Slips, Falls, And Slip Resistance
Camp facilities have a multitude of laws, regulations, and codes to which they must adhere. For many of these facilities, it seems like more laws and rules are added each year.
From Surviving To Thriving
Owning a camp takes expertise and dedication. Often, at the same time children’s feet run through the lodge, the water heater goes on the blink, or the oven in the kitchen refuses to heat up.
Seasons Of Improvement
Nestled on the shores of Sebago Lake in Casco, Maine, Camp Sunshine has been providing free retreats for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families since 1984. Although the campus has been much quieter since the last in-person sessions were hosted in February 2020, “turning lemons into lemonade” has remained the mantra.
Time To Drain The Pipes
Most camp administrators—especially those who live in colder areas of the country—know the drill well. By October of each year, it's time to winterize the pipes.
Camp Administration 101: Surveys And Evaluations
Make it a priority to survey and evaluate every aspect of an operation before, during, and after each camp session. Without detailed feedback, it’s difficult to tell how things are going.
A Foundation Built By Community
Whether it’s a sleepaway camp where children form an almost instantaneous bond, or a retreat center focused on teambuilding, the camp environment cultivates and sustains communal relationships. No one understands this better than Shiloh Bible Camp & Retreat Center, where the value of community is literally fundamental to its very foundation.
Camp Administration 101: For Smoother Operations
Whether you own and operate your camp facilities or have a user-group agreement, you have the responsibility to ensure facilities are safe and stand the test of time. Maintaining these facilities properly is the key to making sure this happens.
Building For The Future
Many important questions, conversations, considerations, and decisions are made during the journey toward a ribbon cutting for a new camp building. At initial meetings, camp owners and directors often focus on the most out-of-the-box, wish-list ideas so the design/build team can articulate the camp’s vision and generate a design that will eventually result in a functional, beautiful space.
Same Job, Different View
A few months ago, I began a new position as Head Chef for YMCA of the Pines, a bustling camp with two separate dining halls and a busy Outdoor Center in New Jersey. The camp had been hit hard by COVID-19, as the entire industry has been, but the leadership team had a vision for growth and prosperity despite uncertainty.
The Happy Place
My niece and nephew were supposed to visit us for a week to do some whitewater rafting, zip lining, rock climbing, boating, paddleboarding, and mountain biking. It was an active vacation for active kids.
This-N-That
We know it’s been tough, so we asked readers to share how they fared through the pandemic and beyond. Here are some responses from those who were graciously willing to share. If you would like to add your thoughts to the conversation, feel free to drop us a line at editor@northstarpubs.com.