Summer camps provide opportunities for children to experience play, pleasurable activities, and social interaction with other children of similar ages and interests and are an integral part of the modern-day American cultural landscape. The authors discuss the emergence of summer camps for children with special needs, the types of play activities…

Precamp physical examinations for children should be more than just cursory checks for routine problems. They should be complete health maintenance exams tailored to the needs of each child and to the rigors of the camp being attended. (Author/SM)

Discusses the nature of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Suggests ways in which camp directors can establish procedures for making appropriate decisions about accepting campers/staff workers with AIDS. Reviews aspects of environmental sanitation, physical health, confidentiality, camper/staff drug use and sexual behavior, medical…

A camp program is described which reflects the Young Men's Christian Association's traditional commitment to the development of the whole person, introducing the development of a "wellness" lifestyle. A wellness lifestyle is described as one that involves living fully and abundantly while recognizing and assuming responsibility for one's…

Prepared as a guide for summer camp administrators, this manual and this wellness program are built upon six principal concepts: enjoying fitness; eating well; taking care of oneself; enjoying life; relating to others; and being part of the world. Wellness is described as serving to awaken one's awareness to lifestyle norms and practices that…