Technical tree climbing is a program on the leading edge of innovation. It will inspire staff, generate revenue, and create a sense of accomplishment and wonder. Initiating a technical tree climbing program requires climbable trees, knowledgeable staff, and a reverence for trees. Describes how Mystic Lake Camp initiated a 4-week program involving…

Camp riding programs should be examined regularly for liability and risk management issues. Elements of a basic safety assessment include requiring proper safety apparel, removing obstructions from riding rings, ensuring doors and gates are closed, requiring use of lead ropes, securing equine medications, banning smoking, posting written…

Describes circumstances of a 1978 camp canoeing accident in which 13 persons drowned. Reports factors which led to the accident, based on details from the Coroner's Report. Poses questions which should be satisfactorily answered before a trip can be safely undertaken by campers and camp staff. (CS)

The City of Phoenix offers a five-day river-based camping experience to at-risk and disabled teens. Describes how professional river outfitters are contracted to run the trips, staffing considerations, liability and safety considerations, and camper orientation. Evaluation showed that participants received lasting measurable benefits, including…

Describes a resident camp program designed to teach girls ages 10-12 about photography. Goals of the one-week program included developing an eye for potential photographs; learning how to use cameras and equipment; and learning photography principles that produce quality pictures. Includes photography activities and projects. (LP)

A study examining the characteristics of adventure recreation experiences concluded that people who enjoy adventure recreation seek out increasingly challenging opportunities, not higher levels of risk. Another study found that instructor skills rank as the most important determinant for participation in nature-based programs, and women rank it…

A New York camp's character education program is described. Implementing the program involves choosing which values to teach, making staff and campers aware of the program's importance, deciding where to teach the values, choosing and coaching the attributes that reflect each value, debriefing after activities, and keeping campers and staff…

Summer camps can implement a biomonitoring program that determines water quality through study of aquatic insects. Such a program requires a minimum of equipment and allows campers to explore the natural world and absorb information that will affect their views of science and the environment. (LP)

Describes value and instruction of vaulting, gymnastics on horseback, in residential camp environment. Emphasizes safety practices concerning ring preparation, warming up, and horse selection and training. Describes vaulter equipment, learning process, programs, and games. Defines 13 vaulting terms. (TES)

Provides guidelines for international camping programs including specific information with regard to characteristics for participants, orientation, logistics, contacts, budget, and quality assurance, Topics include desirable attitudes and backgrounds from campers and staff, staff leadership and practical skills, cultural awareness training, legal…

Urges the youth camping movement in the United States to internationalize by vigorously seeking and including children of the world in their summer communities. Provides practical and specific guidelines regarding recruitment of international campers, financial aid, communication with parents, legalities, travel considerations, and adjustment to…

Provides a philosophical and practical rationale for the development of a global perspective camp program citing increased enrollment, quality staff, public relations value, and creative programs as potential benefits. Discusses program development including involvement of camp governing board, global perspectives themes, curriculum resources, and…

Discusses dealing with global issues in the camp setting in a way that broadens young people's world views. Topics include the educational advantages of the camp setting, desired outcomes for campers, guidelines for staff, and program ideas for dealing with issues such as environmental awareness, racism, and economic justice. (JHZ)