|
by Peg L. Smith, Chief Executive Officer
This is the summer — the summer of change. This is the summer — the
summer of opportunity. This is the summer — the summer you make
a difference in the life of a child. This is the summer.
Yet together,
this summer you are all activists — all one million of you. Imagine
the power! You will be taking direct action to reach an optimal social
end . . . to change the life of another in a positive way . . . one life
at a time. Together, collectively, you will make a difference in at least
five million lives.
When I was young we were worried about endangered
species such as the eagle and the owl. Today, should we not be concerned
about the endangered status of childhood? People are taking away recess,
summer, art, music, and play from children and youth today. Join with
me to preserve a fundamental right—the right to explore, discover,
participate, and experience authenticity.
This is the summer we will
take action and be sure our voices are heard.
I invite you to work with
me to use your talent, your vehicle, and your action to make a difference.
ACA is launching a YouTube contest. We are inviting you to submit YouTube
videos that express the value of the camp experience. I am asking you
to send me the link to your YouTube submission. We are looking for YouTube
submissions that express the best of the camp experience through one
or more of the following topics:
- How the camp community links
kids to nature, providing kids with real, authentic experiences with
nature
- How the camp community connects kids to authentic relationships
that afford friendships, understanding, and appreciation for one another
and the global community
- How the camp experience gets kids up
and moving and learning about their strengths and lifestyles that advance
well-being
This unique ACA YouTube contest has the potential to produce
thousands of You-Tubes taking action to save an endangered species — positive
youth development. ACA will select one YouTube submission to be showcased
at the national conference February 2009. ACA will also give the person
or persons who submit the winning YouTube the opportunity to provide
a campership to the camp of their choice.
So, all of you activists join
with me. Let’s make a difference. This is the summer.
Originally published in the 2008 May/June
issue of Camping Magazine. |
