Offer equally meaningful ways to enjoy programs

By Chris Thurber

“I don’t know the first thing about accommodations,” I said to my friend, the director of a camp that serves young burn survivors. “Yes, you do,” he insisted. “When I started walking a little faster, you did, too, Chris. I didn’t even have to say anything. We’re still going to complete the same footpath circuit, but we’re doing it at a pace that will get us to the dining hall before the meal starts.” I smiled, suddenly thinking about how often we make adjustments that help us succeed at challenging tasks. It’s smart. It’s strategic. And it’s what ethical accommodations do.

How to repair, replace, and remodel with a depreciation-recovery model

By Jeff Wadley

Imagine a camp where there is no need to fundraise for deferred maintenance, repairs, renovations, or replacements. That old truck that needs a clutch, the HVAC unit that needs a compressor, the program area that needs paint, and that zero-turn mower that is on its last lap—imagine ample funds to tackle these projects and more. Imagine further never having to put off replacing a sagging gutter, a 30-year-old roof, or a 50-year-old septic system due to insufficient funds. There’s no need to imagine the worst because another camp has cracked the code on preparing for the future with a depreciation-recovery model that can be implemented today. 

Key takeaways from group exercises in a post-pandemic world

By Jim Cain

I was invited to facilitate a series of workshops for a statewide, high-school leadership program. The participants included teachers, advisors, staff members, community volunteers, and students. It was the first time the group had gathered since the coronavirus pandemic, and after three years none of the students had attended in person before.

Creating positive environments for youth-counselor voice and empowerment

By Rebecca Meyer, Betsy Minneart-Olson, Nicole Pokorney

The University of Minnesota Extension Center for Youth Development offers a variety of residential camping experiences through the Minnesota 4-H Camping Program. 4-H camps, typically for 3rd to 8th graders, provide guided outdoor-learning opportunities and traditional experiences. 

Provide a comfortable place where time is held, and space is saved

By Katelynn Bufford

As each camper scaled his or her way to the top of the high ropes course, the instructor yelled “ZIP,” the command to exit the course via the zipline. The shutter of my camera snapped as each participant tether whizzed past me, propelled by the gravity of their weight pulling the cable. The excitement of each participant echoed in the otherwise quiet afternoon. Back on the ground, as each one passed to return equipment and join friends, I saw only joyful smiles after the daring descent. Just as the fun arrived, it ended. It was adventurous, daring, memorable, and temporary; it was camp. It reminded me that every good thing must come to an end. 

What to look for and how to stop it

By Jason Schaitz

Bullying can happen anywhere, and the dynamics can be complex. To put preventative measures in place to tackle incidents of bullying effectively, it is important to know what to look for as the clear signs that bullying may be occurring. Bullying can occur in many forms.

Make it the expectation not the exception

By Amanda Kloo

Camp is community. Camp is friendship. Camp is childhood. As camps advance their diversity, equity, and inclusion policies, practices, and programming, it is imperative that children with disabilities are at the forefront of these efforts. Because all kids should camp!

Get out of cruise control to maintain professional excellence

By Chris Thurber

“College is the best four years of your life” is a discouraging claim for two reasons: It implies the rest of your life will be disappointing, and it suggests an educational dead end in your early 20s. Fortunately, if you’re committed to being your best, neither of these dim predictions comes true. So, please express condolences to anyone who makes the Best Four Years Claim, then get back to becoming your best self by enjoying some continuing education.