Describes the services that consultants can provide to camps. Lists seven planning steps and decisions to be made before selecting a consultant, and seven strengths to look for when choosing a consulting firm. (SV)

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)

Successful camp repairs require careful planning. Prioritize projects by program needs first, then by cost. Determine the cause of deterioration and address it. Build goodwill with suppliers by knowing what you want and giving them ample time to prepare estimates. Include labor costs, even for staff labor. A cost-estimate table for a sample…

Budgeting is a valuable planning tool, facilitated by basic spreadsheets. Three basic steps in creating a budget--listing fixed and variable costs, computing a break-even point, and evaluating modifications--are explained. Models illustrate the basics of moving around the spreadsheet and entering formulas. Popular spreadsheet programs and price…

Menu alternatives are substitute meals, whereas menu additions are dishes that complement the main meal. Both should be vegetarian dishes that are less expensive than the main offering and attractive to 20-40% of the camp population. By offering alternatives and additions, one can eliminate complaints, save money, and change eating patterns.…

A property records system organizes data to be utilized by a camp's facilities department and integrated into other areas. Start by deciding what records to keep and allotting the time. Then develop consistent procedures, including organizing data, creating a catalog, making back-up copies, and integrating procedures. Use software tools. A good…

Outlines steps in producing videos for marketing camp programs: defining the need for the video and what population it will target; determining a budget based on technical quality and what uses the video will have; and developing and revising a script that highlights the action of the video. (LP)

As more people use wilderness areas, the need to protect pristine areas increases. Tips for minimizing impact include advance planning, knowing the rules of the area being used, packing properly, dispersing impacts when off-trail, leaving no garbage, taking nothing from the site, and conducting activities away from water sources and trails. Three…

Camps offering horse programs need to have written policies and procedures to ensure quality control and risk minimization. Basic elements of a horse program manual include routine care of horses; general guidelines relating to participants, program, and staff; and emergency plans. Four information resources are presented. (TD)

Lists eight steps to a safe waterfront, one of which is creating an emergency action plan. American Camping Association standards call for a written, rehearsed emergency action plan for aquatics programs. In creating a plan, one should consider one's resources, the camp layout, types of emergencies, and basic procedures. Staff training and plan…

Steps in developing a camp staff handbook include considering its intended uses, choosing a name, deciding on the handbook's size and the cover's style and design, choosing and sequencing topics and subtopics, and designing the layout of each page. Eye-catching ways to present information and tips for refreshing an old handbook are discussed. (SV)

Tips for successful hikes include explaining to young hikers what their trip will be like; learning the trip route including weather patterns, indigenous wildlife, unique topography, and water resources; establishing a leader to help keep the group together; and other basic elements of good hiking. Includes backpack essentials for hikers and…

How a camp responds to a crisis may determine whether it can survive financially. Effective risk management requires total commitment from ownership and management, and staff involvement. Steps in formulating a risk management plan include identifying all potential crises and their frequency and severity potential, developing responses,…

In implementing community service programs, camps need to develop safe, specific projects. Key planning points for service projects are presented. Risk management considerations specific to community service projects include developing guidelines for camper interaction with the public; discussing first-aid and emergency precautions, including…

The principles behind a camp's hazard tree program are, first, identifying and removing those hazards that offer a clear, immediate threat, and then creating a management plan for the other trees. The plan should be written and contain goals and objectives, field evaluations, and treatments. Follow-up evaluations should be done annually and after…