March/April 2023
VOLUME 23 | ISSUE 4
Table of Contents
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Camp Business is written by residential and day camp directors, staff members, and counselors. If that is you, then Camp Business is an important resource full of real-world experience you can use to solve problems, create new opportunities, and keep your community healthy and happy.
This Month’s Articles
As an old-timer in aquatics, I’ve taught literally thousands of hours of swimming lessons. I became a water-safety instructor (WSI) in 1977 and water-safety instructor training (WSIT) in 1984, and have maintained those certifications.
Camp leaders need to master the art of storytelling. Not just the campfire version—the marketing kind. Without stories, you can’t get good, consistent, local media coverage, which is vital to keeping a camp in the public eye and topmost in the mind of families.
Summer camps often include special events on the calendar to create excitement beyond the routine activities. Yet often these events are one-dimensional as the programming may only feature costume dress-up or a themed show.
Because I said I would is an international social movement and nonprofit 501(c)(3) charity dedicated to the betterment of humanity through promises made and kept. The organization was founded in 2012 following a viral internet offer to send ten Promise Cards at no cost, to anyone, anywhere in the world.
Many kids dream of running away with the circus, but did you know they actually can? Celebrating its 35th anniversary in 2022, Circus Smirkus is a nonprofit, circus-arts organization that inspires kids of all ages to develop artistic, athletic, and life skills through the power of performance.
In March, the Buckeye Leadership Workshop (BLW) reconvened for its first real-world, in-person gathering at the Recreation Unlimited facility in Ashley, Ohio. Like many organizations, BLW has had to pivot and adapt its annual program to the ever-evolving requirements of a global pandemic.
Whether done on-site or on a trip, swimming can be one of the most challenging activities to host at camp. Not only does the environment have to be fun and engaging, but swimming must be done safely with large groups of kids—all of whom have varying swim levels.
Teaching a new skill to campers, especially in a sport with a complex motor skill like the golf swing, can be challenging. But it also can be the most satisfying and meaningful camp experience for both campers and the instructor, using a strength-based approach.
Most camps have worked hard for decades to get kids and staff to wash their hands after using the bathroom and before meals. Now both groups do it almost instinctively.
Registrations have a huge impact on the success of your camp. But the same challenges always seem to come up! Discover five ways technology can solve the most common challenges and make sure 2023 is your best registration year yet.
Here in central Idaho, we’re surrounded by water—literally. We’re home to some of the world’s best whitewater rafting and kayaking rivers.
A collection of news items, product announcements and event notices designed to keep you on the cutting edge.
Industry news you won’t want to miss. Check out what’s coming up!
Product Review
These individual sticks are available in original, teriyaki, and jalapeno flavors and are the perfect portable snack for any outdoor activity. They are 1.75 ounces providing hunger-satisfying protein in convenient, individually wrapped portion sizes.
https://oldtrapper.com/
Madison Chemical introduces ULTRA-CLEAN US-159, an alkaline detergent developed specifically for difficult cleaning operations involving the removal of aged, oxidized, burned-on oil and grease. Its unique formula produces low to moderate foam, thus maximizing ultrasonic cavitation. ULTRA-CLEAN US-159 is ideal for machinery rebuilding, including engines and transmission, component cleaning during maintenance procedures, and more.
www.madchem.com
Can Coldies feature stainless-steel construction and double-wall insulation to keep beverages cold, whether at home after work, or around a campfire. Available in three sizes for 12- to 16-ounce cans, they’re ideal for soda, seltzer, cold brew, tea, and more. Available for $26 to $30 in Obsidian, Red Rock and Snowflake colors.
http://brutrek.com
EdgeRider Mini Golf is the name of a new pre-designed nine- or 18-hole portable modular mini golf course featuring a new miniature golf ball edge transfer system. The courses feature the new edge technology applied to a patented interlocking panel modular system. The edge technology can also be used on concrete golf courses to replace a brick edge or provide a smooth edge inside an artificial rock edge.
www.AGSGolfAndSports.com
Reminiscent of small grassland mushrooms, the aluminum musical bells—tuned to the pentatonic C-major scale—“sing” when struck with the attached mallets. The stainless-steel “gill” on the underside of the cap completes the look. The cluster of six powder-coated conical “caps” in bright colors and wiggly-shaped stainless-steel “stems” positioned at different heights and angles is an eye-catching piece that will quickly become an instant favorite.
www.percussionplay.com
Offered in multiple sizes from 59 to 118 inches wide, the push brooms are available in a light series with eight brush rows or a medium series with 12 brush rows. Featuring polypropylene bristles, the replaceable brush rows are easy to change and clean. Additionally, the brooms contain no moving parts, resulting in practically no maintenance requirements.
www.hilltipna.com
Easy to install, save installation time and avoid core drilling holes with LED Indicator Fixtures which mount right on top of the desired surface. The 2-inch 12-Volt Indicators are round and directional, providing soft, diffused illumination for walkways and other exterior spaces. The luminaires are available in stainless steel or bronzed stainless-steel finishes. Warm 2700K or pure white 3000K color temperatures are available. Various styles are offered in 90 CRI with a 60,000-hour rated life. 10-foot lead wire is also included.
www.WACLandscapeLighting.com
Buyer’s Guide
Marketspace Spotlight
Coming Up
May/june 2023
Staff Training
Staffing & Staff Training
Renovation Projects
Sports & Recreation
Website Upgrades
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Arts-and-crafts projects are one of the cornerstones of camp activities. It is important to plan and organize these projects so campers understand what’s expected.