Camps

Not My Job …Or Is It?

On my first morning at camp, I could not believe my bleary eyes. As I walked to my cabin from the washrooms, I saw a few fellow campers and a bunch of staff silently picking up garbage strewn about the trash bins.

Camps 6 min read

Expert Problem-Solving

If directors run a well-organized recreation program and provide great communication, parent complaints will be minimal. But sometimes incidents occur that are beyond the staff’s control, leading parents to complain.

Camps 2 min read

Fun For All

At Indiana-based Discovery Day Camp, Valparaiso Parks and Recreation staff members love bringing the entire camp (140 campers) together for exciting "All Camps"—special activities in which everyone works toward a common goal, whether creating a mural or competing in a fun challenge.

Camps 3 min read

Anticipating The Cold

Though the coldest months haven’t yet arrived in many states, it’s important to prepare facilities for winter weather. When park leaders hear other organizations complaining about frozen pipes and expensive repairs this winter, they’ll be glad they were proactive.

This article is for Paid-members only

Camps 5 min read

Vision For The Future

A formal business plan helps directors run a camp, serving as a guide through each stage of operation management. The plan provides the structure for camp operations and is also the roadmap for growth and goal achievement.

This article is for Paid-members only

Camps 5 min read

Return To Form

When campers are ready to return, directors and counselors are tasked with keeping them happy and occupied, but it’s also important to create camp programs that stand out.

This article is for Paid-members only

Camps 5 min read

A Cheer For Peace

August 6, 1980, was my first day at overnight camp. The day began with homesick tears and almost ended in gloomy ones. My cabin had just lost a close tennis baseball game to a neighboring cabin.

This article is for Paid-members only

Camps 7 min read

A Winning Strategy

Game days are the reason kids, parents, and coaches participate in youth sports. Coordinators put all the work into planning, marketing, registration, player evaluations, team formation, orientation, coaches’ meetings, and scheduling.

This article is for Paid-members only

Camps 3 min read

Continuing Education Spotlight: Camp Insurance

As a camp manager or director, participating in timely training is important not only to keep skills relevant but also to stay informed about issues impacting the camp industry. One such issue is insurance.

This article is for Paid-members only

Camps 5 min read

Learning On The Job

You’ve invested time and creativity into pre-season staff training, perhaps combining some pre-arrival video training modules from ExpertOnlineTraining.com with some creative on-site workshops and scenarios.

This article is for Paid-members only

Camps 7 min read

Camp Administration 101: Memorable Meals

Food service at camp can be essential or nonessential depending on the type of program. Whether the service is already offered or being considered, some factors should be kept in mind.

This article is for Paid-members only

Camps 4 min read

Finding Fresh Air

Ah, the joys of summer camps and recreational activities—eager youngsters learning new sports, campers forming lifelong friendships…and dozens of children ending up in the emergency room because of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Those hospital visits are every recreation manager’s nightmare.

This article is for Paid-members only

Camps 5 min read