Who Needs Some EncourageMINT?
Today’s story begins on the morning of the CarbonPatchKids’ big annual event.
For 22 seasons now, CarbonPatchHigh has held an all-ages CarbonPatchKid program called Event EncourageMINT.
It was a special program designed to bring all the CarbonPatchKids together, share their hopes, dreams, fears and encourage each other to be in touch with their mind, body and soul.
The day of the event had finally arrived and the CarbonPatchKids were full of excitement and anticipation.
As the CarbonPatchKids crowded around the stage, Principal Ed Rootey gave a pre-program speech about the importance of Event EncourageMINT and how it truly does make a difference in so many CarbonPatchKids’ lives.
It was thyme for the show to begin.
Event EncourageMINT officially started with a few opening words of gratitude from Principal Ed Rootey.
“Welcome to our 22nd Annual Event EncourageMINT CarbonPatchKids!” Principal Ed Rootey exclaimed.
The CarbonaPatchKids all cheered loudly and waved their leaves in support of Event EncourageMINT.
“Just by showing up today all of you have made this event successful for the CarbonPatchKids who get up on stage today,” Principal Ed Rootey said. “Without all of you showing up again this year, Event EncourageMINT doesn’t happen, so thank you CarbonPatchKids for not taking the day off!”
He then asked the CarbonPatchKids to come up on stage and share something that made them happy or afraid or something they were excited about.
One by one, the CarbonPatchKids got up on stage and shared their stories.
The first CarbonPatchKid was Homer J Sunflower who was passionate about bees.
“I like the bees and how they fly from flower to flower and walk all over my sandwiches,” Homer J Sunflower said.
The second CarbonPatchKid was excited to meet all of her new family members this Fall.
“My name is Jill O’Lantern and you gourda believe me when I tell you Jack and I will have a whole bunch more family, cousins and friends this Fall cause the pepo is pumpin’ out kin.”
The third CarbonPatchKids wanted to learn to speak in public without being nervous or have any fear.
You see, this CarbonPatchKid was an underground dweller and they are often shy and bashful until you get to know them.
“Hello fellow CarbonPatchKids, my name is BeetLoaf and if I keep standing here while I keep talking pretty soon I will be up here just doing what I am afraid to do,” BeetLoaf said as he stared directly down avoiding any eye contact with the audience. “Wait, what was I going to say next. I forgot, I guess I am still a little nerv…”
In that moment the beautiful Marion the Raven swooped down, interrupting the program.
She landed on stage and looked at BeetLoaf, then beaked a vineless microphone to him.
BeetLoaf grabbed the vineless microphone from Marion the Raven’s beak and said, “It’s all coming back to me now.”
Marion the Raven and BeetLoaf made wonderful music together and lifted everyone’s spirits during their surprise, impromptu duet. It was paradise by the grassboard light.
The once bashful and shy BeetLoaf was a now real hot patootie, bless his soul.
The crowd continued to cheer and clap for each of the CarbonPatchKids who shared their stories of excitements, fears and special talents.
After all the CarbonPatchKids had their turn on stage, the Principal Ed Rootey thanked them all for their stupendous stories of EncourageMINT.
“Wow, what a day of EncourageMINT!” Principal Ed Rootey said. “I have a favor to ask each and everyone of you CarbonPatchKids.”
Principal then asked the CarbonPatchKid to find a companion in the crowd to talk to and make a promise to help each other throughout the school season.
“Someone you can ask for help and give help to when needed,” Principal Ed Rootey said.
The event continued with everyone embracing each other and some even exchanging gifts.
“WooHoo, a new poncho!” Homer J Sunflower said. “Mean Joe Green Bean you are so kind and such a good companion.”
Principal Ed Rootey took the stage one more time and cleared his throat to change the energy around the stage area.
“Attention CarbonPatchKids. Because you have all inspired me to go have some EncourageMINT, I have a super special surprise for you all,” Principal Rootey said. “It’s one of the founders of Event EncourageMINT and former student just like all of you, please put your leaves together for Vincent Van Grow!”
The CarbonPatchKids cheered wildly as Vincent Van Grow took the stage.
“Fellow CarbonPatchKids, trust me when I say if you listen close enough you will always hear the music that will allow you to paint your own canvas in life,” Vincent Van Grow said. “Now who wants to rolls those rocks over there cause it’s a surprise Event EncourageMINT performance from Rage Against The Rabbit.”
The CarbonPatchKids immediately raced to the stage as Tom Morel walked out with his mystical mushroom guitar and said, “Who’s feeling like one of the renegades of skunk?”
The CarbonPatchKids screamed and shouted even louder than they had all night.
Rage Against The Rabbit and all the people who got up on stage rocked Event EncourageMINT in their own way. This experiential engagement allowed an imprint of a newfound appreciation and understanding for their fellow CarbonPatchKids.
The CarbonPatchKids had just experienced something special and meaningful together, and it was something that had the potential to last and stay with them for a long time.
The Event EncourageMINT is an annual reminder to the children that we all have something special to share with the world. Even if that something special is just showing up and not saying anything.
Event EncourageMINT is also a reminder to the CarbonPatchKids that by working together without judgements, they can make a real difference in the lives of each other.
The CarbonPatchKids are a Content Story Series targeted for Children of All Ages! In the world of the CarbonPatch, all life matters and has a purpose. Even the bugs, slugs, weeds and voles.
The CarbonPatchKids love adventures and playing together. This interaction often finds them encountering emotional experiences that can leave them confused, scared or even too excited to think clearly!
Often times, with the help of their companions, the CarbonPatchKids can reach a solution to their struggle. Sometimes the CarbonPatchKids have to reach down deep inside and believe in their own special gift in order to grow.
The caretakers of CarbonPatch do their best to plant seeds in each of the CarbonPatchKids so they can approach life’s problems with a non-aggressive, peaceful and neighborly solution.
CarbonPatchKids live, work and play in The Industrial Forest.