What I learned about Spunkee Monkee, and why it matters

I'm at the Block Party in Cripple Creek Colorado with a bunch of truly awesome Steemians. I will write other posts about my experiences here. We've had some awesome sessions, led by people who have great information to share. (See my Actifit post from yesterday for info on some of our activities.) There is always a lot to learn!

About the Spunkee Monkee project

This post is about @spunkeemonkee, a really great initiative, run by the venerable @dreemsteem, who is pictured above dressed as a pirate, the Spunkee Monkee theme. Here at the Block Party, we got a really fun intro to the project, complete with a treasure hunt activity. The idea behind Spunkee Monkee is to help families work together to promote awesome choices and behaviors, while having fun. How cool is that?

The kids who participate (Monkees) get encouragement from their families while earning points for all kinds of great stuff, from learning new things to taking care of their health to doing service, thinking about their future and career, and caring for the environment. And they get points, which incentivizes them and keeps them engaged in the program.

I love everything about this idea, and I think it has an amazing future. First, @dreemsteem has the heart and the drive to make it work. And second, I think it is needed. Kids need fun and activity, and this project offers it, in a way that also supports giving and caring, and personal enrichment. They can learn about service without it feeling like a chore. Just doing something nice like helping mom or dad clear the dinner table is service. It's totally unintimidating!

Why it matters and what you should do

I think this matters because it's just such a great way to incentivize kids to choose well, and care for themselves, others and the environment. I won't write a diatribe about what is wrong with this world, because I think there's a lot that is awesome. But I do think that we all need to re-center, stop focusing on divisiveness, find ways to make a difference -- no matter how small -- and look beyond ourselves and whatever immediate challenges we are experiencing. In this big wide world, there is a lot to be fearful of, and a lot that can make life feel challenging. But if we care about something other than ourselves, we can all help to make the world a better place.

Here's how to learn more and help:

1. Check out www.spunkeemonkee.com.
2. Leave a comment on any of @dreemsteem's posts, and start the conversation!
3. Contribute to the Spunkee Monkee Fundition campaign -- click the image below.
   
4. Donate to the Spunkee Monkee summer contest. How? Contact @dreemsteem! (To learn about the contest, click the image below.)

Image used in contest banner

The programs run periodically, so if you have a family and want to get involved, be sure to follow both @spunkeemonkee (which takes a hiatus between programs) and @dreemsteem to get notifications of the next program.

As a former long-time Girl Scout leader, I love to see projects and initiatives that support community, health, well-being and service. Great job, @dreemsteem! I hope your project grows and prospers beyond your wildest imagination. I really think it stands to make a difference.