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/commitment-how-do-we-earn-it-how-do-we-keep-it

An answer to this question of the century may seem counterintuitive, yet it is at the core of most camp communities: Relationships. More than ever, staff are looking for connection and belonging. So...

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/confessions-disciplinarian-how-managing-camper-behavior-can-save-summer

Like many camp directors — and other educators for that matter — I am frequently thrust into the unenviable role of disciplinarian. And, frankly, I don't feel that I'm very good at it. That is my...

https://www.acacamps.org/article/camping-magazine/aquatic-safety-staff

It's a bright, sunny, warm day and you and your friends have the next twenty-four hours off. Not far from camp, about an hour away, is a remote yet popular swimming area where you can hang out, swim...

https://www.acacamps.org/article/camping-magazine/staff-training-what-do-you-expect

Summer camp staff training — what exactly is it? If you take all the ideas and definitions; all the content from years past provided by the American Camp Association (ACA), the health department, and...

https://www.acacamps.org/article/campline/case-studies-2015-crisis-hotline-annual-review

Each year, the Camp Crisis Hotline Team identifies a select number of case studies for a more in-depth look, and to serve as examples for other camps to use in staff training and the development of...

https://www.acacamps.org/article/camping-magazine/snapshot-camper-enrollment-2015

After reviewing the results of the 2015 Enrollment Survey, in general, camps had a good year as enrollment continued to rise. The majority of camps reported at least maintaining the same enrollment...

https://www.acacamps.org/article/camping-magazine/strategic-planning-moving-ideas-practice

Strategic planning, when used properly by a nonprofit organization, will result in a plan of action that moves ideas to practice. Those who have not been a part of strategic planning before might be...

https://www.acacamps.org/article/camping-magazine/camp-culture-carriers-what-happens-when-they-age-out

Many residential and day camps are experiencing their older and most experienced counselors aging out because they now need full-time employment and can no longer remain at camp for the summer....