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by Peg L. Smith, Chief Executive Officer
I am haunted.
I have shared with a number of you that several months ago, Willis Bright,
ACA’s program officer from the Lilly Endowment Inc., who funded
the lion’s share of ACA’s research, told me that my voice
was too soft. He meant ACA’s collective voice was too soft. He
went on to say to me that if we had credible proof of the value the
camp experience provided children, youth, and adults in today’s
world and we didn’t speak up—who would? Why were we so
silent?
I am haunted.
Since my conversation with Willis, I find I am asking myself many questions.
In today’s world threatened by global environmental changes and
our shrinking exposure to green space, why are we not using our voice?
In today’s world where opportunities for primary, positive human
connections are disappearing, why aren’t we using our voice? In
a world where human-powered activities are of less import, why aren’t
we using our voice? In a world where childhood is disappearing, why aren’t
we using our voice? It is not about what we “do” at camp
but the value the experience offers the camper—a comprehensive
experience that when well done is unrivaled. Camp is an experience that
can serve as an antidote for today’s complex challenges.
I am haunted.
ACA and the camp community need to partner with parents and others in
order to be part of the solution. We must use our voice to express our
wish for a better future for our children. Willis Bright acknowledges
that we are being buffeted by a cacophony of noise. I suggest we not
contribute to the chatter but instead create a strong message of hope
and opportunity using our collective voice.
I realize I have shared this message about “our voice” any
number of times over the past year. I recognize it is hard for people
to hear the message when we have so many challenges whipping us about.
Yet, I am reminded that when working with others, especially in times
of fear and uncertainty, people are drawn to the calm voice of hope that
speaks from a position of strength. The human heart needs hope . . .
offer your voice to the
collective voice of ACA.
Originally published in the 2007 March/April
issue of Camping Magazine. |
