Summer camps are a common youth development setting in North America; however, youth from low-income backgrounds often cannot attend because of financial barriers. Subsequently, although a robust camp literature exists, little is known about the lasting benefits for youth from low-income backgrounds. Even less is known about how these outcomes may…

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…

Research evidence suggests that summer breaks contribute to income-based achievement and opportunity gaps for children and youth. However, summertime can also be used to provide programs that support an array of goals for children and youth, including improved academic achievement, physical health, mental health, social and emotional well-being,…

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…

"Family learning vacations" 5-10 day summer residential programs for families with deaf children, are described. Guidelines for establishing such a program are given concerning rationale, physical plant, eligibility, scheduling, parent activities, children's activities, and evaluation. (Author/DB)

A week long residential camp was held for handicapped children of Whatcom County, Washington. (GW)

The successful summer day camp program of Saint Louis University (Missouri) is described. Program rationale, philosophy, objectives, structure, staffing, activities, and benefits to the university community are discussed. A majority of the children served by the camp are the children, ages 6 to 12, of university employees. (MSE)

Discusses various program activities at New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) camps, including environmental workshops which foster exploration, discovery, and skill development. Highlights recreational and evening activities for the one-week camping experience for 12 to 17 year olds. (JN)

This revised edition of a 1961 publication outlines the steps involved in establishing a new day camp, and presents guidelines for day camp operation. Four chapters cover: (1) preliminary decisions and planning for a new camp; (2) site selection, legal and regulatory considerations, and property management; (3) deciding on buildings and equipment…

The legal aspects of the school day camp and how the school may be affected are explored. Court opinions indicate that school camps are subject to the same rules and legal regulations as those imposed when the students are at school or on school grounds. (JN)

With imagination and connections, camps can plan enjoyable educational programs on minimal budgets. Primary resources should include counseling staff, camp physical resources, and "special days." Local libraries, Red Cross, YMCA, social services, substance abuse centers, and other human service organizations often provide speakers,…

Blue Star Camps (Hendersonville, North Carolina) used talents of an internationally known architectural artist to emphasize a world peace dimension in their 1985 eight-week coed summer program. Past creative programs have included mock United Nations sessions, mock presidential conventions/elections, lunar landing salute, bicentennial celebration,…

Describes nine-day residential camp for Michigan teenage mothers/babies to enhance personal growth and develop responsible social skills. Outlines goals, pre-camp planning, staff, activities, evaluation. Reports 31 teen moms (ages 13-21) and 35 babies attended in 1986. Indicates participants were in therapy, experienced abuse, had low self-esteem,…

Camp Kingsmont, a weight reduction and fitness facility for boys and girls located near West Stockbridge, Massachusetts, traditionally celebrates International Day each July. Campers design costumes, prepare native dances and songs, enjoy an outdoor feast, stage an "International Beautyless Contest," and gather around a bonfire to view a…

Reports on a study to examine and assess stress-levels of factors of anxiety, depression, and hostility present in a camp staff during a ten-week resident program. Results indicate that anxiety, depression, and hostility do not correlate directly or inversely with each other. (TW)