Civil war and genocide hardly sound like good topics for a children’s summer camp, but on Friday afternoon the former Speaker of the Rwandan Parliament addressed the Sense of Wonder Camp in Vineyard Haven about just those subjects, framing his remarks with suggestions on how to live well in the world.

Joseph Sebarenzi presented a simple message to the kids: be kind like a dove, fly high like an eagle and work hard like a bee.

A father of five, this is the message that Mr. Sebarenzi tells to his own children, he said.

A long queue of summer vacationers walked off the Island Home on Friday night to the blaring sirens of the Tisbury and Oak Bluffs fire departments. A column of the American Legion’s color guard stood at attention at the foot of the steamship walkway and greeted their arrival. All the hospitality was reserved for one passenger in particular.

A roar erupted from the crowd as Staff Sgt. Chris Willis disembarked, still decked out in camouflage and smiling from ear to ear, marking the end of his long journey home from Afghanistan.

President Barack Obama and the First Family are expected to return to the Vineyard in a little over a week for their third consecutive summer vacation on the Island.

The White House press office yesterday could not officially confirm the dates of the president’s arrival. But it is understood that Mr. Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama and their two children will visit the Vineyard between August 17 and August 28 this year. The expected arrival date is understood to be August 18.