Capture the Flag
Capture the Flag is to camp as apple pie is to America. It’s easy and fun--all you need are some flags, some cones, and, if you want to get fancy, some color-coded armbands. We here at YMCA Camp Ernst
Capital Improvements
Everyone has a vision of what will make their camp perfect. Unfortunately, that vision may not jibe with reality (or users’ ideas of a perfect camp), which is why it’s critical to develop a team
Avoid the Big Mistakes
I visit about 60 camps each year, so I often get this question: “What are the biggest mistakes you’ve seen camps make in their facilities?” We’ve all seen the mistakes our friends have made, and when
The Beauties Of Camp Duties
Promotional materials for most day- and resident camps tout a sense of community and increased self-reliance as outcomes. Naturally, the materials highlight the camp’s facilities and activities, but f
Get ‘Em On The Same Page
Cultivating cooperative, caring and compassionate staff members can be a daunting task for even the most seasoned camp director.
Alternative Adventures
At our summer day camp for children ages 5 to 12, we have had great success with inflatable water slides and obstacle courses to increase program activities without spending big money on new
Retreat With The SMERF Market
Want to increase retreat business? Follow the SMERF acronym to identify the major players in this sector.
There’s No Such Thing As A Special Diet
Cooking “nuggets” five different ways for one camp meal can be a challenge--especially when the spoon from one batch can’t touch the spoon from another batch. With the growth of food allergies and spe
Spice Up Programming
Editor's Note: We invited readers to submit their most creative programming ideas to find out what keeps their camp ticking. After the submissions came pouring in, we knew we had several gems to
Operation Purple Camp
This fall, millions of American children returned to school after a carefree summer break with family. Each year, the National Military Family Association sends children separated from their deployed
Campfire Songs
Galaxy Sing-A-Long Sing to the tune Frère Jacques(The group is divided into three groups that sing in three staggered rounds.)R2D2, R2D2 (Singers rock back and forth like a stationary machine)C3PO, C
Talking To Lifeguards
Larry, the waterfront director at Camp Whatsit, was on top of his game. He boasted new certifications in swimming instruction and lifeguarding from national organizations, had been teaching swimming for four years at his town’s parks and rec department, and even turned down an offer to be the head lifeguard at the local beach to become the waterfront director at Camp Whatsit.
Open Minds And Perspectives
When the camp-office phone rings, the administrative assistant hears from an upset parent complaining about the tardiness of the bus this morning. The assistant relays a rather familiar message to
Keep The Sun At Bay
It wasn’t until recently that sunscreen became a staple in the parks and recreation lexicon.
Dressing Up Turf
It’s spring again. The skies are blue, the flowers are in bloom, and kids are counting down the days remaining in the school year.And you have just realized it’s past time to get your fields in shape
Safeguarding Campers & Staff Members
According to an African proverb, “It takes a village to raise a child.” In modern American times, this proverb remains true, and the “village” takes on many different forms. Children spend much of the
Get Connected
The popularity of the Internet as a viable, primary source for news, information and staying connected continues to grow each day. Establishing a social-media presence for a camp business is not only
The Nuts And Bolts Of A Challenge Course
Swages, fish plates, thimble-eye bolts and double-coil lock-washers -- these words probably don’t mean much to those who are unfamiliar with challenge courses.
Flaming Hearts And Spirits
A dozen archers line up with flaming arrows held high at a 45-degree angle. The flames dance and illuminate the archers as they gaze at their target. A dramatic instrumental score plays. In unison,
Building A Case--Part 1
In the early 1980s, while I was a manager of a Christian camp in Illinois, I heard of a new program called a “low-ropes” course. I didn’t have any experience in “challenge-type” activities, but the co