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by Peg L. Smith, Chief
Executive Officer
At times, I have challenged us by questioning
if we were out of sync with the ever-changing
world around us. Yet, the articles in this issue
of Camping Magazine are examples of ambitious
strategies designed to address emerging market
needs and demands. It is clear we are capable
of expanding our range of altitude to think expansively
about the future. The camps illustrated in this
issue of the magazine have set goals that reflect
opportunities that lie ahead.
We are all challenged
to keep abreast of societal expectations and
adapt appropriately. The beauty of the camp community
is our social system — a system that encourages us to share
information, create synergy, and adopt a "can-do" mind
set. The camp professional is constantly looking
for new and improved operating systems while at
the same time delivering results that have a long
tradition of successful impact on campers and their
families.
It is said that children are natural
learners. Children observe and experience like
sponges absorbing water. This can be described
as a "moment of wonder"— a lesson.
I believe "a moment of wonder" is a
powerful camp tradition. Camp is a means of becoming
literate in the art of being real, present, and
authentic — never missing a moment of wonder.
As camp professionals, working so closely with
children and families, we have been able to remain
natural learners. As natural learners, our ability
to adapt and evolve has remained strong. Children
have given the camp community a great gift — the
ability to remain strong while committed to our
tradition and values.
I recently read the book
A Leader's Legacy by James M. Kouzes and
Barry Z. Posner. This quote struck me: "The
world will continue to serve up unexpected challenges.
That's just the way it is. Even so, people
still want leaders to be forward-looking. That
won't change either." The camp community
and the professionals within are those leaders.
Originally published
in the 2008 July/August issue of Camping Magazine.
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