Camp is for the Camper is designed to help assist camp counselors in working more effectively with their campers. Covers many important topics for new and returning counselors. Chapters include: A Unique Opportunity (responsibility as a role model, camp as a positive force in youth development, arrival, the first day/night), Todays Campers (social trends, parent interaction, age and developmental characteristics), Working with Individual Campers (reinforcing positive behaviors, courtesies of group living, understanding behavior clues, homesickness, bed-wetting, ADD/ADHD), Working with Groups (setting the tone for group development, cycles of group activity planning, group building, inappropriate group behavior, peer pressure, etc.), and How to Measure Your Success. Produced in cooperation with the American Camp Association.

Essential Staff Training Activities

Sacred Playgrounds explores the wisdom of camping ministry for Christian education and faith formation, examining its rich history and fundamental characteristics with compelling stories, groundbreaking research, and theological grounding. Christian summer camp is an integral part of the ecology of faith formation in North America, though it has received surprisingly little attention in the scholarly community until now. Camping ministry is often dismissed as simple fun and games or a brief spiritual high that does not last. However, camp experiences often serve as deeply relational and immersive faith experiences that have lasting impacts on participants. Five fundamental characteristics combine dynamically in the effective camp experience: participatory, faith-centered, safe space, relational, and unplugged from home. Together, they open the space for participants to consider new understandings of God, to have time for deep self-reflection, and to build intentional Christian community. These camp experiences are essential components in a larger ecology of faith formation, including the home and congregation. The insight and evidence presented in this book demonstrate that the contributions of camping ministry must be taken seriously among scholars, Christian educators, and ministry professionals.

Audrey "Sunshine" Monke, mother of five and camp owner-director, shares nine powerful parenting techniques-inspired by the research-based practices of summer camp-to help kids thrive and families become closer. Research has proven that kids are happier and gain essential social and emotional skills at camp. A recognized parenting expert, Audrey Monke distills what she's learned from thousands of interactions with campers, camp counselors, and parents, and from her research in positive psychology, to offer intentional strategies parents can use to foster the benefits of camp at home. Our screen-obsessed, competitive society makes it harder than ever to raise happy, thriving kids. But there are tried-and-true methods that can help. Instead of rearing a generation of children who are overwhelmed, anxious, depressed, and who struggle to become independent, responsible adults, parents can create a culture that promotes the growth of important character traits and the social skills kids need for meaningful, successful lives. Thousands of parents attest to the "magical" benefits of summer camp for their kids, noting their children return more joyful, positive, confident, and resilient after just a few weeks. But you can learn exactly what it takes to promote these benefits at home. Complete with specific ideas to implement the most effective summer camp secrets, Happy Campers is a one of a kind resource for raising happy, socially intelligent, successful kids.

"Empowered YOUth: A Father and Son's Guide to Conscious Living is the heartfelt story of Michael and Jeffrey Eisen, who rose up from a tumultuous, emotional past to come together in a loving, respectful relationship as father and son, coach and student. Through this engaging narrative, they help deconstruct the paradigms and beliefs that contribute to anxiety, stress, and unrest within the family unit. They provide a refreshing perspective on how parents and kids can work together to empower and support one another by opening the channels of communication, dissolving fear, and surrendering the need for control. With a perfect balance of moving stories, applied learning, and practical wisdom, Empowered YOUth offers guidance and insights for parents, young people, and educators. While adults will instantly relate to Jeffrey's struggle to connect with his children, provide for his family, and listen to his own heart's desire, young people will love Michael's honest and emotional examination of an angst-filled childhood that was laden with stress, sadness, isolation, and self-inflicted pressure. Through this story of a relationship that has been broken apart and put back together, Jeffrey and Michael provide inspiration for those looking to empower the next generation in a more loving, open, and intuitive way. Empowered YOUth will leave readers feeling hopeful, passionate, and optimistic." -- Publisher's description.

Camps have been drawing in millions of children and families across the North American landscape since 1861. Camp Design: Master Planning Basics walks you through the integral camp master planning process and guides camp owners and directors to a successful camp planning experience. Whether you are expanding an existing camp or starting a camp from scratch, this book will be an essential reference.

The Healthy Knees Book details the structure and function of the knee and explains its common injuries and chronic pains. With her holistic approach to healing, Dr. Pujari examines how the whole mind and body can promote balance and healing in your hard-working knees, while co-author Alton culls information from medical specialists, physical therapists, yoga and fitness instructors, nutritionists, and herbalists.

Through the first seven editions of this enduring text, A. Viola Mitchell shared her knowledge and skills with legions of educators, camp directors, and counselors who participated in the organized camp movement. This classic, highly regarded volume has now been thoroughly updated to provide a 21st-century view of the trends, philosophies, and practices of organized camping. The Eighth Edition retains the overarching emphasis on leadership skills and program activities and ideas, updating their treatment with the latest research on positive youth development and outcomes-based programming. New chapters discuss trends in organized camping, efforts to expand opportunities for camp participation, and strategies to increase physical activity among children and youth. Substantially revised topics include modern behavior management tools and techniques, leadership strategies, problem solving, group processes, and the importance of research and evaluation. Throughout, the authors infuse the discussion with a leave no trace conservation ethic that promotes ways to enjoy the outdoors in a responsible, sustainable manner. The essence of organized camping has remained the same throughout its 150-year history: democratic, group living in the outdoors supported by competent, well-trained leaders. The latest edition of Camp Counseling celebrates that essence in every chapter, illuminated by more than 120 new photographs as well as numerous illustrations and boxed exhibits. Moreover, extensive, annotated resource lists in every chapter provide countless opportunities to explore topics in greater depth.

More and more recreation and fitness professionals are called on to create day camps for children in facilities that have traditionally been geared to recreation and fitness users. New programming and operational challenges arise as professionals are asked to serve a different population with innovative programs through these camps. You can overcome those challenges with Day Camp Programming and Administration: Core Skills and Practices. This handy reference, which is geared toward new professionals, will help you * conduct a needs analysis and prepare a proposal for a facility-based camp, regardless of your setting; * develop business and marketing plans for your camp; * manage risk and generate money through your camp; and * manage programming, staff training, and administrative processes from conception through evaluation. The book comes with a CD-ROM that supplies you with a comprehensive set of worksheets and forms to assist you in planning, operating, and evaluating your camp. You can use these printable tools as the book guides you step by step through the camp management process. You will be exposed to an array of program choices and training and administrative tasks that will help you run successful camps. The author draws on her 12 years of experience in running day camps to help you plan your camp. You will learn how to gather information in making wise decisions as you get started, how to plan for safety and comply with health and safety standards, and how to develop camp policies and communicate with parents. You will then be guided through organizing the camp structure, including registration, the business plan, and the daily schedule. You will explore how to hire, train, develop, and evaluate staff, and you will examine common camp programs and discover how to select and implement your own program. Finally, you will learn how to evaluate your program and use that evaluation in preparing future camps. Day Camp Programming and Administration: Core Skills and Practices covers all you need to know to operate your own facility-based day camp--whether you are a professional in a municipal recreation department, a fitness owner looking to branch out, or a campus recreation professional. This guide addresses challenges you'll face as a new day camp provider through practical examples, tried-and-true suggestions, and tips that will help you fulfill your community's needs, increase your bottom line, and provide fruitful experiences for your day campers.