https://www.acacamps.org/article/camping-magazine/place-share-investing-professional-development

For my camp, the ACA national conference (this year in Dallas, Texas) is always the highlight of our winter. Those of us who are experienced (please note that I am avoiding the word “old”) can get...

https://www.acacamps.org/article/camping-magazine/moments-truth-things-you-say-things-you-do

Kevin Kevin was nine years old when his parents sent him to summer camp in Minnesota. He was overweight, not athletic, not very confident — and more than anything, not wanting to be there!...

https://www.acacamps.org/article/camping-magazine/four-simple-words-better-communication

One of the main challenges of being on staff at camp is the degree to which you suddenly have to communicate with so many people. Because you have decided to accept the awesome responsibility for the...

https://www.acacamps.org/article/camping-magazine/wanton-words-curbing-verbal-crudeness-cruelty-camp

I love language. The beauty of a poem, the lyricism of a novel, the passion of a political speech, the sentiment of a heartfelt toast, the humor of standup comedy, and the simplicity of a handwritten...

https://www.acacamps.org/article/camping-magazine/tears-rain-disciplinary-debacles-summer-camp-lessons-learned

The sometimes heavy rain on the last and closing days of camp only accentuated the tears of sadness shed in this closest of communities. Some were tears borne of the profound sense of loss that the...

https://www.acacamps.org/article/camping-magazine/play-ball-innovative-staff-training-helps-campers-acclimate

“They threw you a curveball,” suggests a brave staff member, after thinking it over for a moment. “Be sure you cover all your bases,” offers another. Thanking them for getting the ball rolling...

https://www.acacamps.org/article/camping-magazine/signing-dotted-line-commitment-two-way-street

Congratulations! You committed to working at camp this summer, and the director and/or team who hired you have been anticipating your arrival since you signed on the dotted line! It is completely...

https://www.acacamps.org/article/camping-magazine/been-there-done-got-t-shirt-challenges-seasonal-return-camp

Welcome back! In most camps, returning staff are an important part of a successful summer, bringing knowledge, perspective, and opportunities to broaden the camp experience for the campers. It's also...

https://www.acacamps.org/article/camping-magazine/sympathy-empathy-shift-compassion

Learning about a revolutionary and powerful new understanding of the dynamic of caretaking may change the way you train your staff, talk with parents, and think about yourself. Peter is...

https://www.acacamps.org/article/camping-magazine/groundhog-day

Harold Ramis' classic Groundhog Day (1993) turned a once minor day in February and minimally celebrated holiday into a profound lesson on love, life, and one's personal journey of growth and...