MACC 2016-Where Everyone Knows Your Name!

Well the Mid-American Camping Conference has come to a close and once again, it was amazing to be in the company of a few hundred like-minded folks.  Being in the camping industry, you often come across folks who have no idea what exactly goes on at a camp, they wonder what you do when no one's there, and they don't always understand the impact your work has on people.  We are within our own mission field, impacting our campers and weekend guests for a lifetime.  I wish I could have remembered all the amazing statistics of the impact an overnight camp can have on a child, the impact one caring adult can have on a kid who's gone through adverse events, and the importance of taking the time to invest in the life of a child.  What's so fun about the conference is being among people who know exactly the struggles and triumphs, the work and hours that go into camping, and truly realize how important camping is to kids.  This isn't a job, it's a lifestyle and it's a commitment to something greater than yourself. You'll work incredibly long hours, get paid very little, and sacrifice time with friends and family....but you do it for a cause that's totally worth it.  We listened to great speakers, networked with folks who work in like departments, and got reenergized for the year ahead.  Our last speaker spoke of empathy, of looking at others and viewing life from their perspective, and taking the time to truly listen (not "listening" to respond, but truly listening) in a conversation, child or adult.  We ended this session by singing the Cheers theme song.  I never really listened to the words of the song until that point and I realized that is the reason so many kids are touched by camp.  I know I make it my goal to know the name of every EQ camper that comes through the barn.  It's important that they know that we're glad that they are here.  How many times do we not listen, we dismiss their thoughts and ideas, and are so critical of kids?  They are our legacy!  It's not just about boating, archery, campfires, and smores....those are just the tools we use to make the impact.

Cheers at MACC