Then and Now: Why Summer Camp Is More Important Than Ever Before
Our children are growing up so much differently than we did, with so much of their lives spent staring glowing screens, accessing most any piece of information through their fingertips in seconds. But while
Tiger Fun--Saving The World By Taking Our Profession Seriously
Beneath Amy Chua’s personal struggle in Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother lies a deeper ambivalence about learning: What on earth should we do with our children outside of school,
Growing Your Gratitude
"When you change the things you look at, the things you look at change."Dr. Wayne Dyercanstockphoto8641742Each year at this time, thankfulness becomes a buzzword. It tends to go hand-in-hand with
Do Your Feedback Gathering Methods Measure Up?
Survey says? Gathering honest opinions, insight, commentary and suggestions on completed camp sessions is an integral part of moving your camp program forward. Feedback gathering,
Bullying Redux
Camping professionals have been taking a systematic, proactive role in preventing bullying since the 1929.canstockphoto8672586Bullying receives a lot of press, especially schools adopt anti-bullying
How Do We Treat Each Other?
canstockphoto7815579This was the question the leadership director at one of North America’s oldest overnight camps asked the staff one evening. It seemed to be an inane question, given the label of “
Nearly Half of Americans Participate in Outdoor Recreation
WASHINGTON, DC – Almost 143 million Americans, or 49.2 percent of the US population, participated in an outdoor activity at least once in 2013. Although the actual number of outdoor participants incr
What’s Left After A Loss
Ashes of memories.My best friends and I combed through the sooty remains of the log cabin and wondered: What’s left? The fire had been so hot that it melted the window glass and incinerated pretty mu
16 Low Cost Gifts That Mean A Lot
Gifts don’t need to be expensive to create powerful memories.canstockphoto17916298In my younger days, I vividly recall both of my grandmothers lamenting how, as we age, the days seem to pass by more
3 Decisions I’m Making This Fall That I Didn’t Make Last Fall
What do you do for personal growth? “All growth depends upon activity. There is no development physically or intellectually without effort, and effort means work.” –Calvin Coolidg
Finding Beauty in an Ashtray
Anything creative and pleasing to the senses can be art.canstockphoto3373646“What is it?” asked my cabin leader, gently. We both eyed my clay creation as it emerged from the camp kiln, glazed and coo
YMCA Selects CampDoc.com as Preferred Vendor
canstockphoto21627763Ann Arbor, MI--CampDoc.com, the leading electronic health record system for camps, and YMCA of the USA, have teamed up to help Y camps improve health and safety for their
Autumn: A Time for Reflection
Now that the days are growing shorter, another camping season is drawing to a close. Whether your camping sessions are finished, slowing down
Fee-Free Day Sept. 27
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Forest Service is offering a fee-free day on Sept. 27, 2014 in conjunction with the 21st annual National Public Lands Day (NPLD), the Nation's largest, single-day volunteer effor
My Three Favorite Things to Do with a 3×5 Index Card
The ever-versatile Index Card. Used wisely, it can build a sense of belonging, cure homesickness, and keep you grounded. Who knew?canstockphoto13448538This time of year, I use a lot of 3×5 index card
Clearing The Lawn Of Leaves
WACO, Texas – The seasons are changing, and with fall comes leaves – often lots of them. Keeping a lawn leaf-free can be a daunting task for some homeowners. There are multiple ways to get rid of accu
Free 1 Hour Child Abuse Protection Webinars
This webinar discusses the strategy and tactics that comprise The Kanakuk Child Protection Plan, a comprehensive safety system to prevent, detect or respond to emotional, verbal, sexual and physical
5 Tools to Help You Be More Productive This Fall
canstockphoto20646919Wow, it’s almost hard to believe that summer 2014 is done and gone. I’m sure by now you’ve been busy finalizing the summer that was and preparing for the fall and winter season t
Saving Face in a Bold-faced Lie
"I didn't do it!"canstockphoto2914629Kids lie all the time. Grown-ups do, too, in big and small ways. Sometimes we lie to be polite, as in: “That looks fabulous!” or “This is delicious!” Perhaps prot
4 Reasons for Staff Reflections
Spend time reflecting on individual experiences.canstockphoto21221378For the past 21 years, the first night of camp orientation has ended the same way: by verbalizing a personal goal or lofty wish