Six teachers reflect on the meanings of a ritual of confession, sharing, and forgiveness during a school retreat. During a night of great honesty and integrity, students spoke to each other of their lives, their choices, their regrets, their wishes, and, above all, their love. During that evening, four students came out to their classmates and…

An external evaluation documented what occurred in an inaugural summer camp to teach high school students how to preserve religious freedom by learning about and acting on the history and current state of church-state separation and other first amendment issues. Camp designers hoped to promote religious diversity values and civic engagement in…

Provides camp directors with ideas for building and maintaining a sense of community among their staff, including (1) establishing a vision statement; (2) conducting team-building activities during precamp training; (3) establishing a "full value-no discount" policy that encourages caring behaviors; and (4) reinforcing a sense of…

At a summer camp that introduces Japanese high school students to American culture, the authors learned the following basic principles underlying culturally responsive camp activities: sensitivity to cultural nuances in communication, deliberate and sequential processes, appreciation of one's own cultural biases, understanding perceived risks, and…

A day-by-day account describes Camp Greentop's first 5-day adventure camping trip, which was attended by five individuals with disabilities and their counselors. The first day was spent in games and initiatives designed to develop communication, teamwork, and dependability. Other days were devoted to hiking, rock climbing, and whitewater rafting.…

An effective approach to camp staff orientation involves veteran staff leading orientation groups for new staff. In addition to familiarizing staff members with the camp, group leaders are responsible for making members feel at ease through activities. Details a highly successful five-day orientation led by veteran staff. (LP)

Describes how camp counselors can foster camaraderie among campers through participative decision making, name games, listening, adventure courses, storytelling, spending time in nature, decorating cabins, avoiding favoritism, setting rules, admitting faults, setting group goals, and praising sincere efforts. (TD)

Describes a severe incident of hazing among 13-year-old male campers. Discusses hazing as a ritual or rite of passage gone awry, indicative of the lack of positive rituals for youth in our society. Recommends camp program procedures for responding to such incidents and strategies to prevent hurtful behaviors among campers and to promote group…

Fairview YMCA Camps (New Jersey) simultaneously hosts three different camp programs. Sense of community is created by shared staff training, shared staff facilities, common areas, and social and project intermingling. Campers also make cross-program connections, influenced by staff behavior and shared facilities and activities. Shared marketing…

During nine days of camping and canoe travel, games were used to promote teamwork and forge cohesive groups out of previously unacquainted college seniors. Types of games included icebreakers, gathering, change of pace, small group closure, large group closure. Eleven games are described. Includes the program's nine-day schedule. (SAS)

In this article, the author talks about three special needs camps--Camp Kirk, Camp Talisman and Camp Caglewood. Camp Kirk's philosophy is to encourage their children to take risks in a structured setting, like high ropes courses, rock climbing wall, martial arts, and traditional activities like swimming, arts and craft, drama, and others. Once…

A five-day adventure-based residential camping program for Boston middle school students and their teachers develops cooperative learning skills and leadership abilities. Matching staff and students' background and race cultivates and celebrates diversity. Teachers' assistance in program development helps meet new standards and ensures follow-up.…

A residential YMCA camp in northern Wisconsin uses wilderness adventure education to teach collaborative leadership skills to high school students. Trust and relationship-building exercises are followed by simulations, culminating in a wilderness trip. Reflective exercises internalize the learning. Presents the camp's six fundamental beliefs about…

The philosophy and practices of a residential camp program for delinquent and emotionally disturbed youth are set forth in this book designed for persons directly involved with children. The therapeutic camping model discussed here provides an outdoor setting in which disturbed youth live in small, primary groups and get their education through…