Josh Elboom
Safari Time
Artist in The Little Things Art Exhibition
Artist Statement
From Lego towers and loose Uno cards, to the controlled chaos of carpooling to the local swim center on Fridays, helping out at my elementary school’s summer camp has become a daily routine of mine for the past five summers. Despite the learning curve in developing immense patience, it’s the small wins – the best friends who forgive each other, the first-grader who gains confidence to mingle during lunch, or the rare down time in the computer lab when I can relax in the rolly chair while everyone scrambles onto Minecraft – that make each moment so rewarding. “Safari Time” calls back to a dry July afternoon, moments before trekking across the playground to view animal figurines placed outside by my coworker in hopes of immersing the children in their very own safari adventure. Although they all knew what had happened and giggled throughout, their commitment to the bit exemplified a desire to be present, to be together, and in turn taught me to always appreciate the kind, intentional acts of others. These young young minds and hearts have inspired a go-with-the-flow attitude among all us counselors, therefore furthering our strong sense of community and summer fun.