From Peg

Camping Magazine, May-June, 2007 by Peg L. Smith

I was speaking to a group of people last weekend. I asked them to do three things: Step Up (be present); Step Forward (take the hand of a child or young person); and Speak Out (to make a difference).

When you work at camp this summer, ask yourself, "What can I do to be sure I am present?" I believe one way you can ensure your "presence" is to decide in advance that you are not going to merely react to the camp experience as it reveals itself but you are going to think about what you are seeing, hearing, and doing. In order to maximize the opportunity to be present, you must consider prior to going to camp the consequences you are hoping to achieve this year. Be prepared to be present with purpose and intent each day that you spend with your campers. I challenge each one of you to take a young person's hand in your hand, understanding that you can make a positive difference in that camper's life. You might wonder whether you can make a difference in someone's life by simply taking his or her hand. I tell you the answer is: "Yes." So Step Up and Step Forward.

Next, you must consider how you are going to Speak Out. When you meet someone for the first time what speaks most loudly to you? Attitude!! By simply observing someone's body posture, mood, action, and words you can identify their feelings, thoughts, and opinions. Consider the power you have as you meet your campers for the first time. Your skills and competencies will make a difference, but your attitude can be your own personal tipping point between success and failure. Expressing the right expectations through your mood and body language and using the right words to share enthusiasm and affirmation can change someone's poor self-image or poor attitude with greater speed than most any other tool available to you. Do not allow discouragement, fear, or failure to rule the day. Approach each relationship with a spirit of encouragement, faith, and opportunity. Speak Out with a positive attitude.

Step Up, Step Forward, and Speak Out. Oh, and remember, smile!!

by Peg L. Smith, Chief Executive Officer