More than four million children spent part of summer 1984 at a day or resident camp. The age, interests, and activities enjoyed by the child should be considered when choosing a camp. Advice about finding the right camp from meeting the director to refund policies are discussed. (MT)

Outlines 11 ways for camp staff to handle stress, focusing on goal setting, positive attitudes, delegating responsibilities, doing the fun parts of the job, change for the sake of change, good personal relationships, decent meals and exercise, avoiding procrastination, and having other interests. (KS)

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…

Describes a marketing plan to increase enrollment in summer camps. Includes analyzing enrollment statistics, implementing marketing strategies that focus on retaining current campers, establishing a ranking system to concentrate efforts on inquiries most likely to enroll, and analyzing the effectiveness of marketing strategies. (LP)

Blending traditional programming with new ideas is the key to retention of adolescent campers. Options include increasing program opportunities along with the age of the camper and offering programs outside of camp such as biking, golf, and sports clinics. Equally important are hiring effective teachers and maintaining quality facilities. (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)

To have a successful nature program, summer camp directors must hire qualified nature counselors, give the program equal status with other activities, promote the program to prospective campers and their parents, and incorporate environmental ethics. Included are suggestions for developing an appealing and relevant nature program. (LP)

Describes favorable practices for hiring outdoor summer camp counselors. Offers tips for looking at resumes and applications. Describes interview process and suggests interview questions for understanding applicants' motivation, maturity, and sense of responsibility. Emphasizes counselor as campers' teacher, leader, friend, and role model. (TES)

Camp fairs are held on college campuses to recruit students for summer camp positions. Provides marketing and promotion strategies, recruiting suggestions for camp directors, tips for students helping to organize the fair, and suggestions for students who want to secure a summer camp position. Includes a sample camp fair evaluation. (LP)

this resource book contains 35 articles designed to present general information concerning camp business and financial management to directors or administrators. Typically a specialist is employed to supervise camp business and finance, but the administrator needs to have a broad understanding of five specific business topics: (1) liability and…

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…

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…

Focuses on developing media relations, emergency policies, and handling press communications during crises at camps. Uses numerous anecdotes to describe good press relations and methods of working with news reporters. Emphasizes importance of emergency planning and establishing press coordinator. Describes crisis monitoring and follow-up…

Describes strategic planning model as means of dealing with social and economic factors affecting camp programs. Details model's five steps: organizing for planning, situation analysis, determining strategic issues, developing plan outline, and implementation and evaluation. Recommends planning process of six months to one year. (TES)

Describes two-step exercise for applying imagination to summer-camp programing. Step 1 involves casting programs in imaginary environment, altering them for new setting. Step 2 involves role playing, encouraging participants to "wear" new cultural roles such as American Indians, cowboys, or sailors. Emphasizes value of imagination for improving…