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You could be working an hourly job at some retail store or restaurant or engaging in free labor in an office internship. But let's face it, most likely no one [...]

While camp may be in full swing and it is a challenge to think beyond the immediate day ahead, it's worth our while to take the opportunity, before campers and [...]

Often there is mystery around what being a camp counselor really is or means. But if we take a moment to reflect on what kids (ages 5 to 95) need [...]

An answer to this question of the century may seem counterintuitive, yet it is at the core of most camp communities: Relationships. More than ever, staff are looking for connection [...]

We know that staff can be a challenge to find , attract, hire, engage, and retain. What makes the staff journey result in forward progress from start to completion of [...]

We all want to feel valued and appreciated. This is especially true in a job situation. We typically are motivated to do our best work when the folks on top [...]

Summer 2020 impacted every aspect of camp, and regardless of how things played out--with various scenarios of camp running in some form or not at all--building next summer's staff team [...]

You may be reading this before you arrive at camp or within the first few days of making your way to your (new) summer home. Regardless, at this moment you [...]

AS YOU CAN PROBABLY IMAGINE and were most likely told in your interview, working at camp requires a lot of energy and enthusiasm. This is 110 percent true. Camp is, [...]

Unanswered emails. Requests (demands) for time off. Over-involved parents. What's the matter with young people today? Most likely nothing! We have more in common with this cohort of staff than [...]

The mounting pressure to forego a summer at camp in favor of an internship is higher than ever. Many of you may already be thinking that this is your last [...]

Staff sign a contract, then inform you the week before camp begins that they won't be coming after all. Or staff commit to working the entire season only to tell [...]

Camps need staff to run their programs; colleges/universities have various requirements for students regarding coursework and internships; and students are usually pulled between what they want to do and what [...]

With so much communication being driven through mobile devices today, it is imperative that you know how to have meaningful face-to-face interactions at camp. You will not be texting your [...]

Coming together is the beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success. --Henry Ford Welcome to camp! Whether you are a resident or day camp counselor this summer, you [...]

If this is your first year receiving a paycheck at camp (no matter how small) instead of paying tuition, then this article is for you. New and veteran staff will [...]

Rewind to the time in your life when you were seven, ten, or thirteen (or any other desired childhood age). Who was your best friend at that age? What style [...]

The article discusses the concept of growth and development in non-physical ways. It emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and self-awareness for personal and professional growth. The article encourages camp counselors to utilize hindsight, foresight, and insight to nurture their growth and cultivate essential skills such as problem-solving, teamwork, communication, and initiative.

Remember your parents always reminding you to write thank you notes after birthdays and other holidays when you were on the receiving end of a gift? My guess is that [...]

You might be surprised to discover that even in today's frenzy of corresponding through text messages, e-mails, tweets, and other social media avenues, letter writing is still being used as [...]

Summer is here--no more tests, projects, or homework for months! You are no doubt excited to take on a different kind of challenge... working at camp! But just because summer [...]

By now you have probably figured out that you have very limited cell service at your camp and/or that you will be asked to turn off your phone while working [...]

Staff orientation training is a jam-packed period of time that can last anywhere from a few hours to a week or more. Ice breakers, camper development, activity training, and health [...]

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] When I think back to my first summer as a camp counselor over twenty years ago, I wish I knew then what I know now about working with […]

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] BON APPETIT! Choose from a selection of the finest brain-based recipes for each course. APPETIZER: GET "HOOKED"! Palette pleasers to whet your appetite. COURSE 1: BRAIN BITES Quick […]

What happened throughout one's generational history influences current views and perspectives, and camp directors carry those perceptions with them in their thoughts and actions--including those that affect their expectations about [...]

The article focuses on the commitment of campers to offers best, service to team. It mentions that camp is experiential and dynamic, where campers learn about the advantages and disadvantages of the role using interactive and innovative methods. It focuses on the importance of leadership to offer new opportunities.

The article discusses how to write activity script for camp. It suggests making a list of the key elements or components for making a program at camp such as developing the plot, selecting the venue, and choosing costumes. It is essential to consider the element of surprise and include something in thr activity that will add an unexpected twist to what campers normally expect will happen. Also, it urges to come up with alternative plans for the activity before using them.

A personal narrative is presented which explores the author's experience of being a camp counselor.