From Peg

Camping Magazine, July-August, 2007 by Peg L. Smith

Taking what looks impossible and turning it into the possible ... that is what the camp experience does for many. Once you enter the camp property, no matter who you are, you discover ways to accomplish things you never felt you could do. That's an incredible experience for all involved.

When I was in the seventh grade, I was given an assignment from my home economics teacher. Now there are many lessons in domesticity that failed to resonate with me--but I digress. In this case, I knew what I wanted to accomplish; I wanted to sew a beautiful emerald green, velvet skirt for an upcoming teen dance. I had my vision, but when I opened the pattern and saw the twelve steps you had to accomplish to reach success, I was immediately overwhelmed. I moaned to my mother telling her I'd never be able to sew the skirt. She never said a word; she simply walked over to me, took the pattern, and folded it so I could only read the first step.

It seems strange to my mother today, but that experience was one of the most profound moments of learning in my life. I tend to have great visions and dreams. Without that lesson, I believe I would have spent my life constantly disappointed and overwhelmed. Instead, I have hung onto my hopes and dreams while repeatedly folding the big pattern to reveal only one step at a time. If I get discouraged, I simply keep my eye on the big vision of ultimate success.

I found this to be true when I worked with children with special needs. You never let go of your ultimate goal; yet, you celebrate every little step that gets you closer to success!

Of course, I must admit that I put the zipper in backwards in my skirt. I was so angry. I wanted to rip the skirt apart and admit defeat. Again, my mother silently walked over and handed me the seam ripper. We all make mistakes; it is what we do with the mistake that makes the difference. My mother in her simplicity made a difference in my life. Although, I never attempted to sew again, I had made a beautiful emerald green, velvet skirt. Go out and help a camper reach success. It can even be done in silent guidance.

by Peg L. Smith, Chief Executive Officer