This-N-That
Great Play Giveaway Winner Announced
Jennifer Harrison from the Greenbrier Christian Academy in Chesapeake, Va., is the winner of the Great Play Giveaway presented by Parks & Rec Business and Camp Business magazines. As the winner, the school will received a brand new playground from BCI Burke valued at almost $40,000!
As part of the annual contest, all recreation departments, camps, and schools are invited to enter to win a playground for their community that will help children develop skills that transcend the playground, including motor skills, cognitive planning, and cooperation.
“Greenbrier Christian Academy is so excited to offer our elementary students the opportunity to have additional play space for their recess and after-school outdoor recreation time,” says Harrison. “We feel very blessed to have been chosen for this giveaway.”
Thank you to everyone who participated and keep trying for your chance to win.
Campfire Creative Marketing Names A New Digital Coordinator
Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.—Campfire Creative Marketing (CCM), a marketing agency that works exclusively with camps, is pleased to announce that Zafira Smith will lead the firm’s digital marketing department.
When she was 10 years old, Smith attended Agassiz Village for the first time. She says that is the summer that changed her life. “I grew up in the inner-city of Boston and never spent time in nature until I went to camp. Canoeing and swimming in a lake in Maine is the reason why I am who I am today.”
After spending one summer as a camper, Smith was hooked. She spent 10 more years at Agassiz Village as a camper and staff. From CIT to cabin counselor, she worked her way up to become their Assistant Camp Director while attending Boston University.
During her senior year at college, Smith joined CCM part-time as a Digital Storyteller. She used her inside knowledge of the camp industry to create content for clients. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Advertising, Smith decided to combine her passion for camps with her career. As digital coordinator, smith is responsible for managing clients’ social media, PPC campaigns, and influencer marketing.
Have A Plan To Protect Campers
Managing the risk of sexual abuse is paramount to protect campers from harm and create a safe environment for their personal growth and enjoyment. By implementing comprehensive risk management protocols, summer camps can identify potential vulnerabilities, assess risks, and develop strategies to prevent and respond to sexual abuse. Effective risk management in this area demonstrates a commitment to camper safety, fosters trust among campers and their families, and upholds the camp's reputation.
Here are some strategies for effective risk management:
Comprehensive Staff Training
Provide extensive training to all staff members on recognizing signs of abuse, appropriate behavior, reporting procedures, and supporting survivors. Encourage ongoing education and professional development to keep staff updated on best practices.
Collaboration With External Organizations
Establish partnerships with external organizations specializing in sexual abuse prevention and response. Seek their expertise in developing and implementing risk management strategies, conducting staff training sessions, and providing resources for campers and staff members.
Regular Auditing And Evaluation
Conduct regular audits and evaluations of risk-management protocols to identify areas for improvement. Solicit feedback from campers, staff, and parents/guardians to gain insights into the effectiveness of existing measures and implement necessary changes.
Supportive And Trauma-Informed Environment
Create a supportive and trauma-informed environment that prioritizes the well-being of campers. Provide access to counseling services, ensure confidentiality, and foster an atmosphere where campers feel safe to speak up and seek help.
--Information provided by ASAP (Association for Sexual Abuse Prevention), an organization dedicated to the prevention and treatment of child sexual abuse. To learn more, visit https://asap.care/summer-camps.
Fall Maintenance Tips To Close Up Summer Camps
With the summer winding down, now is the best time to prepare camps for the long-dormant winter months ahead. Performing preventive maintenance saves a lot of time and aggravation and will make life easier when it’s time to reopen in the spring. Below are a few best practices to consider:
Check furniture, couches, chairs, benches, cushions, and furniture to ensure that there are no food particles.
Dust or sanitize bed frames, side tables, lamps, mirrors, clothes racks, head/footboards, and dressers.
Disinfectant and sanitize sick rooms, including cabinets, patient beds, etc.
Restock the first-aid kit and other medical supplies.
Take inventory of in-stock items and seal them in storages container to prevent rodent or pest infiltration.
Wipe down and sanitize door handles, doors, and window frames.
Close and lock windows and close curtains.
Wipe down, disinfect, and sanitize remote controls.
Remove any clothing, toiletry items, or other items left behind (including the lost-and-found box).
Empty and clean all trash cans.
Unplug computers, air conditioners, microwaves, and major appliances. (A powerful bolt of lightning will wipe these out quickly.)
Clean, disinfect, and sanitize all showers, shower drains, sinks, mirrors, and toilets.
Sweep and mop all facilities.
Clean and store towels and linens in appropriate containers to prevent unwanted critters and pests. Keep mothballs or dryer sheets near linens to help repel unwanted pests.
Clean and cover furniture and bedding.
Remove clutter, newspapers, rags, chemicals, and boxes to prevent fires.
Remove all cleaning supplies, pesticides, and chemicals to ensure that they will not freeze and explode due to the falling temperatures.
Clean the stove and make sure that there is no food, crumbs, or grease deposits.
Clean out grease traps.
Remove batteries from all electronics, such as clocks, radios, etc.
Seal up cracks, crevices that are ¼ of an inch or larger to keep critters out.
For additional tips, visit https://eworkorders.com/cmms-industry-articles-eworkorders/camp-maintenance-tips/.