Capture the Flag
Capture the Flag is to camp as apple pie is to America. It’s easy and fun--all you need are some flags, some cones, and, if you want to get fancy, some color-coded armbands. We here at YMCA Camp Ernst
Capital Improvements
Everyone has a vision of what will make their camp perfect. Unfortunately, that vision may not jibe with reality (or users’ ideas of a perfect camp), which is why it’s critical to develop a team
Avoid the Big Mistakes
I visit about 60 camps each year, so I often get this question: “What are the biggest mistakes you’ve seen camps make in their facilities?” We’ve all seen the mistakes our friends have made, and when
Fluid In Motion
The importance of hydraulics in swimming pool/spa design and application has been misunderstood by some aquatic professionals who believe that understanding hydraulics is only necessary when first
Green Latrine
Michigan’s Grand Haven State Park -- 48 acres of sumptuous white-sand beach along the shores of Lake Michigan -- serves over 92,000 campers each year, and generates over $1 million in revenue. Since c
Walking Workshops
Experts tell us the first step in becoming an environmentalist is noticing what nature offers. Such observation often leads to a desire and commitment to conserve and protect the natural
Creating Treasure Maps At Camp
I once made a treasure map full of movie images because I wanted to become involved and work with film festivals. The following year, I obtained prominent positions with two festivals. Another time,
Inter-Camp Activities
Inter-camp activities involve merging children from two separate camps, and having them compete in sports and other recreational activities. Inter-camps typically include team sports, such as soccer,
Sidestepping Stereotypes
Alongside the pop-culture image of summer camps as frivolous playgrounds for food fights and panty raids lie insidious and maladaptive gender-role stereotypes. Boys’ camps are thought to be full of ma
Solely Responsible
Ask me how to keep 100 campers happy on a rainy afternoon, and I’ll rattle off a list of activities. Do you need directions on how to tie-dye T-shirts? No problem. I can even tell you how to do it wit
Pioneer And Frontier Games
Looking to entertain campers on a budget? Try these activities that are sure to please both the wallet and the pickiest camper: Ring-To-Jug Toss With five wooden cross-stitch-type rings, participants
The Beauties Of Camp Duties
Promotional materials for most day- and resident camps tout a sense of community and increased self-reliance as outcomes. Naturally, the materials highlight the camp’s facilities and activities, but f
Get ‘Em On The Same Page
Cultivating cooperative, caring and compassionate staff members can be a daunting task for even the most seasoned camp director.
Alternative Adventures
At our summer day camp for children ages 5 to 12, we have had great success with inflatable water slides and obstacle courses to increase program activities without spending big money on new
Retreat With The SMERF Market
Want to increase retreat business? Follow the SMERF acronym to identify the major players in this sector.
There’s No Such Thing As A Special Diet
Cooking “nuggets” five different ways for one camp meal can be a challenge--especially when the spoon from one batch can’t touch the spoon from another batch. With the growth of food allergies and spe
Spice Up Programming
Editor's Note: We invited readers to submit their most creative programming ideas to find out what keeps their camp ticking. After the submissions came pouring in, we knew we had several gems to
Operation Purple Camp
This fall, millions of American children returned to school after a carefree summer break with family. Each year, the National Military Family Association sends children separated from their deployed
Campfire Songs
Galaxy Sing-A-Long Sing to the tune Frère Jacques(The group is divided into three groups that sing in three staggered rounds.)R2D2, R2D2 (Singers rock back and forth like a stationary machine)C3PO, C
Lifelong Leaders
I had a surreal experience in February at the National Association of Independent Schools conference in Washington, D.C. I’d been invited to present a workshop called Cracking Kids’ Secret Code, one o