Give Yourself an Edge

Now, while the lessons of proud moments and pains of this summer are fresh in your mind, take time to decide how you’ll do it even better next time. Design elements into your staff training, camper programs, food service, and parent communications that will help smooth minor glitches and ensure happy returning families. Figure out how to document the impact of your program on the growth of your campers. Understand where you could have done better. And even if you had a perfect summer, build an even better program by thinking about the possible outcomes your campers.

From the ACA Bookstore

• Checking in with Campers—A Great Method for Learning What’s Up at Camp
• Creating Positive Youth Outcomes
• Play It, Measure It: Experiences Designed to Elicit Specific Youth Outcomes
• Enhancing Power of Their Camp Experience: Designing Staff Training to Meet The Developmental Needs of Your Staff

e-Institute Courses

• Creating Positive Youth Outcomes
• Designing Quality Youth Programs
• Effective Supervision Skills for Senior Staff
• Bullying Prevention: Critical Strategies for Staff
• Risk Management: What Every Staff Member Needs to Know

Research Tools

• ACA Youth Outcomes Battery
• Program Quality Toolbox
• Healthy Camp Toolbox

Photo courtesy of Camp Killoqua near Everett, Washington