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Hello, and well met! (Figuratively speaking of course, as I haven’t literally met you, yet, but you get the idea).
My name, though you may feel free to call me what you like, is Sam Shaw. I was born in the UK; second son of Ian and Mary, my older brother being Alex. As a young rapscallion, I would run around, and ask a hundred questions of anyone foolish enough to get in my way. I went through many careers between the ages of 4 and 10, including cowboy, pirate, space-ship pilot, knight, explorer, space pirate and most notably scientist. Proficient in all fields (or so I thought), I was nicknamed “Professor Shaw,” which, when you think about it, isn’t what you’d assume 8-10 year olds would use. Why is this important? Well, in truth, it probably isn’t, but it shows what an odd kinetic mass I was, and I suppose still am! I can’t wait to share in the adventures of all those who come to Camp Augusta.
All through my life, my parents supported my curiosities with books of fantastic knowledge, trips across the length and breadth of the country and beyond, exploring the medina in Tunis, losing myself in the Alhambra in Andalucía, discovering Greek-mountain monasteries, being left breathless at the wonder of Hawaii’s marine life, racing down the white waters of Oregon, and so much more. I cannot truly express the gratitude I feel for the first-hand look at this world, as it has fostered in me a powerful wanderlust and a desire to enkindle the same curiosity and wonder wherever I can.
In college, I studied Philosophy & Ethics and Government & Politics. These subjects helped me to refine my own ideas and bring them into focus, though I am ever open to change. But, if there were one part of my thinking that shall remain constant, it is my social conscience; people need to look out for one another, stand shoulder-to-shoulder, and help one another. As they say, “no man is an island.” But, this goes beyond just those around you; there are more than six billion people on this blue dot of ours. Every single one thinks, feels and lives much the same way. We are all different, but we are all the same. So, it makes sense to take care of the environment, and to see beyond national interests.
My mum once told me, if you have a completely still pool of water, and then let a single drop fall into it, you can see the ripples spread out across the pool, and reverberate back and forth. But, the pool will appear to fall still in time. This is not so; though you may not be able to see it, the pool is still moving, although the ripples may be but a nanometer high, they are still there. I hope to be that drop, to all those whom I meet at camp Augusta, so that the ripples will carry on through their lives, even if only in the smallest way.
But I digress! Getting down to the nitty-gritty . . . During secondary school, I went on adventure holidays to the Welsh Mountains with my school. This really helped me personally, building my confidence and letting me talk to people whom I might never have met, not to mention it was some of the best fun of my life. Whilst in college, I took part in a school scheme to help out new year 7 students (11-12 year olds) who were being bullied or having trouble adjusting to secondary school. This was particularly close to my heart, as I was bullied through most of secondary school and I know how tough it is, though every situation is unique.
I can’t wait to get started! This will be my first season with Camp Augusta (and hopefully not the last!), with Robin Hood impressions aplenty, and as such, I’m particularly looking forward to teaching the sword fighting and archery clinics. Sword fighting is something of a hobby of mine and the 14th century “Hans Talhoffer Manual” being the core of my learning.
I’m looking forward to submerging myself in the pageantry and fantasy of the evening programs (in the past I’ve had the role as “the Kraken” with real mechanical jaws once!). For as long as I can remember, I’ve loved fantasy stories, especially the grand epics, and the thought of playing the supporting role in one sounds like great fun.
I can’t wait to meet you all; to learn and share in your story
Sam
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