https://www.acacamps.org/article/camping-magazine/trenches-reflecting-learning

People 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

During 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

Hi 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

Dear 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

Dear 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/culture-clash-consequences-camps

"Emily" is a six-year-old camper in the "Jellyfish" group at an East Coast day camp. She is a new camper this year, coming into a group where about 70 percent of the campers are returning. She comes...

https://www.acacamps.org/article/camping-magazine/handling-sensitive-issues-campers-bring-you

When 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

School 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

During 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

Dear 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...