Disability Inclusion At Camp
Camp is community. Camp is friendship. Camp is childhood. As camps advance their diversity, equity, and inclusion policies, practices, and programming, it is imperative that children with disabilities are at the forefront of these efforts. Because all kids should camp!
Investing In Employees
As each camper scaled his or her way to the top of the high ropes course, the instructor yelled “ZIP,” the command to exit the course via the zipline. The shutter of my camera snapped as each participant tether whizzed past me, propelled by the gravity of their weight pulling the cable.
The Renewed Value Of Icebreakers
I was invited to facilitate a series of workshops for a statewide, high-school leadership program. The participants included teachers, advisors, staff members, community volunteers, and students.
Passive Projects
Shelter is the physical manifestation of a person’s unique ecological condition—a direct interface with nature, and perhaps nowhere is this gradient more abrupt than at camp. The buildings become indelible reminders of this interplay to the campers who use them, and can become the primary nostalgic touchpoint years later.
Values Affirmation
Sometimes a technique to achieve success can be so simple that it’s tempting to think “that it is just too good to be true.” But before dismissing something that appears to be simple and wondering why isn’t everyone doing it, you might ask, “Is there any research to support that it works?”
The Business Of Managing Camp
How does one best manage a camp year-round so it is on budget, meeting its mission, and running as efficiently as possible?
Safe Spaces
When it comes to summer camps, the experience is largely defined by what happens on-site—the range of activities, the friendships, the independence. But at camps designed for LGBTQ+ youth, the impacts last long after campers return home.
Making Valuable Connections
Cultivating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) at camp is an investment that pays great dividends in meeting campers’ and staff members’ challenges, helping everyone earn a sense of accomplishment and building a community where everyone feels valued.
Challenge-Course Gear Storage
Challenge courses are an important part of many camp programs. And constructing, maintaining, and staffing them are a big investment.
Role Play With A Twist
As most trainers in any industry know, role playing is a great way for new staff members to obtain hands-on experience before actually getting their hands on anything. Role plays are typically conducted in a controlled environment with other staff members, and each scenario usually ends with a positive conclusion.
Putting The Puzzle Together
Imagine a 500- or 1000-piece puzzle dumped on a table; some pieces are right-side up, while others are upside down. Each cardboard cutout represents one of the bits and pieces of staff training.
Taking Stock
On Jan. 2, 2023, Monday Night Football was anything but ordinary. Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin suffered a medical emergency on live television.
Winging And Kicking
As an old-timer in aquatics, I’ve taught literally thousands of hours of swimming lessons. I became a water-safety instructor (WSI) in 1977 and water-safety instructor training (WSIT) in 1984, and have maintained those certifications.
12 Stories That Tell About Your Camp
Camp leaders need to master the art of storytelling. Not just the campfire version—the marketing kind. Without stories, you can’t get good, consistent, local media coverage, which is vital to keeping a camp in the public eye and topmost in the mind of families.
Something A Little Extra
Summer camps often include special events on the calendar to create excitement beyond the routine activities. Yet often these events are one-dimensional as the programming may only feature costume dress-up or a themed show.
Optimism And A Bit Of Hope
In March, the Buckeye Leadership Workshop (BLW) reconvened for its first real-world, in-person gathering at the Recreation Unlimited facility in Ashley, Ohio. Like many organizations, BLW has had to pivot and adapt its annual program to the ever-evolving requirements of a global pandemic.
Ready, Set, Swim
Whether done on-site or on a trip, swimming can be one of the most challenging activities to host at camp. Not only does the environment have to be fun and engaging, but swimming must be done safely with large groups of kids—all of whom have varying swim levels.
The Ultimate Bucket List
Put yourself mentally in the shoes of a 10- to 16-year-old, and then choose five things you would want to do as a middle-aged adult before you die; it’s difficult, weird, and easy—all at the same time.
Embrace Hands-On Learning
The big hall was bustling with people setting up tables, looking for the rare electrical outlet, and rushing to be ready before the doors opened. It was my first time at a camp fair.
LGBTQIA+ Inclusion
Although the camp world has always been a little ahead of the curve on diversity and inclusion efforts, recently there have been more bold, brave, and vigorous efforts to create camps that meet the needs of all kinds of kids, families, and staff members.