https://www.acacamps.org/article/camping-magazine/character-time-place-culture-meditation-growth-camp

The word character carries weight. It evokes images of resilience, courage, and kindness under pressure — qualities we hope to develop in our children and refine in ourselves. Yet character, like the...

https://www.acacamps.org/article/camping-magazine/fostering-positive-character-camp

The “fun” started on the very first day of camp. I was helping some of my 10-year-old boys put their belongings into their respective cubbies when I turned to help a youngster we’ll call “Jake.” As I...

https://www.acacamps.org/article/camping-magazine/character-cultivation-character-controversy

Let’s be honest: as camp leaders, you deal with a lot of controversy. And it can be exhausting! Controversy may stem from drama with staff, parents, or your board — and camper drama is ever-...

https://www.acacamps.org/article/camping-magazine/more-character-less-risk

Risk management is a significant part of any camp professional’s role. Reducing risk at camp requires committing to a combination of approaches, such as regularly updating policies and procedures,...

https://www.acacamps.org/article/camping-magazine/safe-try-safe-fail-cultivating-courage-growth-camp

“Can I try again?” I heard those four words one morning at archery, spoken with shaky confidence by a 10-year-old named Jordan. He’d missed the target, not just the bullseye, but the entire hay...

https://www.acacamps.org/article/camping-magazine/three-creative-activities-keep-kids-engaged

Here are three summertime activities that are fun for campers of all ages. Moving Water About the Game: For this game you will need two containers and one sponge, cut in half,...

https://www.acacamps.org/article/camping-magazine/moving-forward-together-character-camp

At any given point in the summer, I can stop what I am doing and listen. Through the distance and the noise, I can hear the laughter and play of millions of children at camps across the country. As I...

https://www.acacamps.org/article/camping-magazine/sailing-experience-lifetime

Last summer, I had the incredible opportunity to be part of an Outward Bound sailing course, an experience that I hope to do again in the near future. I had never sailed before, and the thought of...

https://www.acacamps.org/article/camping-magazine/strategic-planning-rooted-character

Every camp reaches a moment when it has to ask itself: Are we still serving our mission in the most impactful way? Are we ready for the future? How do we ensure long-term sustainability...

https://www.acacamps.org/article/camping-magazine/using-community-practice-promote-character-camp-leadership-programs

An Interview with Ana Baggiano and John “Mitch” Mitchell