Drifting Development
We knew it was coming, but it was still worrisome to see. Campers and staff in the 2022 summer struggled mightily, compared to their pre-pandemic age peers.
Building A Camp That Builds Friendships
We spend way too much time keeping campers busy in activities. Not that having new stuff every year isn’t valuable, or making camp “fun” isn’t a worthy goal. But, by themselves neither will bring your campers
What’s The Problem Now?
Relationships form the heart of the camp experience. Dynamic programs, beautiful settings and lofty missions have little value without sterling leadership (staff/camper relationships) and
If I Had Three Wishes
There’s only one reason kids want to return to camp--friends. Yet when I tour camps and ask what staff members do to specifically help kids make friends, I find out why the average
The Importance Of Candid Feedback
While the biggest worry for a camp counselor may be coping with a particularly difficult camper, the second-biggest worry is how to tell that camper’s parents—either at the child’s pick-up time after
When Tempers Flare
During this summer, like summers before, there will be camp drama. This drama can cause emotional hurt, which is typically a trigger for anger.
Clear Away The Clutter
Behavior is multi-faceted. The ”duck on the water” metaphor is extremely apt as sometimes we only see a child who appears quite calm and relaxed, but is likely churning on the inside.
Addressing Anxiety
It seems widely accepted that people who work with children professionally are infinitely better at guiding other people’s kids than their own.
Cutting At Camp
Front-line staff members rarely think about the medical and psychological complexity that is detailed in an incoming camper’s health forms. Reviewing those forms is typically the responsibility of the camp nurse or doctor.
Life Lessons
Regardless of the talent a camper possesses upon arriving at camp, each is destined to be great at something. Whether exploring the lake on hot, sunny days, playing sports on the field, or trying something new—the summer experience is a treasure hunt to discover hidden talents.
Behavior Check
For some campers and staff, respect, responsibility, civility, adherence to appropriate standards of conduct, and the appropriate methods to resolve conflicts may have diminished. This promotes a different
Communication & Relationships
Let’s face it. We all make snap judgements and when campers and staff show up at our camps we take mental notes of certain characteristics, whether consciously or subconsciously.
Building Confidence
As summer approaches, I am filled with anticipation and excitement about the few months approaching. I think about the campers filling the air with a unique and genuine spirit that is not found in many places on
Problem Behavior at Camp
Our contemporary culture interprets antisocial, incompatible and abrasive behavior from a different perspective than in the "good old days" when conformity and a clear differentiation between acceptable
The Buddy System
How do you motivate a camper? Well, you really can't. Every human being has the choice to give a 100 percent effort… or to give something less than 100 percent.
That Was Then, This Is Now
Bob Dylan sang, "The Times They Are A-Changin'". Yes, these are unprecedented and extraordinary times, which the camping industry must face.
Profiles in Courage
The movement experience at camp in the form of games and sports often provides wonderful physical and social experiences for the campers and staff. The teaching aspects of these experiences, while always
ADHD & MAM, Part II
Physicians are becoming more dependent on using psychotropic medications in the treatment of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Hyperactivity Attention Deficit Disorder (ADHD). There are many
ADHD & MAM, Part 1
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), commonly referred to as ADD, is one of the polarizing subjects. Some think it's a money-making scheme cooked up by pharmaceutical conglomerates, others
Building A Camp That Builds Friendships
We spend way too much time keeping campers busy in activities. Not that having new stuff every year isn’t valuable, or making camp “fun” isn’t a worthy goal. But, by themselves neither will bring your campers