https://www.acacamps.org/article/camping-magazine/informed-staffing-through-form-follows-function-program-assessment

In architecture, the phrase “form follows function” means that a building’s purpose should be the starting point for its design. Similarly, the purpose of camp staff — why you have them and what...

https://www.acacamps.org/article/camping-magazine/sorry-not-sorry

We've all been there. We're trying to help or referee some situation with kids, we're told a few things or parts of the story, and we think we know what happened, so we turn to the kid who we think...

https://www.acacamps.org/article/camping-magazine/risk-management-supervising-young-supervisor

Because frontline staff, such as cabin counselors or activity leaders, typically spend the most time directly with campers, most accidents involving campers occur under their care. Therefore, it is...

https://www.acacamps.org/article/camping-magazine/brighter-futures-through-innovative-programming-2022-eleanor-eells-award-winners

Each year, ACA’s Eleanor P. Eells Award for Program Excellence honors camps that embody the spirit of the award’s namesake through their efforts to provide exceptional programming that effectively...

https://www.acacamps.org/article/camping-magazine/how-do-you-spur-culture-change-camp

If you’re noticing something that could use a change, there’s a good chance that others are too.

https://www.acacamps.org/article/camping-magazine/first-contact-end-contract

We know that staff can be a challenge to find, attract, hire, engage, and retain. What makes the staff journey result in forward progress from start to completion of their camp experience? Current...

https://www.acacamps.org/article/camping-magazine/changing-framework-abuse-prevention-training

This past summer was one of navigating “firsts.” For many camps, it was navigating a reopening in the middle of a pandemic. For others it was dealing with the challenges created by quarantines and...

https://www.acacamps.org/article/camping-magazine/preventing-burnout-caring-your-staffs-mental-health-while-camp-session

A camp job is hard work. Camp is so worth it, as evidenced by all the positive outcomes research has shown campers achieve. But that does not make the job any easier — especially for the teenagers...

https://www.acacamps.org/article/camping-magazine/sankofa-value-meaningful-debrief-end-camp-season

Another camp season is complete. After working overtime to ensure that every session was special, enriching, and fun-filled, we camp professionals are finally able to exhale. We did it! The energy,...

https://www.acacamps.org/article/campline/prepare-lifeguards-takeoff-your-camp-aquatics-program

Last spring, I had lunch with an old high school friend of mine who had recently switched careers. After almost 30 years as a paramedic/firefighter, he had an opportunity to pursue his lifelong dream...