While communication is becoming more and more constant as technology increases, it can also be argued that it’s becoming less and less effective.
Screens serve as walls, where tone and emotion get blocked, and computers allow us to look information up instead of forcing us to think on our feet. Because I work at a summer camp (Camp Alleghany for Girls), where basically anything with a screen is prohibited, I’ve had the best job preparation a person could ask for. Living without technology forces you to be organized, pay attention, and learn effective communication skills.
From the woods to the office
The best training comes with tasks such as writing post cards to parents. This duty will ingrain the importance of sharing accurate information, selecting word choice that adds meaning, and understanding how tone can impact a parent’s sense of satisfaction or worry.
When working in the General Assembly Building (GAB), I am responsible for corresponding with constituents. In each letter I write, I want to insure that my tone is clear, that my presentation looks professional, and most importantly that it shows genuine care and thought. Much like letters to parents, I want these letters to reflect that I am professional, knowledgeable, and caring about the recipient and the subject matter.
Self-presentation is another important communication form. At camp, when parents are visiting, we wear our dress uniforms — navy blue polos and white shorts. Our staff shirts are a visual sign of authority and knowledge — showing that the staff takes pride in our camp. While I may not wear “blues and whites” to my internship, I do make sure I look professional for the role I’m undertaking.
Improvisation and humility
Speaking with parents translates into speaking with lobbyists and special interests groups. Parents will usually ask a million and one questions, and sometimes camp counselors will not have the answer. Camp has trained me to think on my feet, and to seek help or refer the parent to another source of information when I don’t have the answer.
Lobbyists exhibit the same curiosity and tenacity, and often I will not know the answer:
Sorry no, I don’t know line 29.1-521* of the Code of Virginia.
So, much like camp I use the line,
Excuse me one second, and I will be happy to get that information to you.
This works much better than pretending to know something you don’t … a rookie move.
I continue to thank camp each day for secretly preparing me for the real world, as I pass through the doors of the GAB.
–Carlee Pennypacker, Alum, Counselor, Camp Alleghany for Girls
* In case anyone wants to know 29.1-521 is a law that states you may not hunt on Sundays.
