In this paper, we report on our experience as rookies organizing, funding, and running a summer computing camp for middle school girls. The focus of the camp was building mobile applications using App Inventor. The three day/two night camp targeted girls in rural, high poverty school districts and was funded through an award from the National…

More than four million children spent part of summer 1984 at a day or resident camp. The age, interests, and activities enjoyed by the child should be considered when choosing a camp. Advice about finding the right camp from meeting the director to refund policies are discussed. (MT)

This booklet presents information about developing a drama program for a summer camp. The booklet is divided into three parts. The first part deals with the drama program in camp and includes the following sections: (1) Why a Dramatics Program; (2) Principles for Success; (3) Two for the Price of One; (4) Do You Want to be Formal; (5) Creative…

The article discusses, in question and answer format, some considerations for parents of the gifted in selecting a summer camp for their child. Aspects covered include needs and interests of the child, staff to camper ratio, camp accreditation, health and safety precautions, and program structure. (DLS)

It is important to start planning for children's summer camp activities long before summer arrives. This paper presents advice from the American Camping Association on asking the right questions of the camp director when looking at different camps. It also discusses the importance of knowing one's options in regard to summer camps. A sidebar…

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)

When choosing a summer camp program for a disabled child, parents should look for programs and activities that present the child with a maximum challenge that can be met successfully. After checking agencies with information on various camps, parents should consider the camp's facilities, philosophy, resources, and staff. (CB)

To have a successful nature program, summer camp directors must hire qualified nature counselors, give the program equal status with other activities, promote the program to prospective campers and their parents, and incorporate environmental ethics. Included are suggestions for developing an appealing and relevant nature program. (LP)

Describes a range of summer programs for gifted or artistically talented students. Resources and guidelines for evaluating, selecting, and applying to such programs are discussed, as are safety concerns. The Pennsylvania Governor's school is also described in brief. (PB)

Describes favorable practices for hiring outdoor summer camp counselors. Offers tips for looking at resumes and applications. Describes interview process and suggests interview questions for understanding applicants' motivation, maturity, and sense of responsibility. Emphasizes counselor as campers' teacher, leader, friend, and role model. (TES)

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…

School-to-Work programs can help camps address the chronic shortage of support staff and can provide funding for the training and support of teenage staff. One camp's success with teen workers was based on collaboration with families and local schools and agencies, staff cooperation, and administrative willingness to stretch job roles. Benefits to…

This document presents an evaluation report and parent handbook of for a federally supported 6-week residential summer program for children and adults with developmental disabilities developed by the Hebrew Academy for Special Children (Brooklyn, New York). It also includes the program's parent handbook. Evaluation focused on three groups of camp…

Sunken Meadow State Park provides a year round three-fold ecosystem (marine beach, salt marsh, and wooded upland) of 1,266 acres for Suffolk County (NY) teachers and students to use as a site for outdoor education activities. While teachers can rely on the support of the Outdoor Learning Laboratories' staff for aid in emergencies, for clarifying…

A camp program is described which reflects the Young Men's Christian Association's traditional commitment to the development of the whole person, introducing the development of a "wellness" lifestyle. A wellness lifestyle is described as one that involves living fully and abundantly while recognizing and assuming responsibility for one's…