https://www.acacamps.org/article/camping-magazine/fight-flight-or-form-use-brain-research-connect-campers

We are lucky to be at camp, in the modern world, and not living in a jungle where each new thing might kill us. The fight or flight response comes from ancient times when a person encountered a...

https://www.acacamps.org/article/camping-magazine/welcome-generation-camp

I live in Minnesota where the season’s changing is often dramatic and spectacular. One day it’s ten below zero and the next 65 with bright sun and birds gleefully singing. And although we are all...

https://www.acacamps.org/article/camping-magazine/ready-camp-avoiding-surprise-challenging-camper-behavior

Dear 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/atypical-camper-jasons-story

Whenever a parent called with an interest in our camp for a child diagnosed with Asperger’s, I tried to meet the child to feel confident he could successfully adjust to camp. Jason was referred...

https://www.acacamps.org/article/camping-magazine/argument-we-must-learn-make-camp-creates-advantage

As I’m sure is true with many camps, we spent several weeks last October and November recruiting and visiting families in the major cities from which we draw campers. It is a fun and sometimes...

https://www.acacamps.org/article/camping-magazine/now-then-summer-school-camp

The fine art of getting children outdoors and the genuine growth it facilitates has long been known. Aristotle said, “In all things of nature there is something of the marvelous.” Shakespeare’s Duke...

https://www.acacamps.org/article/camping-magazine/conservation-generation-doing-good-work

At Blue Star, as at many camps, we care passionately about healing the planet. As third generation owners/directors, we are humbled and honored to continue and deepen the long tradition of social...

https://www.acacamps.org/article/camping-magazine/when-staff-mesh-impacts-camp

Everyone has a mental, emotional, social health (MESH) profile. For most of us, our MESH profile is within a “normal” range. Some days are better than others. Some things push our buttons, others don...

https://www.acacamps.org/article/camping-magazine/interface-between-camp-family-challenge-dealing-loss-bereavement

In my years as a staff trainer/advisor, perhaps one of the most challenging issues I have had to deal with is helping campers, staff members, and families deal with illness and death occurring prior...

https://www.acacamps.org/article/camping-magazine/camper-enrollment-continued-upward-trend-2014

Economically speaking, 2014 felt a little better across the nation. The Dow was up a bit, the jobs reports were somewhat positive, and people seemed to be spending money. Early in 2015 it still feels...