Viewpoints of five camp professionals from a discussion on "Sexual Orientation in Camps: What Is the American Camping Association's Role?" at the 1996 American Camping Association (ACA) national conference. Discusses whether counselors' sexual orientation should be a factor in hiring, and whether the ACA should take a position on the…

The camp community is plagued by various stereotypes, including that camps and their staff are excessively happy, of poor quality, focused on partying and debauchery, scary, or overly strict. These cliches are perpetuated by the mass media. Each stereotype is discussed, and strategies for countering them during staff training are presented. (TD)

Describes how best to prepare camp staff to put the kids first by developing a mindset of believing in children. Gives practical suggestions to camp staff, including advice that supervisors commit themselves to identifying at least one positive counseling experience each day and acknowledging that success publicly or privately. (CDS)

Suggests positive ways to deal with camp staff: reduce precamp jitters and first-session doubts, personalize paycheck envelopes, schedule breaks and parties, rotate staff, permit use of facilities, keep in touch off-season, develop an interstaff "buddy" system, post a thank-you board, and celebrate staff accomplishments. Sidebars offer…