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/how-prepare-food-allergies-camp

In honor of Food Allergy Awareness Week (May 14–20, 2017), Margaret Redmond, MD, discusses how to be lower the chances of food allergy reactions at camp and what to do in case of allergen...

https://www.acacamps.org/blog/moderating-childhood-stress-through-camp

Exposure to adverse childhood events (ACE) can lead children to drinking alcohol, smoking, illicit drug use, overeating, and other maladaptive behaviors (Stevens, 2015). These children can experience...

https://www.acacamps.org/blog/tips-lyme-disease-prevention-camp

As staffers, parents and kids prepare for another memorable summer at camp, there is one important detail that must not escape our attention - doing everything possible to ensure that children are...

https://www.acacamps.org/blog/talk-set-success

Like many camps that are hiring college-aged staff to work during the summer, over the past few years I have noticed an increase in staff that are being treated for (or have recently been treated for...

https://www.acacamps.org/blog/most-important-question-you-can-ask-alumni-staff-applicant

We love having alumni apply to work for our program. Following their years of participation as campers, we ask them to step away for a year or two before they can reengage as a staff member. We...

https://www.acacamps.org/blog/evaluating-your-camp-staff-orientation-during-orientation

You did it! You’ve checked all the boxes and hired a full team of staff for the summer — counselors, lifeguards, ropes experts, and everything in between. As spring fully begins its transition into...

https://www.acacamps.org/blog/handwashing-make-it-really-effective

Handwashing remains one of our most effective protective behaviors against communicable disease. While handwashing doesn’t guarantee protection and safety, a person can certainly reduce risk of...

https://www.acacamps.org/blog/your-staff-are-hired-now-what

You have hired your staff, but training does not begin for another few months. For our camp staff to be prepared to work with children on Day 1, their training must begin well before the buses pull...

https://www.acacamps.org/blog/how-manage-camp-staff-fatigue

Fatigue at camp is like inclement weather at camp. You’re going to have it at some point, but if you spot it before it happens, you can take steps to be prepared for it and reduce the impact it has...