Starve The Ego, Feed The Soul
As an eager freshman at the University of Georgia, I sought out opportunities to volunteer for organizations whose purposes were meaningful to me. Extra Special People (ESP) immediately
To Conquer Staff-Training Boredom
In the summer of 2016, the Day Camp Superhero Training Academy faced its biggest nemesis—Summer Boredom. As the recruits arrived for training, surveillance footage revealed the
A Few Of My Favorite Things
To hear is to forget. To see is to remember. To do is to learn. As we travel around the country speaking at conferences and training camp staff, we embrace this adaptation of a famous statement from Confucius.
Conference-Style Staff Training
“This isn’t relevant to me.” “I already know this.” “Do I have to sit through bullying again?” “Sessions were too long and boring.”
Roll Up Your Sleeves, DIYers
Recently, I decided to upgrade the camp’s recruitment website, and since then I’ve not only made recruitment much easier, but found that it has helped me to hire a better caliber of staff members!
Making A Memory
The summer of 2017 was my 25th summer involved in summer day camp. I have worked as a counselor, arts and crafts specialist, nature specialist, unit leader, archery specialist, program
No Manual For Industry Secrets
Camp work should come with a warning label. There are just some industry secrets that never seem to be covered in staff training. From solemn and serious to wild and wacky, here are 88
The Gang’s All Here—Now What?
House parties have become a popular alternative to traditional gala-style soirees and more formal fundraising affairs. An intimate home setting leaves guests relaxed and ready to give
Untangling The Web
In February 2016, I helped launch our new website for Longacre Leadership Camp in Pennsylvania. After much analysis of the design and development process, we came up with
Your Campers Are Safe
Camp professionals conscientiously protect campers’ physical safety and security. However, many of us aren’t trained to think in the same way about the safety and security of the personal information we collect.
A Few Technological Tricks
“If you build it, they will come.” It’s a great line from an old, familiar movie. Sadly, it’s also an incredible misconception when it comes to finding new campers and families online. The truth
Ready, Set, Action!
My husband, a TV and film producer, often compares my summer camp life to a film shoot—a 24/7 job filled with trouble-shooting and dealing with a wide range of personalities.
Kanakuk Child Protection Seminar Coming To Kentucky
Join Rick Braschler in discussing a serious topic that affects every camp--protecting children from predators.
CampDoc Offers Discounted Medical Supplies
ANN ARBOR, Mich., -- Camps can now purchase medical supplies at discounted rates directly through CampDoc.com, an electronic health record system for camps.
Use of Drones In Camp Settings
The use of drones in the camping setting, both from staff as well as campers, has been on the rise over the past few years.
Spend Wisely
We know it’s a financial commitment to make the leap to a camp-management software solution. With several providers on the market, how do you know which one is most practical for your camp?
Marketing—A Never-Ending Journey
Once upon a time, camp was a place to get away from it all. The nearest cell phone tower couldn’t quite reach the grounds, and if there even was internet connecti
Social Media
Over the past 10 years, social media have had an enormous impact on our culture. Face-to-face communication is quickly becoming outdated, and online communication is becoming the wave of the future.
Nix Nurses At The Med Center
Camp nurses are one of the most challenging summer positions to fill. Nurses are highly qualified, and they may have a difficult time asking for even a week off from their regular commitment to work