Apprentice Programming
Columns Dr. Chris Thurber Columns Dr. Chris Thurber

Apprentice Programming

I had been teaching swimming for 20 years, so I couldn’t understand why this dripping and discouraged 12-year-old was having so much trouble with his breaststroke rhythm. My tried-and-true pull, kick, glide supplication had always worked … until today.

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Magic Chairlifts
The Week-Ender, Features, Columns Rodney Auth The Week-Ender, Features, Columns Rodney Auth

Magic Chairlifts

The humble chair lift is magical. It’s a special place where strangers become friends, problems are solved, laughter is born and, in some cases—lifelong love affairs begin. No topic is forbidden on a chairlift and life’s problems just seem to fade away—at least for five to nine minutes, or however long it takes to get to the top.

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Drifting Development
Columns Dr. Chris Thurber Columns Dr. Chris Thurber

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.

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Power Praise In Programs
Columns Dr. Chris Thurber Columns Dr. Chris Thurber

Power Praise In Programs

The phrase “effective praise” might sound redundant. All praise feels good and increases desirable behaviors, right? Wrong. Some forms of praise fall flat and do little to shape future behavior.

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A Recipe For Magic
Columns Bryan Buchko Columns Bryan Buchko

A Recipe For Magic

Summer camp for youth has been around since 1861. How could anything continue to be so popular for so long, with such passionate proponents in every generation, unless it has real

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What’s The Problem Now?
Columns Bryan Buchko Columns Bryan Buchko

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

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The Well-Trained Staff
Columns Bryan Buchko Columns Bryan Buchko

The Well-Trained Staff

Welcome to the debut of Camp Business’s new column on staff training. Dr. Chris Thurber, one of the most sought-after camp consultants, responds to reader queries, and offers cutting-edge, turnkey content

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Play The Part
Columns Bryan Buchko Columns Bryan Buchko

Play The Part

“In theory, role-plays are supposed to teach by offering staff practice with key skills. But in practice, role-plays often flop. They either escalate into hyperbole or degenerate into

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Climbing Toward Success
Columns Bryan Buchko Columns Bryan Buchko

Climbing Toward Success

At Camp Courage, a place where abilities and disabilities become possibilities, campers are given the opportunity to test themselves and go beyond expectations.

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The Boys Of Summer
Columns Bryan Buchko Columns Bryan Buchko

The Boys Of Summer

I was born in 1960 and have played baseball since I can remember. There were no formalized leagues in the 1970s for kids younger than 9, but we played pickup games every day. Today those games seem a thing

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Feedback For Staff
Columns Bryan Buchko Columns Bryan Buchko

Feedback For Staff

"Chris, my supervisory staff members don’t always know the best way to provide feedback to their counselors. Most of the time, they see what needs improvement but don’t say anything

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Competition Conundrum
Columns Bryan Buchko Columns Bryan Buchko

Competition Conundrum

"We try to emphasize safety and fun at Laney, even in competitive games and sports Although I’ve read some passionate arguments opposed to any form of competition, campers seem to

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Character To The Core
Columns Bryan Buchko Columns Bryan Buchko

Character To The Core

At Camp Crosley in Northern Indiana, the program focus is on developing youth through a motto of spirit, mind and body in order to remain active in lifelong hobbies.

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Leadership By Example
Columns Bryan Buchko Columns Bryan Buchko

Leadership By Example

“Chris, in my early years as a camp director, I never worried about the off-season behavior of my staff. Now that staff members photograph and post most of their social lives online, I’m

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