Things To Do At Day Camp
In the early 1980s, I had my first real job at a parks and recreation department. It had a strong sports program but lacked the typical day camps, craft programs, or dance classes that most other departments had.
Book 'Em, Danno
Naturally your camp is on the cutting edge as far as safety, staff training and child psychology. But are you on the cutting edge of the latest craft phenomena?
The Nature of Fun
We've all heard the shocking statistics about the rise in childhood obesity caused by inactivity and too many snacks. Communing with nature is an ideal way to get kids moving instead of staring at a video screen.
Craft Potpourri
Spend any time around kids at camp and you'll notice some… well… smells. There's the smell of pancakes in the morning and smoke around the campfire. Let's not forget the smell of a camper's suitcase where he
All That Glitters
Why make art projects with ordinary construction paper when you can use neon paper and lots of sparkly stickers? Put on your sunglasses and watch campers shine with creativity using these bright-colored supplies.
Tissue Paper Crafts
Looking for an inexpensive medium for a wide variety of craft projects? Bring out the tissue paper! These sheets of thin paper come in a variety of colors and designs. The paper cuts easily and glues quickly. Best
Doesn’t Everyone Love Camp?
When it comes to raising children, controversy abounds. Should toddlers watch TV? Is it better to spank or use time-out? Public school or private? Day camp or residential?
Sticky, Gooey Fun
What would camp be without sticky-faced campers enjoying s’mores? In the never-ending quest to be creative and innovative, why not let campers experience these fun variations on
Programming for Tweens
Way, way back when I started working at Bellingham, Washington Parks and Recreation, (okay it was in 1979), youth programs fell into three age groups. Pre-school activities were geared for
Parachute Power
Take a large billowy mass of nylon, a group of children and what do you have? Instant fun and excitement with a parachute! Using a parachute draws children of all ages together in a
Spread The Word
You probably offer a crowd-pleasing array of programs, such as road runs, craft classes, senior excursions and soccer clinics. How about adding an additional element to a class or activity? Pick a project
Crafts Most Camps Have Never Done
As summer approaches, camps across the country start to gather supplies for the inevitable craft classes, such as Popsicle stick picture frames, painted rocks and apple prints. Now there's
A Royal Treat
It is a typical camp setting. Lake Whatcom sparkles in the background; tall fir trees drop pine cones on cabin roofs while happy campers swim, tie-dye T-shirts, and shop in the camp store.
Confessions Of A Pop-Up Queen
As the high school sophomore bobbed in the water, supportive counselors shouted encouragement at her first water-skiing attempt. "Let the boat pull you up! Keep your arms
Abracadabra
As counselors know, it’s easy to become so involved in getting campers to archery and making sure they go to the bathroom before bed, they forget to have fun with the campers.
Let's Get Twisted
Every camp has its never-fail programs and traditions that campers enjoy every year. Yet what about those so-so activities we keep doing because we have the supplies and can do the
Riding Out The Winter
While campers are busy with school in the winter, you probably look at an under-used campground and say, “How can I bring in more business?” or “How can I use my facilities in the off-season?”
Looking Forward And Back
Many Camp Business readers weren’t even born when I was a counselor in 1972 and 1973 at Forest Home Christian Conference Center in Southern California. I worked in Indian Village,
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