September/October 2022

Written By Danielle Beattie

VOLUME 23 | ISSUE 1

Facility Maintenance

If there was an “upside” to the pandemic, it was that it provided a window to do some larger projects and facility improvements. With a full summer behind you, be honest—it was nice to see those new and renovated facilities full of smiling faces, wasn’t it? From dining halls to bunks to bathrooms and even office spaces, all of that hard work finally paid off, didn’t it? Time to winterize, pack it all up, turn out the lights, and reflect on the summer’s success. Before you know it, you’ll be looking to the next big capital project to welcome more smiling faces.

 
 
 
 
 
 

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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

Featured
Slips, Falls, And Slip Resistance
Michael Wilson
Slips, Falls, And Slip Resistance
Michael Wilson

Camp facilities have a multitude of laws, regulations, and codes to which they must adhere. For many of these facilities, it seems like more laws and rules are added each year.

Michael Wilson
From Surviving To Thriving
Mike Carr
From Surviving To Thriving
Mike Carr

Owning a camp takes expertise and dedication. Often, at the same time children’s feet run through the lodge, the water heater goes on the blink, or the oven in the kitchen refuses to heat up.

Mike Carr
Seasons Of Improvement
Matt Houston
Seasons Of Improvement
Matt Houston

Nestled on the shores of Sebago Lake in Casco, Maine, Camp Sunshine has been providing free retreats for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families since 1984. Although the campus has been much quieter since the last in-person sessions were hosted in February 2020, “turning lemons into lemonade” has remained the mantra.

Matt Houston
Time To Drain The Pipes
Klaus Reichardt
Time To Drain The Pipes
Klaus Reichardt

Most camp administrators—especially those who live in colder areas of the country—know the drill well. By October of each year, it's time to winterize the pipes. 

Klaus Reichardt
Camp Administration 101: Surveys And Evaluations
Jason Schaitz
Camp Administration 101: Surveys And Evaluations
Jason Schaitz

Make it a priority to survey and evaluate every aspect of an operation before, during, and after each camp session. Without detailed feedback, it’s difficult to tell how things are going.

Jason Schaitz
A Foundation Built By Community
Erik Boe
A Foundation Built By Community
Erik Boe

Whether it’s a sleepaway camp where children form an almost instantaneous bond, or a retreat center focused on teambuilding, the camp environment cultivates and sustains communal relationships. No one understands this better than Shiloh Bible Camp & Retreat Center, where the value of community is literally fundamental to its very foundation.

Erik Boe
Camp Administration 101: For Smoother Operations
Jason Schaitz
Camp Administration 101: For Smoother Operations
Jason Schaitz

Whether you own and operate your camp facilities or have a user-group agreement, you have the responsibility to ensure facilities are safe and stand the test of time. Maintaining these facilities properly is the key to making sure this happens.

Jason Schaitz
Building For The Future
Albert Marks
Building For The Future
Albert Marks

Many important questions, conversations, considerations, and decisions are made during the journey toward a ribbon cutting for a new camp building. At initial meetings, camp owners and directors often focus on the most out-of-the-box, wish-list ideas so the design/build team can articulate the camp’s vision and generate a design that will eventually result in a functional, beautiful space.

Albert Marks
Same Job, Different View
David Loftus
Same Job, Different View
David Loftus

A few months ago, I began a new position as Head Chef for YMCA of the Pines, a bustling camp with two separate dining halls and a busy Outdoor Center in New Jersey. The camp had been hit hard by COVID-19, as the entire industry has been, but the leadership team had a vision for growth and prosperity despite uncertainty.

David Loftus
The Happy Place
Rodney Auth
The Happy Place
Rodney Auth

My niece and nephew were supposed to visit us for a week to do some whitewater rafting, zip lining, rock climbing, boating, paddleboarding, and mountain biking. It was an active vacation for active kids.

Rodney Auth
This-N-That
Guest User
This-N-That
Guest User

We know it’s been tough, so we asked readers to share how they fared through the pandemic and beyond. Here are some responses from those who were graciously willing to share. If you would like to add your thoughts to the conversation, feel free to drop us a line at editor@northstarpubs.com.

Guest User
 
 
 
 

Product Review

Product Reviews
JED Pool Tools Vacuum Hose 
JED Pool Tools Vacuum Hose 

This professional-grade, spiral wound extruded 1-1/2-inch diameter vacuum hose comes in 30-, 35-, 40-, 45-, 50- and 75-foot lengths. For commercial use, it is also available in 2-inch by 50 feet and 100 feet. It comes with a 5-year warranty and is available for immediate shipment. Made in the USA.

(570) 344-4137

www.JEDPoolTools.com

Alkorplan Touch-Elegance Pool Liner
Alkorplan Touch-Elegance Pool Liner

AQUA & More, a division of Renolit, offers a new designer pool liner membrane called Alkorplan Touch-Elegance created to renovate swimming pools and give commercial aquatic facilities a high-end designer look. This textured liner membrane pattern is inspired by nature and imitates the look and feel of slate stone. Superior, 80-mil thick reinforced membrane can be used for new pool construction or completely encapsulates and renovates leaking or deteriorated pools. Available for immediate shipment.

(732) 569-7750

www.aquaandmore.com

Chlorine Genie
Chlorine Genie

No chlorine? No problem! Chlorine Genie produces chlorine using a patented technology that combines an electrolytic cell submerged in salty, brine-softened water, reverse osmosis, and a descaling system built right into the unit. No need to put salt in your pool. Instead, imagine water without harsh chemicals, toxic additives or dangerous irritants. Also adjusts pH with a flip of the switch reducing the use of muriatic acid. 

(800) 970-7616

www.chlorinegenie.com 

Lo-Chlor Salt Master
Lo-Chlor Salt Master

Just one weekly dose of Salt Master reduces the need for acid, boosts performance and decreases the frequency of necessary balance adjustments and cell cleanings. It keeps equipment in top shape and lengthens the life of salt chlorine generators. This special formula prevents scale buildup on generator cells, pool equipment and surfaces. In fact, most salt chlorine generators can be operated at lower settings after using Salt Master for just a few weeks.

https://lo-chlor.com/

Steam Jenny Belt-Drive Cold Pressure Washers
Steam Jenny Belt-Drive Cold Pressure Washers

Steam Jenny belt-drive cold pressure washers are powered by 9- or 13-horsepower Honda GX Series engines and offer flow rates between 3 and 4 gpm. Standard features to ensure long service life include thermal pump protection, unloader valve and high-pressure relief valve. Flat-free pneumatic tires help move over any terrain.

www.steamjenny.com

Legacy Tension Fabric Buildings Feature Structural Steel Frame
Legacy Tension Fabric Buildings Feature Structural Steel Frame

Legacy Building Solutions engineers fabric buildings with a durable structural steel frame, allowing easy customization to the exact dimensions required. This provides superior flexibility when designing recreational structures, event centers, and more. The durable ExxoTec PVC fabric cladding allows natural light to permeate the structure’s roof during daytime hours.

(320) 258-0500

www.legacybuildingsolutions.com 

BruTrek OVRLNDR Travel Press
BruTrek OVRLNDR Travel Press

With a removable base, the OVRLNDR Travel Press eases cleanup after brewing coffee while traveling or on outdoor adventures. It also features rugged stainless-steel construction that will stand up to bumping around, double-wall insulation to keep coffee hot, a pour spout cover to help avoid spills and a press that halts the brewing process for a fresh-tasting cup from the first sip to the last. Brews 24 fluid ounces. $50.

https://planetarydesign.com/product/the-ovrlndr-press/

 
 
 
 

Buyer’s Guide

 
 
 
 

Marketspace Spotlight

 

Coming Up

November/December 2022

Special Needs

  • Camper Behavior

  • Specialty Camps

  • Accessibility

  • Social Media Management Tools

 
 

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Danielle Beattie
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