https://www.acacamps.org/blog/planning-mental-emotional-social-health-mesh-summer

The smiling faces and laughter heard across camps each summer result from days, weeks, and months of planning. We spend considerable time meticulously planning our themes, activities, equipment, food...

https://www.acacamps.org/blog/why-every-camp-should-be-teaching-practicing-meditation-campers

The wonder of a child — it’s something we strive for in adulthood. Imagination, amazement, and the simple appreciation for life’s little treasures: the gold spray of sunlight through a window, or the...

https://www.acacamps.org/article/camping-magazine/become-trauma-informed-add-capacity-your-mesh-toolbox

Did you know that two out of every three adults have experienced at least one adverse childhood event (ACE) by the time they reach 18 years of age? In addition, one in eight adults reports...

https://www.acacamps.org/article/campline/allergies-camp-whats-camp-director-do

According to a study released in 2013 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, food allergies among children increased approximately 50 percent between 1997 and 20111. And, many of these...

https://www.acacamps.org/blog/how-get-kids-calm-down

Working closely and networking with other camp professionals is one of the best tools for growing our own camp programs. I am fortunate to have a dear friend, Audrey Monke, who is the owner/director...

https://www.acacamps.org/article/camping-magazine/trash-your-tank-unhealthy-food-choices-avoid

A chronically tired Ethan struggles to reach the end of a long day as a summer camp counselor. Rising early in the morning to prod sleepy-head campers and vigilantly conduct morning swim tests at the...

https://www.acacamps.org/blog/mental-emotional-social-health-situations-camp

Linda Ebner Erceg, RN, MS, PHN, shares some mental, emotional, and social health (MESH) situations that may occur at camp and how to respond appropriately.

https://www.acacamps.org/article/camping-magazine/locating-working-effectively-supervising-physician-nurse-practitioner

Camp professionals are well aware of the critical need to have a medical professional associated with the camp's health services. This professional typically provides direction when questions arise...

https://www.acacamps.org/article/camping-magazine/evolution-dietary-guidelines

If we were to prepare the most scientifically healthy diet daily for our campers, what would that look like? It seems that what is considered a "healthy diet" has changed so many times over the years...

https://www.acacamps.org/blog/nellies-gift-story-trauma-informed-care

Nellie was a conundrum. She didn’t smile very readily and preferred hanging out at the edge of camper groups. She didn’t initiate conversation either; she generally waited until someone approached...