared for? Take care by treating them to a tea party tailored to their taste. Simple hospitality speaks volumes to those that are blessed by it.