Describes the use of conflict resolution in the camp setting. Outlines steps in the negotiation process and in hiring staff members who are good conflict managers. Presents three conflict-resolution practice exercises. (KS)

Discusses the psychology of anger as a basis for dealing with anger-related problems that arise at camp. Camp staff may have problems with anger that are not identified by staff screening. The camp staff manual should contain a written policy regarding overt displays of anger. Guidelines suggest the use of anger during conflict resolution. (CDS)

Some campers' parents blow problems out of proportion or want to micromanage in a way that ignores the big picture of camp or indicates a lack of trust in camp staff. Approaches for dealing with challenging calls from parents include staying calm and inquiring about the problem, validating parents' feelings, and being firm and clear about one's…

Ten suggestions to camp directors explain ways to communicate with parents, handle their complaints, and thereby protect and promote the camp's image. Strategies include assigning staff skilled in conflict resolution to resolve complaints, focusing on prevention or early resolution of parent complaints, maintaining communication, avoiding heated…

A New York camp program builds campers' social skills through use of "request power,""deny power," and conflict resolution. The steps of conflict resolution are position of strength, exchange of wants, proposals for win-win resolution, and acceptance or nonacceptance of proposal. Campers learn to identify what they want, listen…

Describes a multimedia resource developed for camps by the American Camping Association and Peter Yarrow, of Peter, Paul, and Mary, to help children express and manage their emotions, cooperate and appreciate the individual strengths that each child brings to a group, celebrate diversity, and practice negotiating and resolving conflict creatively.…

Findings from four studies offer insights to camp staff on helping campers learn from their experiences. The studies examined young children's perceptions of time-out, intentional systematic strategies that children can use to resolve conflicts, types of feedback and their effects on motivation, and how brain functions determine the effectiveness…

Camp, with its community living focus, presents a constant source of potential conflicts and offers an ideal environment to help campers develop their problem-solving skills. Steps in social problem solving are listed, and an example of problem-solving skills in action is offered. Counselors can discuss conflicts with campers and ask for group…

Basic concepts of experiential learning theory are presented to assist camp directors in choosing knowledgeable staff and developing successful adventure programs. These concepts include assessment of learner (camper) readiness, activity sequencing, learning cycle, comfort zone, activity framing, task goals versus process goals, and five stages of…

Research shows that well-managed conflicts can enrich a group, if good (cognitive) conflict is encouraged and bad (affective) conflict is discouraged. A model developed to understand how disabled people are treated at work suggests that there is a need to change beliefs about, as well as behavior towards, disabled people. Implications for camp are…

Describes strategies for disciplining campers: establishing a caring atmosphere; using praise; modeling positive behavior; using time-outs; keeping campers busy; using conflict resolution; and improving communication with campers by using words they understand, getting on their level, establishing eye contact, using I-messages, and using humor…

A month-long summer camp in Maine combines recreation, sports, and arts activities with daily conflict resolution sessions to help adolescents from regions of conflict (primarily the Middle East) learn the art of coexistence and peace. From its center in East Jerusalem, Seeds of Peace provides regular activities to reinforce the lessons that…

While working and playing together at camp, staff often work through most, if not all, of the stages of group formation, commonly referred to as forming, storming, norming, performing, and finally, transforming. Ten adventure-based games and activities are presented to help camp directors train staff and help them progress through these stages.…

A camp for Los Angeles (California) children traumatized by war, community violence, and hatred gives them time to heal and feel safe. The camp's theme of reconciliation and nonviolence is expressed by an all-volunteer staff through community, teamwork, and cooperation. Nature's diversity is used to show how diverse groups can interact, thrive,…

Trends in staff development for camp counselors include using experiential training activities, inviting outside speakers to address staff on topics of concern, and teaching staff about child-related issues. Addresses problems in working with staff and provides suggestions for increasing the effectiveness of staff training programs. (LP)