Technical tree climbing is a program on the leading edge of innovation. It will inspire staff, generate revenue, and create a sense of accomplishment and wonder. Initiating a technical tree climbing program requires climbable trees, knowledgeable staff, and a reverence for trees. Describes how Mystic Lake Camp initiated a 4-week program involving…

Besides making useful and decorative projects, nature crafts encourage participants to explore and become aware of the world around them, which can lead to pursuits in the natural sciences, extensive collections, or career choices. Offers 14 guidelines for including nature crafts in outdoor programming, and suggests 16 projects. (TD)

Describes a marketing plan to increase enrollment in summer camps. Includes analyzing enrollment statistics, implementing marketing strategies that focus on retaining current campers, establishing a ranking system to concentrate efforts on inquiries most likely to enroll, and analyzing the effectiveness of marketing strategies. (LP)

Camp counselors in training (CIT) are usually adolescents. CIT programs must support teens through their developmental changes and provide opportunities to practice activity and life skills in a safe environment. Developmental tasks teens face are identified and elements of a strong CIT program are discussed. Sidebars present teen trends and…

Youth development moves beyond risk reduction by turning a narrow negative focus on at-risk factors into positive action strategies. Critical components of youth development are providing positive ways for young people to meet their needs and building competencies. Physical, social, cognitive, vocational, and moral competence are described, and…

Highlights what camp directors and program staff can do to establish a camp nature program. Emphasizes administrator commitment to the program, suitable facilities, campwide environmental awareness, staff enthusiasm, a hands-on approach, and a wide variety of activities. Provides suggestions for recruiting and hiring a nature counselor. (KS)

Blending traditional programming with new ideas is the key to retention of adolescent campers. Options include increasing program opportunities along with the age of the camper and offering programs outside of camp such as biking, golf, and sports clinics. Equally important are hiring effective teachers and maintaining quality facilities. (LP)

Describes seven life skills identified by the 4-H program as being essential for productive and happy lives: creative thinking, decision making, acquiring knowledge, responsibility, communication, understanding of self, and getting along with others. Suggests how camp staff can develop program goals and outcomes for teaching these skills. (SAS)

In implementing community service programs, camps need to develop safe, specific projects. Key planning points for service projects are presented. Risk management considerations specific to community service projects include developing guidelines for camper interaction with the public; discussing first-aid and emergency precautions, including…

Discusses the importance for camp development efforts of collaboration between the camp's chief administrative officer (CAO) and development director. Describes qualities of an effective development director; where and how to begin the search for a development director; and the importance of retaining an effective development director in meeting…

Team tennis programs offer campers an equal chance to share the responsibilities and excitement of team competition, fostering feelings of self-esteem that can lead to remarkable changes in behavior. Recommendations cover organization of a team tennis program, conducting matches, and program adaptations for special circumstances. (LP)

Discusses the benefits of outdoor nature-oriented activities for very old, frail elderly, and institutionalized elderly persons with regard to exercising to increase mobility, spiritual development, sensory stimulation, and social interaction. A study of elderly participants in a "back to nature" experience suggests that modified camping…

Offers principles of program evaluation and development to help camps appeal to today's campers while satisfying past participants. Discusses changing camper preferences, specialty camps, the importance of connecting campers with tradition, discovering untapped resources, changing demographics, complementing adventure trips with camp-based…

Describes how a farm program might assist any camp to offer experiential educational opportunities, improve attitudes toward food/nutrition, expand interpersonal relationships, develop work values and responsibility, teach history of food production/hunger. Details program goals, seasonal agricultural work, staffing, tools/equipment, daily…

In planning camp programs, facilities, and resources, camp directors need to utilize the methodologies of trend projection, scenarios, consultation, models, simulations, and computer simulations. Smaller consumer niches, professional networking, diversification, appropriate response to technology (including virtual reality), and entrepreneurship…