The Ultimate Bucket List
Put yourself mentally in the shoes of a 10- to 16-year-old, and then choose five things you would want to do as a middle-aged adult before you die; it’s difficult, weird, and easy—all at the same time.
Camp Administration 101: Stay Alert And No One Gets Hurt
Proper supervision of campers is of utmost importance to ensure the safety of participants and should be taken very seriously. Regardless if you are coordinating an activity, taking a trip, or even having downtime, counselors must make sure they never let their guard down.
Camp Administration 101: Stay Fresh
Part 1 of this series provided 20 points that will help in successfully coordinating any activity with a focus on planning, having fun, and keeping kids engaged. Part 2 outlines more ideas to make activities even better. Creating an upbeat, positive atmosphere always improves activities.
Camp Administration 101: Keep It Fresh
Engaging in fun and creative activities is why participants attend camp and keep coming back. It is important for coordinators to thoroughly plan out activities, train staff members, and put the effort needed into activities to make them successful.
101 Fun Things To Do
There are plenty of activities that lend themselves to real-world, in-person gatherings and events while maintaining appropriate physical distance. I’m sure if you put your mind to it, you can probably create a similar list of possibilities, just from the many activities you already know.
A Basketful Of Ideas
Every month, I compile an e-newsletter and invite camp directors to submit information to be included in the publication. It’s seen as an honor for their ideas to be used, so I thought I would
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
What Can We Do?
Dr. Jim Cain of Teamwork & Teamplay shares sustainable activities for real-world, in-person gatherings.
Get Up And Get Moving
Kids come to camp looking for excitement and adventure. There’s no better way to pique their interest than to get their bodies moving.
Move Your Body
So what makes our camp so incredible when it comes to programming for physical activities or gym class? We operate with a philosophy that kids are happiest when they are consistently active and playing appropriate games in an appropriate way.
Get Out Of Your Seat And On Your Feet
For decades, parents have been concerned about the amount of time their children spend in front of the television, but now it is the parents who are watching a screen for hours each day as they work from home, visit with family, and adapt to life during a global pandemic.
Back To Nature
There is one feature that sets most camps apart from other summer opportunities for children and youth—natural surroundings. Camp facilities were often built far away from “civilization” so campers could appreciate the beauty of nature.
A Swinging Good Time
The signs of a nearby ropes course are often easy to recognize—there’s lots of yelling and laughing and high-pitched screams from distant trees; there might be posted “warning” signs or harnesses hanging near a forest or dirt path.
Unplugged And Unleashed
With the constant intrusion of electronics into the very fabric of society, and the increased dependence of electronics as a source of constant entertainment, the unplugged camp
Top Programming Ideas 2004
Each camp year brings with it the usual struggle to not only maintain quality programming, but to tweak and revitalize it year after year.
Top Programming Ideas
No matter whether you operate a day camp or an overnight camp—there is always a need for fresh programming ideas. Every year, we scour the industry looking for the latest and greatest tips and
Something Old, Something New
Many returning campers immediately ask counselors, “Are we going to play Color Wars again?” “Will we do the polar bear swim this year?” “When is the talent show?” Certain activities are a sure hit with campers,
Themed Activities
When I am running a themed activity for the youngest campers (ages 8 and 9) at camp, the kids have so much fun that the oldest campers (ages 14 and 15) feel left out and want “in.” Here are two evening
The Timber Rattler Run
Back in the 1980s during my college summers, I buried myself in camp culture and soaked up all the nuances it offered. Consistent themes of accepting campers as they came, warding off
Which Way Is North?
Here's a fun and practical activity to do with your campers, courtesy of Nature Rocks:Step 1. Get a stick. Step 2. Plant the stick in the ground. Make sure it is tall stick that will cast a good