https://www.acacamps.org/article/camping-magazine/ready-camp-avoiding-surprise-challenging-camper-behavior
Ready for Camp: Avoiding the Surprise of Challenging Camper BehaviorDear Bob: We had three boys in our day camp last summer, all six to eight years old, who had to be dismissed from our program. This represents an all-time record for us. Not one to be proud of....
https://www.acacamps.org/article/camping-magazine/trenches-reflecting-learning
In the Trenches: Reflecting and LearningPeople in medical professions call it a “post mortem” — an unfortunate term that literally means “after death.” People in human services and professional development call it “debriefing,” while the...
https://www.acacamps.org/article/camping-magazine/trenches-working-effectively-internally-distracted-campers
In the Trenches: Working Effectively with Internally Distracted CampersDuring a mid-summer visit to a four-week, coed, residential camp, I spoke with the division leader (DL) of the youngest girls and learned about an eight-year-old camper whom I will call Eva. Eva had...
https://www.acacamps.org/article/camping-magazine/staff-support
Staff and SupportHi Bob! I am new to camp life, specifically as a new camp director. I have inherited an administrative staff that grew up at camp and spent many years working with the former director. They all have...
https://www.acacamps.org/article/camping-magazine/trenches-trouble-lodge-two-simple-behavioral-strategies-camper-behavior
In the Trenches: Trouble in the Lodge — Two Simple Behavioral Strategies for Camper BehaviorDear Bob, We had a first-time eight-year-old female camper last summer who, after a brief bout of homesickness, adjusted well to camp, made friends, and began enjoying the activities...
https://www.acacamps.org/article/camping-magazine/trenches
In the TrenchesDear Bob, We have a high elements ropes course at camp that became the scene of some harassment last summer. As you probably know, it is not so unusual for some campers to...
https://www.acacamps.org/article/camping-magazine/handling-sensitive-issues-campers-bring-you
Handling the Sensitive Issues Campers Bring to YouWhen You've Earned Your Campers' Trust, You May Get More Than You Bargained For You are out on an overnight hiking trip, sitting around the campfire with your campers and co-counselors, enjoying...
https://www.acacamps.org/article/camping-magazine/brain-development-teens
Brain Development and TeensSchool had never been a successful place for 13-year-old Manuel. He never felt smart enough or capable enough or emotionally safe enough to do well in school. For one thing, the "neck up" learning...
https://www.acacamps.org/article/camping-magazine/trenches-camper-behavior-growth-without-shame
In the Trenches: Camper Behavior — Growth without ShameDuring the summer, I have many opportunities to see and discuss camper behavior at the several camps I visit during the season. It never ceases to amaze me how quickly even some well-educated,...
https://www.acacamps.org/article/camping-magazine/trenches-countering-fear-darkness
In the Trenches: Countering Fear and DarknessDear Bob, Do you have any thoughts about what to say to staff or campers who may have fears or anxiety in the aftermath of the Newtown shootings and the bombings at the Boston...