Top Tips for Camps

1. Intentionally select program activities that provide one or more of the youth-development supports (supportive relationships, safety, youth involvement, skill building).
2. Identify and improve ways in which campers are immersed in your camp’s program, philosophy, traditions, and mission.
3. Examine ways to enhance camper's feelings of physical and emotional safety.
4. Create meaningful new practices in which youth feel involved in decision making and leadership opportunities.
5. Evaluate activity plans to see how they provide challenges, support, and reinforcement of your camp’s mission.

Tips adapted from Designing Quality Youth Programs. American Camp Association.

Additional Articles and Advice

• Building Camps that Care About Kids (Camping Magazine Series)
  • The Role of Safety
  • The Role of Skill-Building
  • The Role of Supportive Relationships
  • The Role of Youth Involvement
• Designing Quality Youth Programs
• ACA National Study on Program Improvement Process: Innovations, Inspirations