Special events break up the monotony of the regular camp program. Staff participation, clear instructions, and hype are the three key elements to a successful special event. Twelve sports-based "record-breaking" events, and 14 arts-based events are described. (TD)

Details instructions for four cooperative games primarily for young children. The games are of low to moderate activity level and involve partners or a group circle. Descriptions include variations of the game and helpful hints for making the game more successful. (KS)

Learning names is vital to the enjoyment and productivity of a group. Presents four games to help campers learn each others' names. Sidebar presents three additional teambuilding activities and ice breakers. (TD)

Steps in integrating character values into the camp curriculum are: having a vision, choosing character values and relating them to program activities, providing incentives, ensuring that all levels can be completed during the camp session, making the program age-appropriate, providing staff training, tracking campers' progress, seeking feedback,…

The most essential set of skills that camp directors can impart to staff are effective group skills. One trick to working with campers in groups is to formalize brief meetings as part of the program. Types of meetings described are daily group, bunk, or cabin meetings; briefing and debriefing before and after activities; public appreciation;…

Storytelling can help campers build confidence and enhance their communication skills. Techniques include choosing a short, familiar story; learning major points and retelling in one's own words; introducing the story; practicing facial expressions, gestures, voice inflections, and body movements; and telling the story in a small group in a quiet…

Describes the following steps to encourage the natural process of story-making within groups: finding an appropriate setting; sitting in a circle; involving group members through drawings; adding movement; combining individual's drawings to create a group story; rehearsing the story for presentation; finding a proper spot for the performances; and…

Rainy days are opportunities to teach campers about weather and to plan activities around a rain theme. Indoor and outdoor science-based activities concerned with rain, water, or water conservation are suggested for specific age groups from ages 5-7 through 11-14. Campers can also develop ideas for activities using questions provided. (CDS)

Stresses the importance of planning ahead for rainy day activities at camp. Suggested outdoor activities include learning to build a fire in the rain, dam building, canoe puzzles, and holey garbage-can fill; indoor activities include crafts, pass the present, human game pieces, and opportunities for cabin groups to plan and host a fun activity.…

Using planned, sequenced "group initiative tasks," effective cooperative skills can be taught and practiced in an atmosphere of fun and challenge. Such tasks are presented to a group for problem solving, using the physical and intellectual resources of the entire group. (JMM)

Organized beginning and ending activities help campers articulate their experiences and feelings. Gives examples of playful beginning activities that help campers meet each other and support and celebrate the camp's vision for them. Presents ending experiences that bring closure to, and reinforce the positive aspects of, the experience, whether it…

Creativity exercises, or creater-cizes, can help camp staff generate ideas and solve problems. Common techniques are brainstorming, story-boarding, analogies and metaphors, association and free association, spinning, and lists. Defines and gives examples of each technique. (SAS)

Three activities are described to teach campers the importance of minimizing their impact on the environment. Soil Buggy Bingo shows fire's impact on living things in the soil; Food Web demonstrates how everything in an ecosystem is interconnected; and Camouflaging--Field versus Woods shows the difference between wooded and cleared areas in the…

Discusses cultural and individual differences in point of reference, communication behaviors, and perception as factors to address in creating camp programs that are inclusive and considerate of diversity issues. Presents activities that can raise campers' awareness of these issues and bring them together. (TD)

Describes a simulation exercise for campers and an accompanying curriculum unit--"Thresholds of Extinction"--that addresses the issues of endangered species. Uses this context to illustrate steps in the process of values development: awareness, gathering data, resolution (decision making), responsibility (acting on values), and…