Each year, thousands of suitcase-toting campers are encouraged to turn off the televisions, video game consoles and computer screens that occupy much of their time during the school year, and return to nature.
Top Programming Ideas
No matter whether you operate a day camp or an overnight camp—there is always a need for fresh programming ideas. Every year, we scour the industry looking for the latest and greatest tips and
Something Old, Something New
Many returning campers immediately ask counselors, “Are we going to play Color Wars again?” “Will we do the polar bear swim this year?” “When is the talent show?” Certain activities are a sure hit with campers,
Themed Activities
When I am running a themed activity for the youngest campers (ages 8 and 9) at camp, the kids have so much fun that the oldest campers (ages 14 and 15) feel left out and want “in.” Here are two evening
Take Me Out To The Ballgame
Tired of playing the same old game with the same old ball? Here are some games that campers are sure to know—each with a new twist:
Up Your Game With Arrow Tag
In the always-connected world of the internet, it's hard to bring the same type of over-the-top excitement that people get in bite-sized chunks at a near-infinite rate with activities in any
Building A Camp That Builds Friendships
We spend way too much time keeping campers busy in activities. Not that having new stuff every year isn’t valuable, or making camp “fun” isn’t a worthy goal. But, by themselves neither will bring your campers
Trails to Nowhere
Not in Douglas County, Colorado, where trails, and the things you do on them, remain as popular as ever.
Backward Day
On August 16, 2006, YMCA Camp Ernst campers and counselors woke to the lovely sound of taps, put their clothes on inside-out, lowered the flag, listened to announcements, ate dessert,
Cookies Versus Popcorn
“A couple times a month we get unsolicited offers for Camp Crowell,” says Charlene Meidlinger, Assistant Executive Director for the Girl Scouts National Capital Council.
Making the Most of Your Web Site
Most camps these days have at least some kind of web presence, whether it’s a simple home page or a full-fledged, multi-page mega-site with all the bells and whistles. But no matter
The Affirmation Postcard
The affirmation postcard is the single greatest idea I’ve ever had to build camper retention, communicate effectively with parents, and build a camper’s sense of self-worth. Like all good
Programming for Tweens
Way, way back when I started working at Bellingham, Washington Parks and Recreation, (okay it was in 1979), youth programs fell into three age groups. Pre-school activities were geared for
The Healing Power of Camp
“Superheroes sometimes come in small packages.” So reads the tagline on the GiantKids Web site, a testament to the spirit and philosophy of this New York State charity helping to serve the needs and
Building For The Future
You’ll see them at the major entrances into our hometown--in the Wal-Mart parking lot on the north side, in front of Hawkins Market on the west side, and at the Antique Mall shopping
The State of Camping at KOA
“Camping” means different things to different people. To those trekking the Appalachian Trail, it means backpacks and periodic town stops to pick up supplies and mail. To others, it means
Counselor-In-Training
I remember my daughter’s first year at All Arts & Sciences Camp at George Mason University. Brynn begged me to let her stay overnight. “Let’s try commuter first, and if you like the camp,
Rain Harvest
There is nothing new under the sun, as the old adage goes. There is also nothing new under the rain. Rain is a free source of nearly pure water. Catching or harvesting rain is an ancient