By Dan Shortridge  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.
Programming Guest User Programming Guest User

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.

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Top Programming Ideas
Programming Guest User Programming Guest User

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

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Themed Activities
Programming Guest User Programming Guest User

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

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No Fear
Administration, Columns Bryan Buchko Administration, Columns Bryan Buchko

No Fear

According to camp legend, a neighboring farmer who owned 100 acres abutting our property, hated our camp. Like all legends, it hadn’t always been that way. For the first sixty years, the farmer, his family and

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Backward Day
Programming Bryan Buchko Programming Bryan Buchko

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,

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Cookies Versus Popcorn
Facilities Bryan Buchko Facilities Bryan Buchko

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.

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Programming for Tweens
Programming Bryan Buchko Programming Bryan Buchko

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

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The Healing Power of Camp
Programming Bryan Buchko Programming Bryan Buchko

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

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Building For The Future
Programming Bryan Buchko Programming Bryan Buchko

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

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The State of Camping at KOA
Facilities Bryan Buchko Facilities Bryan Buchko

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

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Rain Harvest
Facilities Bryan Buchko Facilities Bryan Buchko

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

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Chow Time
Food Service Bryan Buchko Food Service Bryan Buchko

Chow Time

Every year around this time radio stations across the country dust off Alan Sherman’s “Camp Granada.” “Hello Mudda. Hello Fadda. Here I am at Camp Granada,” the lyrics start and proceed

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