Summarizes types and incidence of child abuse. Lists warning signs for camp staff, nurses, and counselors to identify possible abused campers. Gives procedures for identifying suspected camper's abuse at home. Outlines procedures for reporting child abuse incidents. Offers suggestions to alleviate undue stress on staff, especially in camps for…

Well-trained off-site trip leaders can turn a trip into a positive educational lesson. American Camping Association standards are referenced, and some personality traits are suggested as criteria for determining the suitability of staff to act responsibly "in loco director." Discusses factors that determine counselor-to-camper ratios,…

Recommends choosing appropriate health care providers for camp, and referring to them by the title their credentials warrant. Explains distinctions among nursing titles and that they vary by state. Discusses developing a health care plan suited to camp's population, program, and location. Presents guidelines required of a health care plan by…

Marketing strategies for day camps include encouraging camp staff to get involved in organizations involving children, families, and communities; holding camp fairs; offering the use of camp facilities to outside groups; hosting sport leagues and local youth outings; planning community fairs; and otherwise involving the camp in the community. (LP)

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)

An effective approach to camp staff orientation involves veteran staff leading orientation groups for new staff. In addition to familiarizing staff members with the camp, group leaders are responsible for making members feel at ease through activities. Details a highly successful five-day orientation led by veteran staff. (LP)

Strategies for minimizing sun exposure of campers and staff include educating campers about the sun's effect on their skin, scheduling activities when the sun is less intense, creating shade at the camp site, incorporating sun protection into camp dress code, and training staff regarding sun protection. Addresses OSHA and liability issues. (LP)

Defines child abuse, including the three categories: physical, sexual, and psychological. Presents characteristics and behaviors of each type of abuse, and long-term effects. Discusses how to handle abuse that occurs at camp, and the effects on the camp. Sidebars present abuse statistics, 15 activities that promote psychological wellness, and 8…

People in an organization have explicit (codifiable) and tacit (noncodifiable) knowledge about customers, products, processes, programs, mistakes, and successes. The process of knowledge management within camp organizations includes creating and collecting internal and external information sources, knowledge exchange among staff, and supportive…

Describes system to help camp administrators assure that hired trip leaders maintain high standards. Details suggestions including: written procedures regarding trip conduct; cultivating sense of responsibility within leaders for trips; using lists to plan trips; and using trip logs. Includes 12 steps for successful trip camping program. (TES)

Provides camp counselors with tips and examples on communicating with campers: establishing a consistent daily routine, offering choices and options (redirecting), validating camper experiences and feelings, and helping homesick campers to move on. A sidebar explains a written exercise to do with a co-counselor to better connect with campers. (SAS)

A model for creating a healthy and safe camp environment is based on modeling good health and safety practices by camp staff, creating a pattern of forethought and proactive behaviors that incorporates safety management into every activity, and fostering collective caring and shared responsibility for health and safety among members of the camp…

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…

Defines two large categories of risk for camps: relationships and program activities. Relationship risk can be minimized by recruiting qualified staff, providing precamp training, teaching appropriate staff behavior, and defining appropriate touching. Program activity risks can be managed through scheduling responsive to campers' needs and staff…

Notes that camp directors and counselors should be familiar with learning disabilities. Defines learning disabilities and explains accommodations of materials, procedures, and equipment; modification of activities; individuals' learned compensation strategies; and communication issues. Sidebar defines types of learning disabilities. (SAS)