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by Peg Smith, American Camp Association, CEO
Recently, I had the opportunity to share time with an ACA young professional,
Heather, and a seasoned director, Ed. We were sitting around a table
casually talking to one another. It was then I noticed that both pairs
of eyes staring back at me shared a commonality: smiling eyes. Yet, there
were obvious differences. The young professional’s eyes were focused
on the future. The seasoned director’s eyes were misty, full of
the past. I recognized my opportunity to learn something from both of
them.
At that moment, I asked them where they thought the camp experience
was going in the future. I asked them what I should be doing. Ed immediately
sat up and with a strong voice and with conviction said, "Preach
the value of camp, I don’t know where our passion went!" He
then went on to say, you need to go out there and inspire people to inspire
others because "I’m sure there’s enough tender out
there to start a fire under people!" He suggested we should each
find our voices, full of strength and conviction, and constantly share
with others the value of the camp experience.
Heather was nodding in agreement. She went on to suggest that each young
professional should have a way to secure a "Pioneer of Camping" for
a mentor. Someone who will help guide the young professionals toward
a long-time career in camping. "John Maxwell says, there is no
success like a successor," she said.
The three of us continued to talk about our hopes and dreams for the
future of the camp community. Heather finally indicated that she hoped
that in the future all camps had planned intentional outcomes for their
camp programs that would, in turn, enhance our ability to maximize all
of the spontaneous moments that happen at camp . . . that is truly the
magic of camp. Then she turned to me and smiled and said, "And
I want your job some day!" It was my turn to smile, and with smiling
eyes, I said, "Ah, at last, success!!"
Originally published in the 2006 March/April
issue of Camping Magazine. |
