Camp Administration 101: Staff Training And Education
Staff members are a camp’s most valuable assets, so invest in them by providing training, education, teambuilding, and networking opportunities, while empowering them to do great things! Here are some guidelines to make staff members the best they can be!
For Safety’s Sake
As camp season rapidly approaches and camp owners, managers, and directors cross items off their “to-do lists,” there is one area where “good enough” just won’t cut it. When it comes to safety, extra care must be taken to ensure the safety of staff as well as campers.
Camp Administration 101: Guidelines For Swimming
Campers swimming and engaging in other water activities with friends can be the highlight of the summer. However, swimming is also dangerous and should be taken seriously
Protocol, Prevention And Pro-Action
When the economy takes a nosedive, camps and organizations that sponsor camps take a real interest in cutting expenses and maximizing savings. Bargain-shopping for arts-and-crafts
What Can We Do?
Dr. Jim Cain of Teamwork & Teamplay shares sustainable activities for real-world, in-person gatherings.
The Nuts And Bolts Of A Challenge Course
Swages, fish plates, thimble-eye bolts and double-coil lock-washers -- these words probably don’t mean much to those who are unfamiliar with challenge courses.
Playground Compliance
Swings, sandboxes and slides -- once upon a time, these were the usual suspects in playgrounds everywhere. In fact, without them, it wasn't really considered a playground.But times have changed.
Proactive Maintenance
Many bad puns have been made about the importance of good lighting in a camp's sports facilities. They include not being in the dark, getting turned on to the knowledge of superior facilities, having
Waterfront Safety And Preparation
In 1981, I was the assistant waterfront director (AWD) at a camp that had nearly a mile of lakefront on Lake Lure in western North Carolina.
Day Camp Excursions
Day camps are big business with fierce competition. Sports camps, YMCA and YWCA camps, recreation departments, churches, and community camps are all vying for the interest and attention of parents and children.
Ready, Set, Slide!
What do 214 feet of pure, liquid awesomeness feel like when it’s 105 degrees outside and you’re zooming downhill with your arms stretched out like Superman, being sprayed by a hundred streaming water spouts and landing in a bodacious, cataclysmic splashdown?
The Cement Pond
I recently watched one of the early episodes of the Beverly Hillbillies, where Jethro schemes to put an alligator in the cement pond to scare away all of Ellie Mae’s “critters.”
PRM -- Prevention, Recognition and Management
Since water and pool safety is such a huge issue for camps that provide aquatic recreation for their campers it's important to understand that the primary responsibilities of management and lifeguards are:
That Was Then, This Is Now
Bob Dylan sang, "The Times They Are A-Changin'". Yes, these are unprecedented and extraordinary times, which the camping industry must face.
Security: Welcome to 2004
Long before the horror of 9/11, camp directors have been addressing issues of security since the inception of organized camping.
How To Fit A Horseback Riding Helmet
Tips from the Certified Horsemanship Association's Christy Landwehr on how to fit a helmet for horseback
Safe Waterfront Lighting
It's a common occurrence: Dock owners put lighting on their docks, but neglect to properly wire the connections, exposing swimmers to electrical shock and possible drowning. Are your camp's dock
Lifeguarding Essentials
As the summer draws to a close, remind your lifeguards and lookouts that laws, standards and rules help only when they are followed. My 25 years as a waterfront director have taught me the following
Spa Drain Covers Recalled
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firms named below, has announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer products. Consumers should stop using recalled