Hollow Silk Balls
Some species of balloon flies attract potential mates by presenting them with a little silk ball. Forget that a healthy camp experience has nothing to do with mating … and hopefully little to do with flies and other insects. My point is that receivin
Are You Gonna Eat That?
Said one way, the question, “Are you gonna eat that?” is an informal query among friends that is the chummy equivalent of “Can I finish that?” You might hear it at a diner among best friends. Although you’d never lean over and pose the question to th
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 “
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
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
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
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
Letter On Closing Day
Here's what your child wants you to know about camp.canstockphoto21383803I know that I was nervous about camp when you dropped me off, but now I don’t want to leave.I’ve had the most amazing time her
Flashdance and Fun: 4 Games For An 80's - Themed Program
A great decade makes for a great programming theme!canstockphoto20927014Instead of a basic game night, why not implement a themed game night by modifying popular, familiar games and presenting them
Easy is Easy - Systems that Get Things Done
Get creative with organizational systems.canstockphoto21116559Quick. Name something at your camp that you have to remind people to do on a daily basis. I bet you can name at least three. And I bet
August List
Treat yourself to experiences that move you at a soul level.canstockphoto19110203Your Summer (List) Starts TodayWe’re all familiar with the idea of a bucket list, an individual collection of activiti
How To Talk To Parents…So They’ll Listen
Your campers listen; here's how to get their parents to.canstockphoto10237307During the summer between my sophomore and junior year of high school, I discovered an essential truth about myself: I