Camp staff's influence on the future

"Camp gives kids a world of good." That is a not just a slogan for the American Camping Association's public awareness initiative; it is the truth. Children in our society need a place and time where the world around them is good. A place where they are recognized for their inherent worth. A fun place, populated by people who care for them. A safe place. A place where they can experience all of those things that help children grow into healthy adults. Camps provide that place for millions of children each year.

This column is for those of you working as summer staff in camps, whether it is for the first summer or the 30th.

This has been an interesting and disturbing time in America's history. Our society is headed in so many conflicting directions at the same time that it appears to be bent on self-destruction. I want you, the summer staff, to recognize the power each of you has to help change the course that we seem to be on.

As I am writing, I have been watching the tragedy of Oklahoma City unfold. The O.J. Simpson trial continues to dominate the evening news. Local news, no matter where I travel, focuses on a society that appears to be disintegrating. Our evening entertainment consists of a series of what has come to be known as trash TV; true human tragedies are just one more form of entertainment for many. At times it makes me think of what the Romans must have been like going to the Coliseum to watch gladiators kill each other.

Now, before you quit reading because you think I am going to continue to spread gloom and doom, read on! You are working in a job this summer that has the ability to truly have an impact on this craziness. By helping provide a safe place, a world of good for children, you can take very positive steps towards helping society turn around.

We all know what children need. I, and many other contributors to Camping Magazine, have repeated the litany of the developmental needs of children and youth that camp provides:

* Positive social interactions with adults and peers

* Structure and clear limits

* Physical activity

* Creative expression

* Competence and achievement

* Meaningful participation in families, school, and communities

* Self-definition

There are too few opportunities for children to have those seven developmental needs met on a consistent basis. The camp you are working in is one of them. The more these needs are met, the more children will develop into the type of adults who will make positive changes to our society.

In his presentation to the ACA Year-Round School Symposium, Peter Scales said, "In the 1990s, the greatest challenge we have is how we are going to ensure these caring adult relationships for all young people. This is a huge role for outdoor education and recreation programs to play."

You are playing a significant role in meeting that challenge. Even though many of you are only a few years older than the campers in your care, you are providing that caring adult relationship for those campers. Depending on the circumstances, you may be one of the most important adult role models ever to enter a child's life.

I was recently asked what I thought was the most exciting opportunity facing ACA. I did not hesitate for a minute. Having the camp experience recognized as the child and youth development tool that it is remains the greatest opportunity facing ACA. For too many years, camp has been thought of as merely fun and games. While there is nothing wrong with fun and games, camp is so much more. We all need to spread that message. Your decision to work in a camp this summer makes you one of the messengers. When you return to the real world, as unfortunately most of you will have to do in a very short time, tell everyone that you had an opportunity to give someone a world of good this summer.

Scales, P. C. (1991). The Developmental needs of young adolescents today and tomorrow. A Symposium on Year-Round School. Martinsville, IN: American Camping Association, Inc.

John A. Miller is executive vice president of the American Camping Association, headquartered in Martinsville, Ind.

COPYRIGHT 1995 American Camping Association
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