Magic Chairlifts
The humble chair lift is magical. It’s a special place where strangers become friends, problems are solved, laughter is born and, in some cases—lifelong love affairs begin. No topic is forbidden on a chairlift and life’s problems just seem to fade away—at least for five to nine minutes, or however long it takes to get to the top.
Last Call: Seeking YOU Nominations
This is the last call for “YOU” nominations, at least from me in the Week-Ender.
Seven Pathways To Spiritual Connectivity
I have been in Christian camping now for 15 years. Summer after summer, I have seen God do miraculous things in the lives of many, many youth.
An Uncalculated Career Move
As a kid, I learned to swim at camp, make new friends at camp, even kissed my first girl at camp!
Be Our Example
Week-Ender readers, I need your help. Many of you already know that Parks and Rec Business and Camp Business will host the 2nd annual Fall Festival on September 29 at the Shisler Conference Center in Wooster, Ohio.
Let Tough Love Prevail
It was the 1970s and our school system was putting together a cooperative agreement between three neighboring communities where sixth-grade kids would come together for a one-week camping trip.
The Problem Is Not The Problem
I recently re-watched The Sixth Sense, the supernatural mystery with Bruce Willis and Haley Joel Osment. I remembered the scary bits and the surprise ending, so this time around I didn’t feel a lot of suspense.
Food Allergy: An ADA Disability?
There is much concern and debate about how the youth programming world will manage the scope and pace of the food allergen craze, not to mention the speculation of allergies falling under the Americans with Disabilities Act requirements.
Pull In; Push Out
If you pulled your staff into a cohesive group this past summer, then they’ve embraced your mission. That’s something to be proud of.
Demand The Unexpected
If your summer was anything like mine, there were unexpected illnesses, behavioral problems,” and staff machinations that had you calling attorneys and consulting employment contracts.
What If Cell Phones Stopped Working?
A recent article in Christian Science Monitor noted that a Pew Poll said that 90 percent of Americans have cell phones and 64 percent of them are smartphones.
The Millennial Generation
“Kids These Days!” We have all heard this saying; in fact, we may have even said it ourselves. This is not a statement of appreciation, but frustration.
Choose To Be Grateful
Last year, a Harris Polls survey was conducted to determine those things for which Americans are most grateful. Responses were as follows: Health of family 85% Family relationships
Unjustified Mutiny
Whether it’s an excerpt from a good book or the lines of a renowned play, I am a sucker for great dialogue that teaches a lesson. Sometimes it sneaks up on me. Sometimes I find it in the oddest places.
When A Smile Becomes A Laugh
I have bloviated before in this column about the power of a smile; how a smile can change someone’s face and their whole outlook on life and how it can spread that good will infectiously to others.
Would Your Campers Pass the Marshmallow Challenge?
Imagine sitting around a campfire while roasting marshmallows, and instead of everyone eating the marshmallow immediately, all the campers wait until everyone is ready. What is going on?
Hard To Be A Hero
I’ve heard people say we need more heroes in today’s world, but I submit that we have tens of thousands--millions even--of heroes out there; they just don’t seek attention.
It's Simply Complex
Last week my camp, Pathfinder, wrapped up a six-month staff enrichment project with the ‘kicker,’ a three-day June symposium on wilderness leadership, attracting 18 world-class presenters.