Speed Racer
Have your craft instructors ever planned a 45-minute craft project for a group of campers… and half the group exclaims, “I’m done!” after 15 minutes? In any craft program there are always a few speedy...
View ArticleSensational CD Crafts
What’s flat, round, free and invades your mailbox ever so often? Hint: They hang also out at video stores, fast food outlets and other retail centers. Sample CDs, of course! These shiny, round disks...
View ArticleCraft Connection
This may be hard to believe, but long ago, in a distant galaxy, children actually played outside, building forts and getting dirty while riding bikes through mud puddles. Most astonishing was that...
View ArticleCraft Connection
This may be hard to believe, but long ago, in a distant galaxy, children actually played outside, building forts and getting dirty while riding bikes through mud puddles. Most astonishing was that...
View ArticleSports Programming Twist
You’ve scheduled a family fun afternoon at the local park. Staff encourages participants to play softball. Bor-r-ring. It’s time for the first “real” game for the pee-wee soccer camp. Parents and...
View ArticleCrafting Smiles
What would camp be without those special arts and crafts projects campers make on a regular basis? Crafts provide an opportunity for creativity and communication. Children easily share thoughts and...
View ArticleBook ‘Em, Danno
Naturally your camp is on the cutting edge as far as safety, staff training and child psychology. But are you on the cutting edge of the latest craft phenomena? Do the terms acid free paper, Flip Flop...
View ArticleThe Nature of Fun
We’ve all heard the shocking statistics about the rise in childhood obesity caused by inactivity and too many snacks. Communing with nature is an ideal way to get kids moving instead of staring at a...
View ArticleTop Programming Ideas 2006
Great ideas for the New Year of programming, from directors nationwide. It’s hard to believe it’s already 2006… but it is. And what better time to regroup and plan next year’s programs. Whether it’s an...
View ArticleAsbestos-Free Crafts
It was the early summer of 1990, and a time of innocence in the craft world. A time when I had the greatest intention of running high quality, safe day camps in ten locations throughout the city. I...
View ArticleCraft Potpourri
The art of making smelly crafts. Spend any time around kids at camp and you’ll notice some… well… smells. There’s the smell of pancakes in the morning and smoke around the campfire. Let’s not forget...
View ArticleShiny, Neon, Sparkle Crafts
Why make art projects with ordinary construction paper when you can use neon paper and lots of sparkly stickers? Put on your sunglasses and watch campers shine with creativity using these...
View ArticleBlunt Management
Pick up and read a business magazine and you’re likely to get personnel advice such as “Never criticize an employee directly.” Other books or speakers encourage you to “sandwich” the criticism between...
View ArticleDoesn’t Everyone Love Camp?
When it comes to raising children, controversy abounds. Should toddlers watch TV? Is it better to spank or use time-out? Public school or private? Day camp or residential? All of these issues are...
View ArticleCustomer Service Tips From A-Z
What makes for outstanding customer service in parks and recreation departments? Follow some of these alphabetical tips to provide high quality service, along with a dash of fun for participants in...
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Programming For Tweens
Way, way back when I started working at Bellingham, Washington Parks and Recreation, (OK it was in 1979) youth programs fell into three age groups: Preschool activities were geared for 3-5 year olds,...
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Programming for Tweens
Way, way back when I started working at Bellingham, Washington Parks and Recreation, (okay it was in 1979), youth programs fell into three age groups. Pre-school activities were geared for 3- to...
View ArticleLet’s Hit the Beach!
Just because you don’t have a pool or access to a lake doesn’t mean you can’t offer fun, creative, healthy aquatics programming. Here are 12 ideas sure to please even the most discerning customer:...
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Rain Harvest
Arbor Day Tree and Water Barrel There is nothing new under the sun, as the old adage goes. There is also nothing new under the rain. Rain is a free source of nearly pure water. Catching or harvesting...
View ArticleOff-Season Marketing Ideas
Now that campers have safely returned home and camp is quiet, you have until next summer to relax on your yacht or spend the winter in your Tuscan villa. Isn’t that what camp employees do? On the other...
View ArticleSigns Will Steer ‘Em Straight!
During the holidays, I scan the newspaper for announcements of activities for families. In addition to attending parks and recreation-sponsored craft fairs, holiday concerts and Lunch With Santa, I...
View ArticleSpread The Word
As in most parks and recreation departments, you probably offer a crowd-pleasing array of programs, such as road runs, craft classes, senior excursions and soccer clinics. How about adding an...
View ArticleEqual Opportunity Participation
Listen in on an adult conversation, and it won’t be long until you hear someone say, “I wish I had more time with my family. We’re all going our separate ways, and it seems like we never do anything...
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Spread The Word
As in most parks and recreation departments, you probably offer a crowd-pleasing array of programs, such as road runs, craft classes, senior excursions and soccer clinics. How about adding an...
View ArticleCelebrate National Kid’s Craft Day March 14
Your parks and recreation department celebrates the Fourth of July and Valentine’s Day, so why not celebrate National Kid’s Craft Day? This is a great chance for kids and adults to enjoy gluing,...
View ArticleCrash Course In Crafting
Martha Stewart began her billionaire’s climb to fame and fortune by cooking and making crafts. Millions of loyal fans follow her suggestions for arts and crafts projects. Why not let your young parks...
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Crafts Most Camps Have Never Done
As summer approaches, camps across the country start to gather supplies for the inevitable craft classes, such as Popsicle stick picture frames, painted rocks and apple prints. Now there’s nothing...
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A Royal Treat
It is a typical camp setting. LakeWhatcom sparkles in the background; tall fir trees drop pine cones on cabin roofs while happy campers swim, tie-dye T-shirts, and shop in the camp store. The daily...
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35 Creative Programming Ideas for 2009
The results are in and the ideas are plentiful! We invited readers to submit their most creative programming ideas to find out what keeps their camp ticking. After the submissions came pouring in, we...
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Confessions Of A Pop-Up Queen
As the high school sophomore bobbed in the water, supportive counselors shouted encouragement at her first water-skiing attempt. “Let the boat pull you up! Keep your arms straight! Get the tips out of...
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Let’s Get Twisted
Every camp has its never-fail programs and traditions that campers enjoy every year. Yet what about those so-so activities we keep doing because we have the supplies and can do the planning in our...
View ArticleAbracadabra
As counselors know, it’s easy to become so involved in getting campers to archery and making sure they go to the bathroom before bed, they forget to have fun with the campers. The following are ways...
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New To The Recreation Field?
Just starting out in the recreation programming field? Want some advice from people who have planned their share of craft classes, day camps and teen special events? Here is a smorgasbord of tips to...
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Tips Of The Trade
If you are constantly checking e-mail and voice mail while you are supposed to be on a carefree, fun-filled vacation–shame on you! However, you can pick up some great ideas while enjoying the time off....
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Looking Forward And Back
Many Camp Business readers weren’t even born when I was a counselor in 1972 and 1973 at Forest Home Christian Conference Center in Southern California. I worked in Indian Village, complete with...
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Crossing The Recreation Path On Reality TV
Whether we admit it or not, most of us have watched a reality-TV show. A few years ago, I received a call from the producer of the FOX reality show, “Trading Spouses.” The premise of the show is to...
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Solely Responsible
Ask me how to keep 100 campers happy on a rainy afternoon, and I’ll rattle off a list of activities. Do you need directions on how to tie-dye T-shirts? No problem. I can even tell you how to do it with...
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Let’s Hit The Beach…
Just because you don’t have a pool or access to a lake doesn’t mean you can’t offer fun, creative, healthy aquatics programming. Here are 12 ideas sure to please even the most discerning customer:...
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Summer Staff Icebreakers
As new camp staff members arrive, it’s important to welcome them and incorporate them into the team. Help your staff break the ice. Try some of these icebreakers to encourage old and new staff to...
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Read It To Believe It
Ever wonder about the impact a camp program really has on campers? This camper has many happy summer memories! Does it matter whether staff members have camp names, or whether the camp hosts skit...
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