Revving Up
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is a popular term these days, bandied about by online gurus and Web masters from here to Halifax. What it really means is simple--making sure that your
Say Cheese!
Pictures help tell a story, validate memories, and provide witness to our lives. Having pictures of kids as they grow and explore the world is a priceless practice for parents. For kids, sharing
Ready, Aim, Fire!
In the past, I have discussed marketing tools, the ideas behind them, and the reasons to enlist them in marketing campaigns. From branding to technology, I have covered a lot of ground in
Expand The Marketing Potential Horizon
From giant, billion-dollar conglomerates of integrated network sites to small, niche personal lists, social-networking sites are taking the Internet by storm. Social networks are becoming
If I Had Three Wishes
There’s only one reason kids want to return to camp--friends. Yet when I tour camps and ask what staff members do to specifically help kids make friends, I find out why the average
More Than Bandages And Aspirin
Of all the tasks required to keep a camp running, one of the most critical is organizing the medical center. Although no one--staff or campers--intends to be sick at camp, illness is
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.