March/April 2023

Written By Danielle Beattie

VOLUME 23 | ISSUE 4

Aquatics

There’s something about water—the burst of energy you get from jumping into it on a hot, summer day, the refreshing feel of a water-balloon fight in the sweltering sun, or the instant coolness of sticking your toes in a nearby babbling brook—that immediately makes a good day even better. For all those moments that you get to share with campers again and again—enjoy the surge of happiness and the smiles that infect the entire camp when water is involved. This issue is dedicated to all of those aquatic moments.

 
 
 
 
 
 

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This Month’s Articles

Featured
The Art Of Crafting
Jason Schaitz
The Art Of Crafting
Jason Schaitz

Arts-and-crafts projects are one of the cornerstones of camp activities. It is important to plan and organize these projects so campers understand what’s expected.

Jason Schaitz
Winging And Kicking
Greg Schmidt
Winging And Kicking
Greg Schmidt

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.

Greg Schmidt
12 Stories That Tell About Your Camp
Dan Shortridge
12 Stories That Tell About Your Camp
Dan Shortridge

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.

Dan Shortridge
Something A Little Extra
Marissa Allaben and Alison Rothenberg
Something A Little Extra
Marissa Allaben and Alison Rothenberg

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.

Marissa Allaben and Alison Rothenberg
There’s A New Kid On The Block
Jeff North
There’s A New Kid On The Block
Jeff North

Because I said I would is an international social movement and nonprofit 501(c)(3) charity dedicated to the betterment of humanity through promises made and kept. The organization was founded in 2012 following a viral internet offer to send ten Promise Cards at no cost, to anyone, anywhere in the world.

Jeff North
Born To Perform
Genevieve Martineau
Born To Perform
Genevieve Martineau

Many kids dream of running away with the circus, but did you know they actually can? Celebrating its 35th anniversary in 2022, Circus Smirkus is a nonprofit, circus-arts organization that inspires kids of all ages to develop artistic, athletic, and life skills through the power of performance.

Genevieve Martineau
Optimism And A Bit Of Hope
Jim Cain
Optimism And A Bit Of Hope
Jim Cain

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.

Jim Cain
Ready, Set, Swim
Jason Schaitz
Ready, Set, Swim
Jason Schaitz

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.

Jason Schaitz
Flooded With Positive Energy
Susan Langlois
Flooded With Positive Energy
Susan Langlois

Teaching a new skill to campers, especially in a sport with a complex motor skill like the golf swing, can be challenging. But it also can be the most satisfying and meaningful camp experience for both campers and the instructor, using a strength-based approach.

Susan Langlois
ool Hygiene
Dr. Chris Thurber
ool Hygiene
Dr. Chris Thurber

Most camps have worked hard for decades to get kids and staff to wash their hands after using the bathroom and before meals. Now both groups do it almost instinctively.

Dr. Chris Thurber
Make 2023 Your Best Registration Year Yet With Technology
Amilia Enterprises
Make 2023 Your Best Registration Year Yet With Technology
Amilia Enterprises

Registrations have a huge impact on the success of your camp. But the same challenges always seem to come up! Discover five ways technology can solve the most common challenges and make sure 2023 is your best registration year yet.

Amilia Enterprises
Water Ways
Rodney Auth
Water Ways
Rodney Auth

Here in central Idaho, we’re surrounded by water—literally. We’re home to some of the world’s best whitewater rafting and kayaking rivers.

Rodney Auth
This-N-That
Guest User
This-N-That
Guest User

A collection of news items, product announcements and event notices designed to keep you on the cutting edge.

Guest User
Calendar
Guest User
Calendar
Guest User

Industry news you won’t want to miss. Check out what’s coming up!

Guest User
 
 
 
 

Product Review

Product Reviews
Old Trapper Single-Serve Beef Sticks
Old Trapper Single-Serve Beef Sticks

These individual sticks are available in original, teriyaki, and jalapeno flavors and are the perfect portable snack for any outdoor activity. They are 1.75 ounces providing hunger-satisfying protein in convenient, individually wrapped portion sizes.

https://oldtrapper.com/

ULTRA-CLEAN US-159
ULTRA-CLEAN US-159

Madison Chemical introduces ULTRA-CLEAN US-159, an alkaline detergent developed specifically for difficult cleaning operations involving the removal of aged, oxidized, burned-on oil and grease. Its unique formula produces low to moderate foam, thus maximizing ultrasonic cavitation. ULTRA-CLEAN US-159 is ideal for machinery rebuilding, including engines and transmission, component cleaning during maintenance procedures, and more.

www.madchem.com

BruTrek Can Coldies
BruTrek Can Coldies

Can Coldies feature stainless-steel construction and double-wall insulation to keep beverages cold, whether at home after work, or around a campfire. Available in three sizes for 12- to 16-ounce cans, they’re ideal for soda, seltzer, cold brew, tea, and more. Available for $26 to $30 in Obsidian, Red Rock and Snowflake colors.

http://brutrek.com

AGS EdgeRider Mini Golf
AGS EdgeRider Mini Golf

EdgeRider Mini Golf is the name of a new pre-designed nine- or 18-hole portable modular mini golf course featuring a new miniature golf ball edge transfer system. The courses feature the new edge technology applied to a patented interlocking panel modular system. The edge technology can also be used on concrete golf courses to replace a brick edge or provide a smooth edge inside an artificial rock edge.

www.AGSGolfAndSports.com

Percussion Play Liberty Bells
Percussion Play Liberty Bells

Reminiscent of small grassland mushrooms, the aluminum musical bells—tuned to the pentatonic C-major scale—“sing” when struck with the attached mallets. The stainless-steel “gill” on the underside of the cap completes the look. The cluster of six powder-coated conical “caps” in bright colors and wiggly-shaped stainless-steel “stems” positioned at different heights and angles is an eye-catching piece that will quickly become an instant favorite.

www.percussionplay.com

Hilltip SweepAway Push Broom Attachments
Hilltip SweepAway Push Broom Attachments

Offered in multiple sizes from 59 to 118 inches wide, the push brooms are available in a light series with eight brush rows or a medium series with 12 brush rows. Featuring polypropylene bristles, the replaceable brush rows are easy to change and clean. Additionally, the brooms contain no moving parts, resulting in practically no maintenance requirements.

www.hilltipna.com

WAC Landscape Lighting Surface Mount Indicator LED Lights
WAC Landscape Lighting Surface Mount Indicator LED Lights

Easy to install, save installation time and avoid core drilling holes with LED Indicator Fixtures which mount right on top of the desired surface. The 2-inch 12-Volt Indicators are round and directional, providing soft, diffused illumination for walkways and other exterior spaces. The luminaires are available in stainless steel or bronzed stainless-steel finishes. Warm 2700K or pure white 3000K color temperatures are available. Various styles are offered in 90 CRI with a 60,000-hour rated life. 10-foot lead wire is also included.

www.WACLandscapeLighting.com

 
 
 
 

Buyer’s Guide

 
 
 
 

Marketspace Spotlight

 

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May/june 2023

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Danielle Beattie
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