https://www.acacamps.org/blog/conversation-katie-how-one-camper-handles-mental-illness

The thing about mental, emotional and social health (MESH) is that you never know when, and you never know how, it is going to affect you...

https://www.acacamps.org/blog/making-sense-mesh-partnerships-parents

As we tackle mental, emotional, and social health (MESH) issues in our programs, we must use every tool possible to help the struggling person. ...

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/blog/why-camps-after-school-programs-should-work-together-hire-staff

I am a camp guy. I spent 10 summers growing up at various overnight camps as a camper, counselor, dishwasher, and unit head. As ACA research has shown, these experiences provided me with some of my...

https://www.acacamps.org/blog/staff-workforce-development-what-helps-what-hinders-it

Camp is a fantastic place for growth and development, not only of campers but young staff too. The skills they learn while working in this context prepare them for college, career, and life! 

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/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/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...

https://www.acacamps.org/blog/tips-calming-down-overwhelmed-camp-counselors

“It’s hot.” “I’m tired.” “My campers are crazy.” “My co-counselor is not pulling his/her own weight.” “I am just not sure I have enough left in my tank to finish the summer.” All of these are...