By Peg Smith, ACA Chief Executive Officer
Parents are our customers. Yes, it is true that parents' expenditures
are greatly influenced by their children, but make no mistake, parents
are our customers. Recognizing that reality, what is the profile of "today's" parent?
I believe you will find a great deal of insight in the articles that
you will find in this month's Camping Magazine. I am confident
you will be thrilled with the content.
I can only give you my perspective as one of "today's" parents.
Otherwise a relatively calm, rational woman, when it comes to my children
I can be reduced to a weeping or raving — depending on the situation — crazy
woman. I realize that I see the world surrounding my children through
a cloud of dread, threat, and uncertainty. As a result, I want to keep
my children safe from everything! That frame of mind can grossly affect
my behavior.
Now you might ask, "Do I live my life like that?" Absolutely,
not. Why? Because that is not rational or realistic. Yet, you must remember,
like a good "boomer" parent, I am not compelled to be rational
or realistic when it comes to my children.
So, what does this mean for you, the camp director? I need you to try
to understand me. If I feel you are trying to understand what is important
to me, I will be able to understand what you are trying to provide my
children — maybe even in spite of me. Resist me, and I will resist
you. Society has taught me to do so. I was not raised to simply trust
people. I am seeking evidence of trust and value; proof first, appreciation
later. I want you to be my partner. If you will be my partner, I will
be your customer.
Regardless of how I might behave, I don't want to stand between
my child and an experience of a lifetime. If you will take the time to
be my partner, we both can give my child a positive camp experience.
Originally published in the 2006 January/February
issue of Camping Magazine. |
