https://www.acacamps.org/article/camping-magazine/it-over-yet

The year 2020 was one of adversity. It was a year of dramatic change and tremendous loss for many. Loss of loved ones. Loss of income. Loss of business. Loss of treasured life experiences —...

https://www.acacamps.org/article/camping-magazine/health-screening-has-evolved-does-your-practice-reflect

Health screening, a practice typical to most camps' opening day process, has undergone an evolution. Granted, some changes were kick-started by our COVID-19 experience but, like...

https://www.acacamps.org/article/camping-magazine/armed-dangerous-fugitive-situations-near-camp

In the summers of 2017 and 2018, the West Virginia 4-H camp program experienced multiple incidents where camps were locked down due to armed suspects in the area. In one incident, a man stole a truck...

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/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/learning-live-fire-how-camps-can-adapt-new-normal

In August of 2018, the Donnell Fire started in Tuolumne County, California — eventually destroying some 60 square miles of forests before burning out on October 1 of that year. It was a stressful...

https://www.acacamps.org/article/camping-magazine/games-activities-strengthen-positive-mental-health

“Remember this — every member of your staff and every camper in your program has been through a traumatic experience!” One of my absolute favorite ACA National Conference moments came a few years...

https://www.acacamps.org/article/camping-magazine/recruiting-interviewing-hiring-ensure-best-best

Recruiting, interviewing, and hiring staff is the most important part of your job as a camp director. It is the single most time-consuming and, at times, tedious task you will undertake. However,...

https://www.acacamps.org/article/camping-magazine/child-sexual-abuse-prevention-critical-role-parents

Hypothesis: "The fight against child molesters begins by parents teaching their children." The Problem Sexual abuse of children and youth remains an insidious concern in American society....

https://www.acacamps.org/article/campline/preventing-pre-planning-response-emergencies

Establish positive relationships with police or other law enforcement officials who provide service to the camp. Establish a system of monitoring camper behavior. Provide additional support when...