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by Ann Sheets, National President
You're probably wondering what happened to Peg Smith's commentary that is normally found on this page. This month, Peg has a feature article, so I have the pleasure of sharing with you in this space.
For the past several months, I've been part of a team working on a new master plan for my agency's camp. With almost seventy-five years of history, we knew it was time to take a close look at every aspect of the operation and determine what will best serve our campers over the next fifty or more years. Granted, there have been program and building additions and upgrades over the years, but never such a comprehensive look at future needs. While our mission at camp hasn't changed, many things have. We're now co-ed, serving a broader age range, with some specialized sessions and nonsummer use of camp facilities. We have realized that the cabins built in the 40s and 50s, sometimes in ill-advised locations, just don't work for today's campers. Our consultant encouraged us to "listen to the land," making sure that we plan in concert with nature, not against it. We're determined to keep the uniqueness of our camp, but we'll improve the program, build new structures, and create meaningful experiences for generations to come.
Many of you have had similar projects, and you know that sometimes it's tough to replace a worn but familiar building, even when it's surrounded by erosion and is no longer functional. We're now in a similar position with the American Camp Association. After almost a century of existence, our mission emphasizes child and youth development, service to the public, and educational opportunities for camp professionals. During the last twenty years, we've made some changes in the size of our board, we've implemented a charter agreement that has strengthened the sections significantly, and we have widened our circle to include not only a greater number of members, but also a more diverse type of camp program. We've even changed our name and our corporate identity.
However, our association is somewhat like those old cabins and in need of some major structural changes. We are at a critical time, and we must determine the governance structure that best meets the needs of the public, our members, our sections, and our affiliate groups. President-Elect Peter Surgenor, CEO Peg Smith, and I had a great opportunity to meet with a cross-section of ACA members recently, looking at how we might re-tool our organization to be most effective. We heard from day and resident camp owners and directors, professionals from all areas of the country, former national presidents, recognized youth development experts, and association leaders. The possibilities for the American Camp Association are limitless. But just like "listening to the land," we must listen to what's happening in our association.
Consider these facts:
- Membership has increased, but only a quarter of our members vote in national elections;
- More members access education from ACA local offices, often via regional conference participation; and
- We have outstanding research, but not enough opportunities to share that research with other youth development organizations.
Over the next few months, you'll hear more about listening to trends, to numbers, to colleagues, and especially to ACA members. There will be proposed changes to our governance structure and perhaps other aspects of our association. Just like the thrill of developing a comprehensive master plan for a camp, the future of ACA is exciting, as we dream together about making our association more responsive, relevant, and necessary for future campers, parents, and youth development and camp professionals, while recognizing the uniqueness of the camp experience. Stay tuned — there are great times ahead for the American Camp Association!
Originally published in the 2008 January/February
issue of Camping Magazine. |
