https://www.acacamps.org/blog/no-generation-left-behind
No Generation Left BehindWithout a doubt, the most popular comment I get from clients in my public speaking work is (some variation of) “’Kids today have absolutely no initiative or basic work ethic! I ask them, ‘Well, how...
https://www.acacamps.org/article/camping-magazine/meet-staff-where-they-are-not-where-you-wish-them-be
Meet Staff Where They Are — Not Where You Wish Them to BeUnanswered emails. Requests (demands) for time off. Over-involved parents. What's the matter with young people today? Most likely nothing! We have more in common with this cohort of staff than one...
https://www.acacamps.org/news/press-release/lilly-endowment-grant-supports-program-quality-initiative-summer-camps
Lilly Endowment Grant Supports Program Quality Initiative in Summer CampsThe grant will help strengthen and expand how summer camp experiences support learning and growth among children and youth. Indianapolis (Jan 24, 2020) – Lilly Endowment...
https://www.acacamps.org/article/camping-magazine/yes-only-means-yes-until-something-better-comes-along-making-camp-best-offer-gen-z-staff
Yes Only Means Yes Until Something Better Comes Along: Making Camp the Best Offer for Gen Z StaffStaff sign a contract, then inform you the week before camp begins that they won’t be coming after all. Or staff commit to working the entire season only to tell (not ask!) you they are leaving for...
https://www.acacamps.org/article/camping-magazine/project-real-job-moving-forward-together
Project Real Job — Moving Forward TogetherIn the early ’80s, I graduated from high school and made a simple but life-changing decision. It was May and I hadn’t yet made plans for the summer. My mom encouraged me to call my former camp...
https://www.acacamps.org/blog/summer-camp-unique-environment-social-emotional-learning
Summer Camp: A Unique Environment for Social and Emotional LearningAs an education research organization affiliated with the Graduate School of Education at Stanford University, we thought it was an exciting opportunity to investigate camp as a unique learning...
https://www.acacamps.org/blog/happy-campers-how-camp-relationships-promote-social-emotional-learning
Happy Campers: How Camp Relationships Promote Social and Emotional LearningYoung people are diverse and dynamic, and they have myriad pathways to success. Unfortunately, youth development research often highlights watered-down averages of sample sets that offer limited...
https://www.acacamps.org/blog/outside-camp-customers-inside-camp-customers
Outside Camp Customers and Inside Camp CustomersCamp owners always remember their outside customers (camp parents and campers), but inside customers (camp staff) are just as important.
https://www.acacamps.org/article/camping-magazine/make-copies-or-make-difference-camp-real-job
Make Copies or Make a Difference? Camp Is a Real JobThere has never been a better time to work at camp!
https://www.acacamps.org/blog/expect-more-your-leadership-team-encourage-them-expect-more-you
Expect More from Your Leadership Team (and Encourage Them to Expect More from You)This blog post in support of Project Real Job discusses why you should expect more from your summer camp leadership team and how to encourage them to expect more from you.