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by Peg Smith, ACA Executive Director
One of the most important things that we do is nurture and invite
curiosity. To learn to be inquisitive and open to new ideas, thoughts,
and experiences is the essence of the camp community. In today’s
rapidly changing world, when you take curiosity and bring it into your
skills and operations, you will most likely experience growth — in
character, revenue, relationships, and, even, in spirit. It is said that "the
great ideas of tomorrow are the questions of today."
Those who embrace curiosity learn to recognize the opportunity in uncertainty.
Uncertainty, when challenged, can evolve into a process of difficult
learning, tackling the steepest learning curve. When you successfully
ascend that steep incline you have surpassed all expectations.
Curiosity, uncertainty, and difficult learning demand we confront our
fears of failure or, even worse, looking stupid. Most of us are not
taught that at school. In fact, most of us are taught to avoid ever
looking stupid.
When I was in the eighth grade, I was sent to the blackboard, in front
of the whole class, to write a sentence. I misspelled a word in that
sentence. The teacher told me I had misspelled a word but she would
not tell me which word was misspelled. Nor would she let me sit down
until I figured out which word I had misspelled. Needless to say, I
stood awkwardly all alone before that class for the rest of the period.
Now what did I learn? Well, I have never misspelled that word again!
On the other hand, I learned to lay low, fly under the radar, and certainly
not to do anything to stand out.
When we give children, youth, and adults the opportunity to test themselves,
their curiosity, and their steepest learning curve in a safe environment,
we are teaching them to be tomorrow’s leaders. The camp community
may be one of the few environments for children, youth, and adults that
purposely creates programs to address these issues. Your environment
may be the only place they will be able to exercise those muscles. We
understand that the fear of failure or fear of feeling stupid can prevent
learning. Opportunity, support, encouragement, and challenge advance
the willingness to try, learn, and grow. There is nothing stupid about
that.
I believe this is the best social capital we can give those we serve.
Tomorrow’s world will only survive with the talents of those who
are curious, who are strong enough to confront uncertainty, and who possess
the will to take on the steepest learning curve.
By the way, I hope you can spell the word "trouble."
Originally published in the 2004 November/December
issue of Camping Magazine.
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