Research shows that interviewers make hiring choices based on unconscious motivations and then rationalize the choice. Having three interviewers meet with each candidate separately and then discussing their reactions will assure that a hiring decision is based on objective criteria. Structured interviews and a limited focus on a maximum of six…

Discusses options for the hiring, testing, training, and supervision of lifeguards. Stresses the responsibility of camp directors in hiring properly trained lifeguards to ensure camper safety. Includes a precamp screening test of lifeguard knowledge and skills. (LP)

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)

Highlights what camp directors and program staff can do to establish a camp nature program. Emphasizes administrator commitment to the program, suitable facilities, campwide environmental awareness, staff enthusiasm, a hands-on approach, and a wide variety of activities. Provides suggestions for recruiting and hiring a nature counselor. (KS)

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)

Suggestions for finding camp staff focus on actively recruiting college students: arranging college credit for camp work, attending job fairs, using conventional advertising as well as the Internet and e-mail, asking other groups to help, recruiting while staff is at camp, and staff reunions. Includes strategies for finding staff with specialized…

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…

A camp's culture must be established in a way that maximizes the opportunities to fulfill the camp's highest priority goals and objectives. A camp director describes how his staff training emphasizes building relationships, a sense of community, and experiencing camp activities. Skill practice, safety management, policies, procedures, and…

Forty-plus staff have wisdom and experience to share and can bring a quiet, focused, and enthusiastic attitude to camp. If directors nurture this, they may receive life-long commitment from older staff members. Sidebars present tips on hiring older staff and research information indicating that many middle-aged Americans want to give time to…

Addresses issues related to administration of adventure programs, including liability, hiring well-trained staff, conducting safe activities, supervising safe adventure programs, maintaining appropriate facilities and equipment, keeping accurate records, posting information about potentially unsafe sites and activities, carrying adequate insurance…

A well-understood camp philosophy motivates the entire staff to work toward a common purpose, which is more meaningful than money. Camp administrators can ensure that staff members implement the camp philosophy by interviewing prospective staff members with the mission in mind, teaching staff the camp's vision, praising staff with specifics,…

Describes role of nurses in residential camp programs. Discusses ways camp administrators find and hire camp nurses. Emphasizes importance of communication between nurse and other staff for assessing campers' developmental needs and potential health problems. Discusses camping environment, health service needs, and campers' most common health…

Discusses summer camps' difficulties in recruiting college students as staff, suggesting camps have "image problem." Describes study of job descriptions to evaluate whether camps offer useful career experiences. Examines frequency and types of job tasks. Examines how camp directors might use job descriptions to recruit more effectively. (TES)

Strategies for working with international camp staff include speaking plain English, making camp policies and customs clear, including food from other countries in the menu, encouraging international staff to play games and sing songs in their native language, and assigning buddies to international staff. Includes tips for hiring international…

A survey of 196 camp counselors concerning camp staff motivation to work seasonally and return in future years showed that salary and working conditions were not as important as philosophical orientation of the camp, social and growth opportunities, and having fun. Practical implications for camp administrators are discussed. (TD)