Learning names is vital to the enjoyment and productivity of a group. Presents four games to help campers learn each others' names. Sidebar presents three additional teambuilding activities and ice breakers. (TD)

A Web site that offers fun-filled, creative interactions among campers will keep the camp spirit alive year-round. Suggestions include a virtual map of the camp in which campers can click on their cabin for updates on their bunkmates, Web site scavenger hunts, electronic time capsules, chat rooms, virtual friendship circles, and new off-season…

Tips for camp staff on how to survive summer camp include not giving campers sugary drinks before bedtime, setting behavior limits with campers, setting an example by following camp rules, getting enough rest, being fair and consistent, controlling anger, being accountable for actions, asking questions, and being flexible. (LP)

Camp program staff and service staff can "war" and negatively affect campers. Frequent causes are misunderstood roles, conflicting expectations, jealousy, and feelings of being undervalued. Presents ideas for integrating program and service staff in the off season, when staff arrive, and during camp, and for dealing with a "civil…

Explores ways to maximize camp-staff potential and effort through wages; working conditions; promoting passion and enthusiasm; perks and benefits; special staff events; tokens of praise, support, and appreciation; staff mission statements; profit sharing; empowerment; use of a morale officer; and staff ownership of the camp's "vision." (SAS)

A camp staff member can make his or her work experiences enjoyable by getting enough sleep, maintaining discipline, making job responsibilities a priority, maintaining a sense of humor, eating well, making time to be alone, sharing job-related frustrations with someone outside of camp, being a positive role model, being patient, and resolving…

Evidence from the field of evolutionary psychology suggests inherent reasons for the promotion process triggering negative emotions and behaviors among unsuccessful candidates. To reduce interpersonal casualties related to promotion, camp administration should educate staff about these reactions, provide extra supervisory time for successful…

Suggests positive ways to deal with camp staff: reduce precamp jitters and first-session doubts, personalize paycheck envelopes, schedule breaks and parties, rotate staff, permit use of facilities, keep in touch off-season, develop an interstaff "buddy" system, post a thank-you board, and celebrate staff accomplishments. Sidebars offer…

Camp directors can motivate staff by showing they are valued. Acknowledging positive actions, throwing a staff party, providing relief time, and being a good role model are all good motivators. Weekly staff meetings keep staff informed and provide time to air problems and get feedback. Keeping in touch with staff during the off-season is also…

To integrate support staff into the camp community and encourage them to work effectively with the program: give support groups positive names; make service staff partners in camp; develop effective operating practices; maintain open communication; free staff from roles and labels; recognize support staff's contributions; and build team spirit.…