Growing up, Keith Bellows’ family gave him the gift of travel. They would put a globe in his hands, and twirl it. Keith could place his finger on that globe – anywhere – and he would get to visit that very spot.
Maybe that’s one reason why he’s the Editor In Chief of National Geographic Traveler magazine and Vice-President of the National Geographic Society today. He strongly believes that the most important gift anyone can give to a child is world travel.
Keith spoke to a group at Bosley Brangier in St. Michaels last Thursday evening, and signed copies of his new book “ 100 Places That Can Change Your Child’s Life”. He donated 50 copies of the book to Carpe Diem Arts, a local non-profit that facilitates a broad range of visual, literary and performing arts programs in local school and and community settings. The Eastern Shore Brewery and Gina’s Cantina offered local refreshments.
Trish Bosley, owner of Bosley Brangier, a St. Michaels business offering custom-made business and equestrian clothing for men and women, is quite community-minded. She regularly hosts special events in her St. Michaels studio, partnering with local non-profits. The book signing with Carpe Diem Arts is an example of these partnerships.
The crowd that gathered at Bosley Brangier to hear Keith’s stories was varied. From kids to adults, the group was spell-bound as Keith told tales of travel to Burma, the Amazon and more.
As a result of traveling the world throughout his entire life, far beyond his native Canada, Keith’s perspective is that of a global citizen, someone who can be comfortable anywhere. And, he claims that our next generation had better step up to the same task, in order to understand the complex social, political and economic world that they will inherit.
“If we don’t produce world-ready workers, we’ll fall behind. We spent so much capital being the big cheese, it’s time to face the future”, he said. “We need world-ready students, and we can’t rely on the schools to do that. We have a moral imperative to leave the world in better shape than when we found it”, he said.
But only 38% of Americans have an active passport, compared to 70% of Canadians. And of the 38%, only 18% are under the age of 21.
“Many young Americans today are what I call the Fox-generation”, he said, “frightened of people and places that are different than they are, afraid to let their kids travel on airplanes, to eat new foods – and at their own peril. We’re the most important nation in the world – why are we staying at home?
“A passport is the new diploma, and grandparents, who aren’t scared of the world, and who know about travel – can help make this happen” he said. Viewing a passport as an entry to the world, Keith, National Geographic and the Case Foundation are launching a huge campaign called Rock the Passport next March.
It’s clear that travel is a mechanism for life transformation – for intellect, psyche, spirituality and health.
And so are the arts.
Busy Graham of Carpe Diem Arts, recipient of Keith’s donation, described arts as another important window into other worlds. Busy told about the impact that the Friends of Sironka Maasai troupe’s visit to St. Michaels elementary school last year had on the local community. Through story-telling, dance, batik, hair braiding and music, the group fascinated our local schoolchildren, opening a door to curiosity and wonder.
“The arts link us to other worlds out there, and kids learn that they don’t need to be afraid”, she said.
Carpe Diem has a full schedule of over 24 different performing arts groups lined up to visit Talbot County Schools in 2012-2013. Ranging from vaudeville comedians and steel drummers, to African dancers and The Junkman, a one-man recycled orchestra – the performances are wide reaching and critical to rounding out the education our children need to begin to embrace the larger world.
Click here for more information about Carpe Diem Arts, and here for information about Bosley Brainger. Keith Bellows can be found around Talbot County often on weekends, when he’s not involved with his work at the National Geographic Society.
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Patricia Bosley says
This is well written. It is wonderful having Kathy attend so many of the communities events to participate both as an individual and as a member of the media.
Thank you.