A letter from Peg.

Dear Camp Counselor,

You will never again have the opportunity to make a positive difference in the life of another like you will have this summer. Does that seem like a drastic statement? I suspect it does sound inflated especially if you plan to be a lawyer, a doctor or nurse, a teacher, or a parent. On the other hand, everything about this summer is a unique moment in time that provides you with a set of tools and opportunities rarely found anywhere. For many of your campers, this may be the only time of the year, or even in their lives, where they are allowed to be who they are in this moment in time--a moment in time when all of who they are as individuals is recognized, celebrated, and promoted. Don't fail to capitalize on the moment, be part of it. It is merely a moment in time, but one that can change a life. Don't waste it ... don't be careless.

1. You will be working and/or living in an environment that has been developed specifically for, and with, the campers served. Every inch of the camp has been designed to ensure success. Don't let that fact go unnoticed or unappreciated. Protect and treasure the camp environment. The camp is the vehicle that you will use for this journey to success.

2. You will be working for, and with, other camp colleagues as a team. You, with your colleagues, represent the elders of the camp community. Honor and respect your position; work together. Serve as a model and mentor for everyone you meet. Understand that the campers watch you every minute and shape their behaviors based on what they learn from you. You are an important leader in this summer journey. Use your voice and speak kindly to others. Your voice is a tool for peace and reason; let it be heard.

3. You will be facilitating and managing daily activities and events that often appear to be nothing more than recreation or fun but know for sure skills and life lessons are ever-present. How we solve problems, create alternative solutions, resolve conflicts, overcome fears, learn to listen, offer to contribute, take turns, take the lead, celebrate success, and learn from losses are invaluable lessons to be acknowledged and considered every moment of the day. Talk about them and explore them like you would as if you found a turtle on the path.

4. You will be working with many individuals who will make up the camp community. Take time to know and learn about each individual, as a person. Understand that each person will learn more about himself or herself as you learn about each of them. Every question you ask causes your associates and campers to think about who they are or what they think. The connections with others help them discover their own sense of self. Understand that the world is so busy and complex that many are never asked ... or heard. Find time in the moment; ask and listen.

5. You will be discovering and seeking silence. You must find a way to embrace the silence. Many profound things can be witnessed in the silence of the moment. Even laughter can offer a space in time that affords true silence. If you and others are laughing--you have silenced the tears, you have silenced the fears, and you have silenced the anger. There are many forms of silence; find them and sink your fingers into the silence like you would a pot of gold.

Ask your camp director to tell you about the camp, the staff, the activities, the campers, and the ways you can use these essential elements to make a positive change in the life of another. You may never have such a unique opportunity again, but you will be able to take the lessons learned with you. If you do, you will be better at whatever you do in life. Don't waste this opportunity; don't be careless with this chance you have. Originally published in the 2006 May/June issue of Camping Magazine.

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.

Peg Smith, ACA CEO 

Peg Smith, American Camp Association, CEO