The blog archive.

244 posts from 2018 to 2024. For the new stuff, see the past newsletters or get the next one on Thursday.

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July 18, 2024Things I Screwed Up at Camp 10 Years AgoAbout 10 days ago, my old boss/first-ever camp director texted me: "This is Phillip from the YMCA. When is a good time to call you concerning camp?" I cried on Chicago public transit. It was embarrass
July 18, 2024The 4 C's of Camping Leadership QuizIf you were at the last TSCS Retreat, you may remember Nelson talking about the 4 C’s of Camping – Creativity, Community, Continuity, and Commerce. Sorta like a personality test, we can use the 4 C’s
July 18, 2024Redefining RejectionTo put it simply, rejection sucks. Whether it's in personal relationships, professional endeavors, or creative pursuits, being rejected can trigger feelings of inadequacy, disappointment, and even que
July 18, 2024Proactive MESH StrategiesFocus on mental health at camp, offering methods for staff to support campers emotionally.
July 18, 2024Fundraising Through a Good StoryDiscusses how storytelling can enhance communication, fundraising, and leadership within camp communities.
July 18, 2024Crisis & Camp on the Move: Jacobs CampInsight into managing crises at a summer camp, including power outages and relocations, with a fun twist on community bonding
July 18, 2024Survey Says: Unpacking the Camp Burnout Survey Results, Part 2Season 2, Episode 19 In this second half of the Burnout Survey Results podcast EmJ Juszczyk, Allison Krabill, and Sami Eron discuss what actions you can take knowing that staff are indeed burned out.
July 18, 2024Travis Allison on Overcoming Family Communication FatigueTools for combating communication burnout with camp families, offering practical strategies.
July 18, 2024Partnering with Staff Families at CampExplores strategies for building relationships with staff families, which can lead to smoother camp operations, better staff retention, and more advocates for camp.
July 18, 2024Balancing Leadership and Motherhood Under the Summer Camp SunDuring our recent Moms+ call with The Summer Camp Society, as we connected with new moms, I found myself reminiscing about the days when diapers were my primary concern. Now that my kids are 11 and 13
July 17, 2024Working with English Language LearnersIn the 2020 US census, about 8% of the population of the US reported speaking English less than “very well." Depending on your state or county, that percentage may go up to 32%. This is a huge part of
July 17, 2024Rethinking Behavior: Finding Bigger Empathy for Big BehaviorsI’m sweaty. My heart is pounding. I’m watching the exercise ring on my watch slowly move toward closing even though I’m standing still. I keep my stance neutral and non-threatening, my face blank and
July 17, 2024Project Management: Tools & StrategiesSeason 2, Episode 25 Listen on Spotify | Apple Music Think about camp a year from now... Is it organized? Is it systemized? Is it neither of those and you're laughing those were even suggested? Well t
July 17, 2024New Year, New StrategiesPhilosophical discussion about building community, leadership, and strategies for change in the new year.
July 17, 2024Level Up Your Staff: LIVE Campfire Keynote with Jack & EmJSeason 2, Episode 21 "LIVE FROM THE THE CAMPFIRE CONFERENCE, IT'S JACK AND EMJJJJJ". Jack and EmJ had the PLEASURE of hosting a live podcast as the Keynote in front of over 300 camp professionals at t
July 17, 2024Front of the Room: Conferences to Staff TrainingSeason 2, Episode 22 Listen on Spotify | Apple Music Host Jack sits down with host EmJ AND host Allison to talk about talking at conferences. Meta? They dive deep into the (internal) struggle between
July 17, 2024Digital Detox for StaffSeason 2, Episode 24 Listen on Spotify | Apple Music With the average American spending over 7 hours of their day looking at screens, we've got some work to do to make staff feel ready to reduce that
July 17, 2024Camp Concierge & Customer SupportReal-world ideas for enhancing family communication and customer service during and before camp.
July 17, 2024Survey Says: Unpacking the Camp Burnout Survey ResultsDelves into camp staff burnout, sharing survey results and strategies for better staffing and self-care.
July 17, 2024Bold Moves: Brainstorming Staff & Teen LeadersTackles big questions about improving CIT programs and staff time-off policies.
July 17, 2024Hiring without Bias: Why We Need to Leave “Vibes” BehindAs a step towards increasing diversity in your staff, and promoting anti-racism at your camp, have you looked at bias in your hiring processes? First, we have to acknowledge that everyone has biases.
July 17, 2024The Baggage of Summer Camp: "Packing Light" When It Comes to ChangeAs the days lengthen and we gear up for another summer camp season, it's clear that this transformation extends beyond filling the pool and mowing the grass. For those who bring these seasonal sanctua
July 16, 2024Tidbits for Staff Training from Tri-StateSeason 2, Episode 27 Listen on Spotify | Apple Music We're talking welcoming staff and setting them up for success! When host EmJ sits down with Kelly Schuna and Sami Eron to talk what we're taking ba
July 16, 2024Debunking the Magic of CampSeason 2, Episode 30 Listen on Spotify | Apple Music You don't know topic hopping until you've listened to this episode. Host EmJ is joined by Chris Hudson and Lolo Castro while at Tri-State. They tou
July 16, 2024Peace Castles: An Emotional Regulation MetaphorEarlier in the fall I had a convo with an exceptional friend about the complexities of behavior at the camp we run for kids with autism. We started building a fun metaphor about Peace Castles that I’m
July 16, 2024Let’s Get VisualPicture This… A summer camp where every camper feels like they're part of something truly special. Where laughter fills the air, friendships bloom, and every kid, regardless of their abilities, can sh
July 16, 2024Hiring without Bias, Part 2: Better Processes for Better ResultsIn part 1 of this series, I wrote about why removing our biases will help our hiring and result in a more diverse staff and more equitable systems. Here are a ways to help reduce the impact of bias in
July 16, 20245 Tools From Conferences to Add to Your TrainingConference season, we are back baby . As you can tell, I've been on a conference kick (there's just SO many). Not only is the content flowing, we're seeing how conferences make people feel included an
July 16, 2024Summer Send OffSummer Send-Off Season 2, Episode 33 Listen on Spotify | Apple Music How many more times can we say, "camp is coming up"? On this podcast episode, host EmJ is joined with Allison Krabill and Alice Hos
July 16, 2024Kids are HumansKids are Humans Season 2, Episode 32 Listen on Spotify | Apple Music What are we doing about chaos this summer? On this episode EmJ is joined by Allison Klee and Alice Hospitel to talk about what mind
July 16, 2024Flexible Staff HiringFlexible Staff Hiring Season 2, Episode 27 Listen on Spotify | Apple Music What if you didn't have to work the whole summer at camp? What if your staff could commit to the summer because they knew the
July 16, 2024Curls and CampCurls and Camp Season 2, Episode 31 Listen on Spotify | Apple Music WE'RE BACK BABBYY. After a little spring break, EmJ reclaims the mic and sits down with Simone Gamble, Jessica Tingle, and Sabrina A
August 29, 2023TSCS PODCAST 31: Exploring Restorative Justice31 | Exploring Restorative Justice with Tamara Sheppard I n this podcast we are talking big ideas, actual and actionable takeaways, and lots of fun with the camp community and professionals! Challengi
June 27, 2023Ideas to Bring the Fun IndoorsCreative ideas for indoor activities at camp are shared, focusing on keeping campers entertained when outdoor options aren't available. From high-energy games to team-building exercises, the post emphasizes ways to maint
June 13, 2023TSCS PODCAST 30: The Game30 | The Game In this podcast we are talking big ideas, actual and actionable takeaways, and lots of fun with the camp community and professionals! Have you ever wondered, “What would it sound like to
June 13, 2023Life Skills: This Really is a Real JobUsually, I write about DEI-related topics. That’s what I’m passionate about, and feel I have things to share. That’s not what is happening today. Two weeks ago, my mom called me to let me know that my
June 13, 202310 Easy Social Media Campaigns Camps Can Do This SummerPractical ideas for summer camps to maintain a strong social media presence, from staff highlights to camper quotes, ensuring ongoing engagement during the busy season
June 6, 2023TSCS PODCAST 29: Tickety-Boo29 | Tickety-Boo In this podcast we are talking big ideas, actual and actionable takeaways, and lots of fun with the camp community and professionals! Like all good things, this must come to an end…bu
May 31, 2023Presenting, The Facilitator Elevator: Sharing and Growing in CommunityLevel up your facilitation skills with the Facilitator Elevator! This game-changing tool helps camp trainers engage their teams, deliver impactful sessions, and build confidence in even the toughest training environments
May 30, 2023TSCS PODCAST 28: Turn Your Comments On28 | Turn Your Comments On In this podcast we are talking big ideas, actual and actionable takeaways, and lots of fun with the camp community and professionals! In this episode, host Allison Krabill i
May 25, 2023Smartphone Scrapbook: An Easy Icebreaker for Summer Camp Staff TrainingLooking for a simple yet powerful way to kick off your camp staff training? This icebreaker activity gets your team energized, laughing, and connecting within minutes. It's perfect for breaking down barriers and building
May 24, 2023Transforming Our CommunitiesThis blog explores the process of transforming camp communities by fostering inclusion, connection, and growth. It emphasizes the importance of creating safe spaces for campers and staff, building strong relationships, a
May 23, 2023TSCS PODCAST 27: Be the Liaison27 | Be the Liaison In this podcast we are talking big ideas, actual and actionable takeaways, and lots of fun with the camp community and professionals! This episode features host Allison Krabill and
May 22, 20234 Ways to Include Anti-Racism in Your Summer Camp Staff TrainingCamp training is right around the corner - maybe starting this week. If you haven’t thought about how to include Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Justice in your camp training, it's not too late. Anti-r
May 18, 2023Supporting Seasonal Summer Camp StaffSupporting seasonal summer camp staff requires intentional efforts in leadership, training, and community building. The blog offers practical tips for helping staff thrive, including creating strong support networks, pro
May 16, 2023TSCS PODCAST 26: Seasonal Leadership: Supervising Your Friends26 | Seasonal Leadership: Supervising Your Friends In this podcast we are talking big ideas, actual and actionable takeaways, and lots of fun with the camp community and professionals! On this episode
May 9, 2023The Three Ds: What Dog Training Has Taught Me about Being a Summer Camp DirectorSometimes my campers make decisions I don’t like. They do things like punch their friends over a game of gaga or hide under their beds on checkout day. I used to think really good camp professionals k
May 9, 2023TSCS PODCAST 25: Facilitator Elevator 25 | Facilitator Elevator In this podcast we are talking big ideas, actual and actionable takeaways, and lots of fun with the camp community and professionals! “ Ding , Level Two”. On this episode, Al
May 2, 2023TSCS PODCAST 24: 5 Minute Expert Talks24 | 5 Minute Expert Talks In this podcast we are talking big ideas, actual and actionable takeaways, and lots of fun with the camp community and professionals! On this episode, EmJ Juszczyk is joined
April 25, 2023TSCS PODCAST 23: Shared Language23 | Shared Language In this podcast we are talking big ideas, actual and actionable takeaways, and lots of fun with the camp community and professionals! On this episode, Jack Schott is joined by Mar
April 17, 2023TSCS PODCAST 22: We’re All Just People22 | We’re All Just People In this podcast we are talking big ideas, actual and actionable takeaways, and lots of fun with the camp community and professionals! EmJ Juszczyk is joined by Nick Teich an
April 4, 2023TSCS PODCAST 21: Camp is the New Old Neighborhood21 | Camp is the New Old Neighborhood In this podcast we are talking big ideas, actual and actionable takeaways, and lots of fun with the camp community and professionals! On this episode, Jolly Corle
March 28, 2023Camper ClubsCamper Clubs provide a unique way to foster year-round engagement with campers by creating small groups that focus on shared interests. This blog outlines how camp leaders can implement these clubs to build deeper connec
March 27, 202310 Takeaways From the Restorative Justice Conference (Might help sell your boss)What is Restorative Justice? Trust me, I know professional development dollars are tight. At The Summer Camp Society we work super hard to make sure we are delivering huge ROI for every dollar you mig
March 27, 2023TSCS PODCAST 20: The People in the Arena20 | The People in the Arena In this podcast we are talking big ideas, actual and actionable takeaways, and lots of fun with the camp community and professionals! On this episode, Jack Schott is joine
March 22, 2023Defaulting to Inclusive LanguageThis blog emphasizes the importance of using inclusive language in camp environments, explaining how thoughtful word choices can create a more welcoming space for everyone. It encourages camp leaders to adopt habits of i
March 21, 20235 Tips for Running the Best Summer Camp Staff Training with Greg GolfGreg Golf shares expert advice on how to make staff training more impactful, including using stories, explaining the "why" behind tasks, and adding elements of science to build better engagement
March 21, 2023TSCS PODCAST 19: Focus on the Individual19 | FOCUS ON THE INDIVIDUAL In this podcast we are talking big ideas, actual and actionable takeaways, and lots of fun with the camp community and professionals! On this episode Allison Krabill is jo
March 14, 2023TSCS PODCAST 18: Springboard18 | Springboard In this podcast we are talking big ideas, actual and actionable takeaways, and lots of fun with the camp community and professionals! On this episode, Jack Schott and Howie Grossinger
March 9, 2023ACA Tristate 2023: TSCS RecommendationsThe recommendations aim to provide camp leaders with practical tools and insights for improving camp experiences, staff management, and camper well-being. Sessions are carefully selected to address current challenges in
March 7, 2023TSCS PODCAST 17: The Essence of Camp17 | The Essence of Camp In this podcast we are talking big ideas, actual and actionable takeaways, and lots of fun with the camp community and professionals! On this episode, Jack Schott is joined by
March 6, 2023When Change FailsWe’ve been talking a lot about free choice and restorative justice lately, and I have to admit something: I failed at implementing both. Two different summers. Two different camps. Both failed. To be
February 28, 2023TSCS PODCAST 16: 80% Connection, 20% Content16 | 80% Connection, 20% Content In this podcast we are talking big ideas, actual and actionable takeaways, and lots of fun with the camp community and professionals! Imagine going down a waterslide w
February 28, 2023The Power of BoredomThe blog post emphasizes the Power of Boredom , highlighting how boredom can spark creativity, self-discovery, and deeper connections among campers. It encourages camp leaders to allow unstructured time during camp to gi
February 21, 2023TSCS PODCAST 15: Continuing to Belong15 | Continuing to Belong In this podcast we are talking big ideas, actual and actionable takeaways, and lots of fun with the camp community and professionals! This episode brings together Allison Kra
February 20, 2023Diversity Training Part 2This blog continues the conversation on diversity and inclusion in camp environments, offering actionable insights for camp leaders. It focuses on the importance of ongoing training, creating safe spaces, and addressing
February 17, 2023ACA National 2023: TSCS RecommendationsA curated list of key sessions from ACA National, focusing on mental health strategies, inclusivity, and camp culture.
February 16, 2023Letter to Black CounselorsThank you for deciding to make this choice. To spend your summer working at a summer camp. Either for the first time or returning year after year. To impact the lives of young people in ways you can n
February 13, 2023TSCS PODCAST 14: International Staff, Resource Your Staff14 | International Staff, Resource Your Staff In this podcast we are talking big ideas, actual and actionable takeaways, and lots of fun with the camp community and professionals! Did you know there a
February 13, 2023Supervising Free Choice TimeAt camp we talk a lot about independence, being able to be the person you want to be, and learning about yourself, and at the same time, as camp directors, a lot of us have a hard time letting go or n
February 7, 2023TSCS PODCAST 13: Customer Service: Choosing Kindness13 | Customer Service: Choosing Kindness In this podcast we are talking big ideas, actual and actionable takeaways, and lots of fun with the camp community and professionals! Allison Krabill is joined
February 6, 2023Make Staff Training Easier: How Outside Trainers Make a Big DifferenceThinking about bringing in an outside trainer for your summer camp staff? Fresh eyes, new ideas, and a professional touch can elevate your team's skills and dynamics to the next level. Discover how an external expert can
February 2, 2023Dearest Fellow Straight White DudesThis blog is a candid reflection aimed at straight white men working in the camp industry, encouraging them to engage in conversations about privilege, power, and inclusivity. The post urges readers to challenge themselv
January 31, 2023TSCS PODCAST 12: Conferences: Take Notes, Make Arts & Crafts12 | Conferences: Take Notes, Make Arts & Crafts In this podcast we are talking big ideas, actual and actionable takeaways, and lots of fun with the camp community and professionals! IT’S CONFERENCE S
January 31, 2023Cookie Jar CommunitiesThis blog explores the concept of “cookie jar communities,” where camp leaders build trust, connection, and emotional safety among staff and campers. The metaphor highlights the importance of accumulating positive experi
January 24, 2023TSCS PODCAST 11: Culture of Belonging11 | Culture of Belonging In this podcast we are talking big ideas, actual and actionable takeaways, and lots of fun with the camp community and professionals! Jack is joined by TSCS’s very own Alliso
January 23, 2023Stoplight Scheduling - Setting Camp Staff Up to Be the Most ImpactfulBeing a summer camp counselor is hard as hell. It involves taking on a ton of different roles. One minute, you might be leading 10 seven-year-olds on the hunt for buried treasure, and the next, sittin
January 18, 2023Diversity Training Part 1: Focus PointsThis blog introduces the importance of diversity training in camp environments, focusing on building a foundation of inclusivity and understanding. It encourages camp leaders to be proactive in learning about different i
January 16, 2023Honey I Shrunk the Unspoken Rules of Engaging in TSCS into a Blog PostIf you have been privy to anything The Summer Camp Society has done in the past, you probably have a pretty good idea of what the “hidden curriculum” is. If you’re fun, you might even call it “hiddy c
January 11, 2023We Need to Reprioritize Paper Applications.This blog argues for the importance of offering paper applications for camp staff and families, especially for those who may not have reliable access to digital technology. It highlights the equity issues that arise when
January 10, 2023TSCS PODCAST 10: 5 Minute Expert Talks10 | 5 Minute Expert Talks In this podcast we are talking big ideas, actual and actionable takeaways, and lots of fun with the camp community and professionals! One of the powers of The Summer Camp So
January 9, 2023The Source: EywaThe blog post reflects on the concept of Eywa , exploring how interconnectedness and harmony with nature can inspire camp communities. It draws parallels between camp life and the idea of living in balance with the natur
January 4, 2023Creating a Year-Round Camper BoardThis blog discusses the idea of establishing a year-round camper board to foster stronger engagement and feedback from campers throughout the year. It highlights the benefits of empowering campers to have a voice in deci
December 28, 2022TSCS WrappedIt reflects on the community’s growth, key events, and innovations in the world of summer camps, showcasing how the organization adapted to challenges and celebrated successes. The post highlights important collaboration
December 20, 2022TSCS PODCAST 9: Digging into Conflict9 | Digging into Conflict In this podcast we are talking big ideas, actual and actionable takeaways, and lots of fun with the camp community and professionals! Jack is joined by Laura Kriegel and Alli
December 15, 2022Making Them the Main CharacterOn The Summer Camp Society Podcast we have been talking a ton about recruiting staff and how we tell the story of what camp is like. In October 2020, I wrote this letter to the rest of the Stomping Gr
December 13, 2022TSCS PODCAST 8: Practice Camp8 | Staff Training: Practice Camp In this podcast we are talking big ideas, actual and actionable takeaways, and lots of fun with the camp community and professionals! This episode brings together Jac
December 6, 2022TSCS PODCAST 7: Change the Program7 | Change the Program In this podcast we are talking big ideas, actual and actionable takeaways, and lots of fun with the camp community and professionals! Jack is joined by James Davis and Nelson St
November 29, 2022TSCS PODCAST 6: Making Culture Happen6 | Making Culture Happen In this podcast we are talking big ideas, actual and actionable takeaways, and lots of fun with the camp community and professionals! Bringing people in is a superpower —that
November 15, 2022TSCS PODCAST 5: Selling Fun5 | Staff Recruitment: Selling Fun In this series of episodes we’re taking a deep dive addressing how staff recruitment is needed more than ever and what the people around the camp community are doing
November 8, 2022Fall 2022 Retreat RecapOur Fall 2022 Retreat was last week, and I could go on for HOURS about how amazing it was (I won’t, though). There was so much community, so many takeaways, and so much change potential that I believe
November 8, 2022TSCS PODCAST 4: Lean on Your Ideas4 | Staff Recruitment: Lean on Your Ideas In this series of episodes we’re taking a deep dive addressing how staff recruitment is needed more than ever and what the people around the camp community ar
October 31, 2022TSCS PODCAST 3: Invest in the People3 | Staff Recruitment: Invest in the People In this series of episodes we’re taking a deep dive addressing how staff recruitment is needed more than ever and what the people around the camp community
October 25, 2022TSCS PODCAST 2: Supporting Staff in Finding Their Fun2 | Staff Recruitment: Supporting Staff in Finding Their Fun In this series of episodes we’re taking a deep dive addressing how staff recruitment is needed more than ever and what the people around th
October 20, 2022Starting a Monthly Giving Program For Summer CampShares how Stomping Ground created a successful monthly donors club, raising $35k annually while engaging alumni and fostering camp community support.
October 18, 2022TSCS PODCAST 1: We Know We Need to Change How We Staff Camp1 | Staff Recruitment: We Know We Need to Change How We Staff Camp In this series of episodes we’re taking a deep dive addressing how staff recruitment is needed more than ever and what the people aro
September 28, 2022Camp Director Experience Debrief Recap So many of you joined us last week to debrief the camp director experience! It was GREAT to see you and AMAZING to hear all the conversations. Camp people helping camp people and building community -
September 28, 2022DOUBLE RECAP: Lessons Learned in Gender Inclusive Housing & Equity and IdentityFirst of all, we are so impressed at and thankful for all of the people who joined us for our panel debriefs (and for our amazing panelists!). We learned SO much, and it was great to see so many peopl
September 15, 2022Don't Join the Summer Camp SocietyA tongue-in-cheek post listing reasons not to join, while cleverly showcasing the unique culture, growth mindset, and challenges that make the Society special.
September 15, 2022Camper Needs/Experience Debrief RecapSo many of you joined us yesterday to debrief camper needs and experience! It was GREAT to see you and AMAZING to hear all the conversations. Camp people helping camp people and building community - i
September 8, 2022Staff Experience/Management Debrief RecapFriends! Close to ONE HUNDRED of you joined us yesterday for the first of our Summer 2022 Debrief Series. IT. WAS. AWESOME. So many cool people shared so many cool/hard things, so many connections wer
August 29, 2022Introducing: PEER GROUPS!Every TSCS team meeting pretty much boils down to one question: how do we better serve camps? It’s a question we’re constantly trying to answer, having conversations, asking questions, and keeping an
August 23, 20227 Things You Can Do Now to Wrap Up Your Summer & Make Your Life EasierOffers tips for post-camp reflection and organizing tasks, including year-round engagement planning, important date communication, and sorting photos for future use.
August 22, 2022I Believe in MagicMike wrote these beautiful words for his staff closing, and we had to share them. As he told us, “Thought y'all might like it, because it applies to each and every one of you as well. Take all my end-
August 18, 2022Seasonal Staff Award WinnersIn July, our team put out a call for Seasonal Staff Award nominations . We received more than 150 nominations. They were INCREDIBLE. We managed to narrow each category down to four finalists, and a pa
August 16, 2022From Post-Camp Reflections to Action Plan: Making It HappenPhoto Credit: Ghostlight Theater Camp, Photographer: Alexandra Rivers It can be hard to change things at camp… for many reasons. A big one being that you have an 8 to 10 month gap before you get to tr
July 27, 2022Sneaky Cards: Staff Morale BoosterMegan Kneifl introduces a fun and creative staff morale booster activity using sneaky cards, perfect for mid-season motivation and team-building
July 12, 20225 Types of Snacks to Reenergize Your StaffOne summer, I felt like things were going great! I still think they were, but, looking back, there was one thing that I missed. I always try to survey my staff at certain points during the summer (usu
July 12, 20225 Instant & Inexpensive Staff Recognition Agenda ItemsPhoto by Jonny Petty
June 20, 20228 Ways You Can Support Staff Mental Health This Summer & BeyondLet’s get two things out of the way. If it’s required/highly suggested/pressured, it doesn’t support staff mental health. If it’s an event/thing that only takes place during time off, it probably does
June 18, 2022Celebrating Juneteenth at CampSunday, June 19th, 2022 marks the first time Juneteenth will be celebrated as a national holiday in the United States. It is the first new federal holiday since MLK Day was created in 1983. Juneteenth
June 9, 2022What's In a Name: Camp Onas' 7-Step Process to Move Past AppropriationWhen I first arrived at Camp Onas as a young white kid from the Philadelphia suburbs, I was handed a slip of paper that had two names on it: mine and the name of my bunk. While both names looked like
June 8, 2022The Summer of New BeginningsReflects on a transformative summer, focusing on growth, change, and the excitement of starting anew in the world of summer camps. It highlights personal and professional shifts that have shaped the direction of camp lea
May 31, 2022Resume WalkAs seen at Camp Chief Ouray – YMCA of the Rockies Before training, have a leadership staff member or two compile a list of resume facts from the counselors at the camp. You can easily take them off of
May 19, 2022Emergency Hiring StrategiesYesterday, I asked The Summer Camp Society’s members what last-minute May miracle they’re hoping to have happen this week. The overwhelming majority of the responses were people who needed more staff
May 17, 2022Homesickness: "By Any Means Necessary"“Keep them at camp, by any means necessary.” Although I wouldn’t say these words were ever explicitly said when I was a frontline staff member during our annual “homesickness” training… I remember ver
May 10, 2022How Summer Camp Can Heal the WorldGuest Blog by Joe Mendes, Owner/Director of Camp Roosevelt Firebird Summer Camp should be for all kids but it’s not. Many parents can’t afford it. Many worry about whether their non-binary kid will fi
May 3, 2022Beyond the Pizza Party: Incentives to Improve Staff Quality of LifeMy executive director and I are in a bit of a pickle. I'm assuming many of you reading this are also in a situation similar to the one I'm about to describe. Essentially, we want to pay people more bu
April 29, 20225 Things I Wish I Knew My First Summer as a Camp DirectorThis post provides personal reflections and lessons learned from a camp director's first summer, with practical advice on documentation, staff management, and handling challenges.
April 27, 2022Integration vs. InclusionSIMONE’S STORY I cannot tell the story of who I am without speaking about camp. It makes sense that even to this day camp is still a large piece of the work I commit to. It has been the biggest connec
April 26, 2022Less Rules More InclusionFederal Law Requires You Wear a Mask at All Times While In the Airport Editor’s Note: Okay, it did when Jack wrote this blog, so just play along. I am sitting at JFK waiting for my flight. Every 10 mi
April 20, 2022...And I Swear.... What Constitutes a Bad Word at CampBecoming a parent has truly changed the way that I relate to almost everything in my life. I enjoyed “Toddlers and Tiaras” before I had children… now I cannot stand it. I always took training lifeguar
April 13, 20225 Simple Ways to Step Up Your Music Game This SummerA mentor of mine once told me that the greatest way to build a connection with someone is to “break bread with them” or share a meal. I never bothered to ask him his reasoning behind this, but I think
April 12, 2022Planning Staff Training is HardStaff training is THE BEST–but planning staff training is really hard. It’s actually always been hard — but this year seems in some way different. I tried to put my finger on what’s going on: So much
April 7, 2022Breakout Activities at CampIf you know me, you won’t be surprised that I LOVE escape rooms and anything similar. So much so that I decided this had to happen at camp! So… my first year ever assigned to create evening programs,
April 5, 2022Better Bedtimes: How Being a Parent Changed Our Nights at CampAlright, friends. I’m going to be vulnerable for a minute and admit something that’s a bit of a hard pill for me to swallow. I’m a much better camp director now that I’m a parent myself. Phew, ok. It’
March 31, 2022Introducing: Our Faculty!This post introduces the new faculty members of The Summer Camp Society, showcasing their diverse backgrounds and expertise in camp leadership, education, and innovation. It highlights how each faculty member brings uniq
March 30, 2022Introducing: Paige & Allison!We started The Summer Camp Society in 2017, and, for the past five years, we’ve very much been a start-up. We’ve been both doing all that we can, whenever we can, to build TSCS. But over the course of
March 29, 2022THE PAST 12 MONTHSWOAH! In the last year a lot has changed for the world, us, and most importantly for this memo, TSCS. Some of the notable changes: We realized we needed help. In Spring 2021, Paige Moffett came on boa
March 22, 2022Are We Thinking Too Small About How to Recruit More and Different Staff for Camp?Chris and Briana ran a session at our The Summer Camp Society retreat that I can’t stop thinking about. The goal of the session was to leave with a marker of progress for action steps for building a m
March 15, 2022The Big Emotions About Camp FoodThe first time I went to camp I was not worried about where I would sleep. I was not worried about being away from my parents. I was a sleepover expert and knew I could take the time and the distance
March 10, 2022TSCS's Recommendations for Tri-State 2022This blog post provides a handpicked selection of sessions at the 2022 ACA Tri-State conference, covering key topics such as leadership, mental health, and inclusivity. The recommendations are aimed at camp professionals
March 8, 2022Level Up Your Facilitation GameWe spent four days last week at The Summer Camp Society’s annual retreat. It. Was. Awesome. It was one of the few times I’d gotten to facilitate in person over the past two years. Even though at times
March 4, 2022Camp Magic: A Short StoryThis story is about magic. This story is about Jessie, a first-time camper at L.G. Cook 4-H Camp. Shy, nervous, never slept away from home before, much-less never spent a whole week away living in a c
March 1, 2022The Hidden Curriculum: Origins of The Summer Camp Society's Favorite BuzzwordsIf you’ve been a part of The Summer Camp Society community for a few years, months, or even days you have for sure at some point seen us mention The Hidden Curriculum. If you haven’t - don’t fret, you
February 22, 2022Inclusion at Summer Camp: The Whats, The Whys, and Sweet Potato PieI’m a 28-year-old Black male who grew up going to camp and has made a career out of thinking, learning, and growing with other camp professionals. I lead Inclusion Specialist workshops for camp profes
February 2, 20225 Keys to Being a Great Camp CounselorIt is harder than ever to be a great camp counselor. A multi-year global pandemic, increased understanding of mental health issues, often understaffed camps, more inexperienced counselors, increased p
January 31, 20225 Rules for Running Great Meetings at CampAs I gear up and talk to a lot of camps about trainings for this summer almost everyone I talk to has been stressed about helping staff get back to basics. There has been a turn over of staff, a lot o
January 21, 2022Thinking About Thunderdome - Rainy Days As I gear up and talk to a lot of camps about trainings for this summer almost everyone I talk to has been stressed about helping staff get back to basics. There has been a turn over of staff, a lot o
September 24, 2021Equity and Identity Off-Season Road MapAs we spend our September resting, and reflecting- we need to be keenly focused on how we will spend the rest of our planning season creating positive spaces for campers of all backgrounds so that they have equitable and
April 6, 2021Introducing the Intersectional Equity Scenario SeminarThis seminar series asks one important question- “What would you do in this situation to make sure that all participants’ safety is honored equally?” Might seem simple, but we expect messy answers because justice is neve
March 8, 2021Reflections on Restorative Justice 101Land Acknowledgement Before we even get started, I want to acknowledge the traditional, ancestral, unceded territory of the Kusso-Natchez and extinct Edisto tribe on which I am writing and reflecting
February 6, 2021“What do you do the rest of the year?”“What do you do the rest of the year?” As a camp professional, this might be the most triggering question. The Summer Camp Pros Facebook group is full of vent sessions on this topic, and at every conf
January 25, 2021A Flawed Justice SystemEvery camp has a way they approach challenging behavior. Of course we do! With the youth that we serve, who come from all different backgrounds and all have different behavioral needs, it is our respo
January 18, 2021Restorative Justice: Cornerstone of Equity at CampRestorative practices or other systems designed to share power are core to building equity at camps. Allison Klee, the camp director at Stomping Ground reflects on how this happens in small and large
November 18, 2020White is the default at camp: Let's work to change thatBlack Lives Matter at Camp. Yes, and: This statement needs to be viewed more as a call to action than as a declaration. Because the work of dismantling white supremacy culture at camp (and in our greater society) can’t s
October 21, 2020The Little Book of Race and Restorative Justice - AT CAMP!It’s Wednesday night, and I am about to log on to my first session with my new book club with the Gandhi Institute where we are reading The Little Book of Race and Restorative Justice . To be honest,
October 7, 2020How can our camp generate income now when we don’t know what summer is going to look like yet?AHHHHHHHHHHH! “WHAT IS HAPPENING!? WHAT DO I PLAN FOR? WILL WE EVER RUN CAMP AGAIN!? IS CAMP DEAD!? Ok ok ok Jack, settle down.“ This is just about how I go to sleep and wake up every day. I imagine m
July 31, 2020Thoughts on Being Black at CampIn 2008 my mom told me I was going to summer camp. I didn’t know anything about summer camp; I just knew she already signed me up and I was going. She wanted me to have the same experiences growing up that privileged whi
July 31, 2020BLACK LIVES MATTER. In camping, I have been a part of (and led) many conversations about how to be sure that we, as white camp leaders, are nice . In other words, how to be “inclusive”, “accepting” and “welcoming.” This is how white camp le
May 15, 2020Losing the Light When Summer's Ended“We become special versions of ourselves in the right environment. One reason I’ve stuck with camp so long is that I often feel like the best version of myself when I do camp work. At the end of the summer, I see many pe
May 12, 2020Unless we can ensure that each of us is safe at camp, we all have to stay home.By Sarah Kurtz McKinnon A few weeks ago, there was a particularly contentious post in the Summer Camp Professionals Facebook Group questioning the viability of virtual camp programming. With 134 comme
May 7, 2020Canceling camp? What about the staff?By Sarah Kurtz McKinnon Note: This is a brainstorming blog post. If you attempt to initiate any of the suggested ideas, please check with your insurers, lawyers and other medical advisors! The Faceboo
May 6, 2020Together Apart: Reflections on Family Camp-at-HomeIn a time when we need to be physically apart due to COVID-19, camper families were able to experience the joy and togetherness of camp straight from their home.
May 1, 2020Your alumni need you, tooHow I accidentally started an Alumni Facebook group and what is happening because of it. By Melk Kowalkowski In the weeks since Governor DeWine shut down pretty much the whole state of Ohio, I have ex
April 13, 2020Virtual Bunks: Building Consistent Camper Connections OnlineBy Carolyn Harari Director of Camps, In the City Camps “Can we go outside and play sharks and minnows?” said a five-year-old boy after his virtual bunk finished playing charades. “When Corona and the
April 4, 2020Indoor Scavenger Hunt ChallengeBy Mike O’Brien, Camp AJ Hey friends. I hope y’all are hanging in there as best you can, whatever that means for you. I’m doing passably all things considered, thanks for asking! I realize a lot of us
April 2, 2020Making a Camp Internet Safety Videophoto by Roderick Cooney, www.thecampphotographer.com By Sarah Kurtz McKinnon I was so impressed to see that the amazing Natalie Roberts-Day from YMCA Camp Kitaki and Allison Klee from Camp Stomping G
March 23, 2020Virtual Camp: Building Connections and Bringing the Camp SpiritAnd, from one Camp professional to another: after a week of worrying about budgets, and revenue, and cancelations, and policies, and health departments, and international travel regulations and a ton of other things enti
March 19, 2020Why We Believe You Can run (a version of ) Camp on Zoom...and How We Can HelpBy Sarah Kurtz McKinnon Zoom! I sometimes feel like I live on Zoom . Not just now--but starting three and a half years ago, when Jack Schott and I founded The Summer Camp Society. We weren’t sure what
March 19, 2020Plan for the best, plan for the worstBy Scott Arizala Ok, these are very uncertain times. No one really knows what’s going to happen this summer; we can’t really even be sure about tomorrow. But one thing is certain…Summer Is Coming. Whe
March 18, 2020Covid-19 - Three Projects We Are Working On At Stomping Ground Woah. This “off season” is wild. At Stomping Ground, the camp I help run, we are in the process of moving to a new property and renovating it to be ready for camp this summer. You can see more about r
March 17, 2020Online Camp Guide: Digital Comic Book CampBy Lauren Rowell, Camp 42 A note from Kurtz: Last week, in preparation for coronavirus/COVID-19, a group of TSCS leaders met to discuss how to plan online camps. We’ll have some more content for you o
March 2, 2020Reflections on Leadership, Evaluation, and SparkleIn preparation for the upcoming LIT/CIT workshop that I will be facilitating along with my good friend and personal superhero Jason Smith for The Summer Camp Society, I’ve been doing a lot of thinking
February 19, 2020Spark Phrases: Training Staff on PlayLast week I was talking with Emma Kaapana, the new director of YMCA Camp Lake Helena. She works for my old boss and we are trading time helping each other. I help Emma think through new aspects of her
January 28, 2020Illuminating the Hidden Curriculum. Good for Mission. Good for Money.There are two things every camp director talks about when it comes to camper recruitment Word of mouth is the best and most effective marketing. I agree. Whether we mean face to face talking, or onlin
January 26, 2020Finding My First Full-Time Job in CampingMy protests grew weaker as time went on; camp provided a million new reasons every summer as to why I should say yes.
January 23, 2020Inclusion at Summer Camp - The Hidden CurriculumWhat does it mean to be inclusive? Why do we want to be inclusive? How can we create inclusive spaces? We spend most of our time thinking about this at Camp Stomping Ground the sleepaway camp I help r
January 22, 2020Networking Sounds Yucking But I Love FriendsThis post humorously addresses the discomfort some feel toward traditional networking while highlighting the importance of genuine connections in the camp community. It emphasizes that building relationships through shar
January 22, 2020Insider Info Creates Outsiders at Camp is That Ok?I’ve had opportunities to operate in my zone of genius and I feel lucky about that. My zone of genius is community building or culture building. This has ups and downs as you might imagine. On the goo
January 9, 20207 Types of All Camp Games You Can Run This SummerWHY ALL CAMP GAMES? So much of what we do at summer camp is around making memories. Steve Baskin, Director/Owner at Camp Champions, talks about the role of camp to be to give kids an opportunity to bu
November 26, 201911 Ideas to Supercharge your Online Day of GivingA few weeks ago Ari reached out to me to talk about their day of giving at Ramah California. Ari is someone I have looked up to for a long time from afar. He is one of the most forward thinking camp m
September 30, 2019Jack's Kookie Take on Professional DevelopmentThis is an adapted email I sent to our team at Stomping Ground as we build a professional development plan for our small team. For context, Stomping Ground is a sleepaway camp Laura and I founded in 2
September 17, 2019Camp Kiko Crisis Challenge: A Simulation Activity for Camp LeadersFor this reason, I have developed a new simulation activity that camp leaders can use for an in-service training: The Camp Kiko Crisis Challenge. In this challenge, you will pretend you run a camp where four campers have
September 16, 2019What Do You Do The Rest Of The Year? - Staff Narrative & Social PressureI wonder how many great camp directors have left the camp world because they didn’t feel like constantly answering that question. “What do you do the rest of the year?” Or how many potential great camp directors go becom
September 9, 2019Five Under-Utilized Strategies to use During a Camp CrisisHere are the top four underutilized tactics I have learned from our CampMinder Crisis Challenges that are essential during any sort of camp emergency that unfolds over time
June 3, 2019Lessons learned (and still learning) on equity and seasonal staff“They bank on the goodwill that I will return because the conditions are better here (not by pay but by community)...they bank on the love that I have for this place and that doesn’t make me feel valued. I don’t want a “
June 3, 201925 Ways to Make More Impact this SummerPhoto by Roderick Cooney, www.thecampphotographer.com By Jack Schott Simple tips for counselors to make your job a little easier and make sure the kids have an even better time this summer. When you a
May 24, 2019How being a camp counselor made me a better medical studentLooking back on my years at Camp Al-Gon-Quian, there are several lessons I learned and skills I honed while working there that enhanced my ability to care for patients during medical school.
May 8, 2019Online Web Tools! To Make Your Life Easier and BetterOne thing I found to be true when working at a camp: so many camps work manually when they can get the internet to do the hard, tedious work for them. The camp industry is awesome because it (generall
May 6, 2019Kurtz's favorite icebreaker questionsFriends! Throughout the years, I have collected some favorite icebreaker questions. I have picked all of these up along the way, and I am hesitant to post because I don’t have citations. If you know t
May 3, 2019What is the Hidden Curriculum?What is the Hidden Curriculum? The term ‘Hidden Curriculum’ refers to all of the unspoken expectations in a specific place or for a group of people. Humans are complicated behavioral beings, and we us
April 2, 2019What is a security plan, and why you should have one.A security plan is the policies and procedures outlining your strategies to prevent and respond to crime at camp. What is Your Plan? Do you have emergency procedures at your camp? Do you know what to
April 1, 2019What Teens Really Want... TrustI wrote this as I was prepping for camp with our teen leadership counselors who will be working with the teen campers this summer at Stomping Ground. I realized we hadn’t spent much time formalizing o
March 21, 2019Kurtz’s Communication Tips for New Seasonal LeadersCommunication Tips for New Summer Camp Seasonal Leaders As a seasonal leader, communication becomes even more important. In fact, in my experience, most of the most annoying or pointless problems at c
March 19, 2019Why every summer camp should be running Facebook AdsIs your camp using Facebook ads? If the answer to this question is no, ask yourself why. Go another level down and look at your own marketing plan and budget. Most summer camps I talk to have the same
March 8, 201920 Things You Can Do This Month To Recruit Male StaffRecruiting male staff can be incredibly challenging. For whatever reason men are not becoming teachers, nurses, camp counselors or engaging in other helping professions as much as women are. Below are
March 1, 2019A list of commonly forgotten footage & photos that you need to remember to capture this summerWe all know the feeling: It’s time to make your marketing materials for next summer, and you just don’t have the photos or videos that you need--and won’t be able to capture them for several more mont
February 22, 20196 Ways To Have a Killer Camp Instagram Feed1) Create a great bio When people are choosing to follow your camp, they will head to your profile to check out your feed and also view your bio. Having a great, eye-catching bio could make the differ
February 13, 2019Squeaky Wheel Diversity from Sylvia van MeertenI run an overnight camp for kids with autism and about 5 years ago, we had our first autistic transgender camper. We got a call from this camper’s mom who said, my kid was in a female cabin last year,
February 11, 20193 Things To Ask When Interviewing a Camp Photographer3 things to ask when interviewing a camp photographer Hiring photographers, videographers, and media staff for your camp can be challenging. How do you know what questions to ask? Don’t worry, I have
February 4, 20194 ways your summer camp can benefit from drone videographyHave you seen summer camps with awesome drone footage? Drone footage is becoming a key part of summer camps’ marketing plans as camps adapt to create new, visual content that will stop people from scr
January 28, 2019"Professional development becomes a way of working and thinking"A note from Kurtz: Hi, friends! As you may know, applications for the spring semester of The Summer Camp Society are due by this Friday, February 1! The semester will run through mid-April. Anna Hopki
December 18, 2018Splitting Up Teams IntentionallyI, like many of you, have used a lot of tricks for splitting up groups. Find a partner, one of you raise your hand, all the hand-raisers are on a team Find everyone with the same third number in your
November 29, 2018Five Simple Ways to Make Carnivals More FunI love carnivals at camp. We call them open camps or station games because they tend to be more than just carnivals, but the games we are talking about have a bunch of stations that individual campers
November 20, 2018 Produce a Summer Video for Your Camp for <$5This video cost $5 At Friends Camp, we are a pretty small, non-profit operation. Having a "videographer" on staff, or even freeing up a counselor to regularly take video and edit it, isn't in our budg
November 14, 2018Sending a Camper Home: Guidelines for MyselfA post from Anna Hopkins , Camp Director at Friends Camp in Maine, co-facilitator of the Emerging Leaders Semester , and one of the best camp directors you probably haven’t heard of, yet. Anna describ
November 12, 2018Opening Day SucksLet’s think about opening day. I wrote a little questioning our campfire last year, but now I want think a little broader. We, at Stomping Ground the camp I help run, start each session on Sunday afte
November 5, 2018Building a Culture of Partnership Instead of Power Over With Our StaffThis is Peter Drews! Why do some challenging conversations with staff lead to huge impact and while most at best lead to tiny changes? This week in The Summer Camp Society Semester we were talking abo
October 29, 2018The Staff Are Like Our Campers... Or Are They?This is a post from the newly made up, “We can disagree, but still care about each other.” column. We are making t-shirts, hopefully, to be slyly given to everyone in America. The it starts with my ho
October 15, 2018Growth Not Retention. I spent the weekend pouring over the retention numbers at Stomping Ground , the camp I run. I think I decided retention is overrated. For context, I have believed retention to be the number one indica
October 10, 2018An Introduction to Interviewing Camp StaffAt Stomping Ground , the sleepaway camp I started with Laura Kriegel in 2015, we just hired our first year-round assistant director. Allison Klee, or Klee, has worked with us for three years. You may
September 27, 2018Our First Summer with a Gender-Expansive Cabin In 2018, we offered our first gender-expansive cabin option (in addition to boys’ and girls’ cabins). We are really glad we did it, and we plan to continue this option. Here’s a few of the things we l
September 12, 2018New Camp Staff Recruitment Goals for September: Strive for FiveStaff recruitment problematic for you last summer? It was for most camp pros that I talked with. Here are 5 things that you can do this September to get a jump start on staff recruiting for next year!
September 11, 2018September Networking Goals: Strive for FiveBut ultimately, networking is the way that we can get things done. It’s the process of starting relationships that are beneficial for not just the person we are networking with, but also ourselves and for our camps. We d
September 10, 2018Strive for Five: A New Blog Series for Early SeptemberEven if you don’t have those additional responsibilities, it can be tough to come off of Summer 2018 and start immediately working on Summer 2019. There is a lot to do--but where to start?
June 7, 2018Working with Parents: A Demonstration for Camp Staff TrainingA demonstration activity perfect for staff training that helps camp counselors understand what it means for parents to leave their kids at camp!
May 29, 2018Summer Camp and MarriageMarriage is very much like camp. It’s never going to be perfect. You’re going to have to work to make it great every single day.
May 24, 2018Staff Training: Practicing Coworker ConfrontationsOur staff will inevitably have conflicts with each other. Without training, our staff members tend to ignore these issues or rely on a leadership team member to fix the issues for them. This training module will teach st
May 18, 201810 Things You Need to Know Your First Summer as a Camp LeaderThis article provides valuable insights for first-time camp leaders, covering leadership challenges and tips to successfully transition into new responsibilities
May 11, 201810 Ways to Build a Foundation of Mutual Respect During Staff TrainingThe camp counselor said, “We respect our director because we know she respects us.” That’s the goal, isn’t it? Respecting our staff might not be hard to do. But where camp leaders often stumble is figuring out how to get
May 8, 201810 Things to Do to Prepare for Camp Staff TrainingThere are a few things that camp leaders can do now to make sure their staff training is the best it can be!
April 10, 2018Getting Diagnosed with a Chronic Illness Made Me a Better Camp DirectorBy Katrina Dearden Director, Rock Hill Camp Girl Scouts Heart of the Hudson During my second summer as a Camp Director, I began to notice some unexplained joint pain. It progressed throughout the summ
March 29, 2018DARLING Framework for Staff Training - James Davis A few years ago I worked with James Davis to put together a simple framework for helping staff make effective choices in unstructured or transition times. Ok, James made up all the important stuff, bu
March 26, 2018Enrichment is the Target“They saw the kid who usually fell through the cracks of academic failure being able to achieve an incredible feat.”
March 23, 2018From (Kell)sie to Shining SeaBy Lindsey Sigler, Camp Fern 2018 Spring Cohort Member If you ever get the chance to have a conversation with Kellsie Sedlak, DO IT! She is the Group Manager at Cape Cod Sea Camps (CCSC) in Brewster,
March 13, 2018Tristate Speakers Not To MissNext week is Tristate ! WHAT!? Tristate is this huge camp conference in Atlantic City, weird I know, but awesome. For Stomping Ground , the camp I help Laura run, we are bring a few seasonal staff. Th
March 7, 2018Meet Meredith Stensaas from Mass Audubon's Wildwood Camp!By Patty Rudd Day Camp Director, YMCA Camp Copneconic Spring 2018 Cohort Member Getting to know you... This week I was thrilled to be paired with Meredith Stensaas, Assistant Camp Director at Mass Aud
March 6, 2018How to Take Up Residence in a New StateBy Hannah Russell, Director Camp Little Oak Spring 2018 TSCS Cohort Member As camp professionals, changing jobs generally means a new state. This can be intimidating, especially for those who grew up
February 28, 2018Five Reasons Staff Work at Camp & A Kookie Idea To Recruit Great StaffMillennials Are The Worst :) They (we?) are selfish, noncommittal, and disrespectful. This all may be true or it might be totally ludicrous, and the latest in a string of older generations complaining
February 26, 2018Introducing the Spring 2018 TSCS Cohort: Meet Katie MilneBy Richard Bombach, Camp Balcones Springs This week, I had the absolute pleasure of getting to “know” Katie Milne. Both of our schedules were a little bonkers this week, so we had to communicate via e
February 21, 2018A Kookie Idea On How to Become a Camp Director...This is how my brain works… The best way to become a camp director, or really get any job, is to know the person making the hiring decision. The next best is to have an incredible recommendation from
January 31, 2018Try Things Camp: 5 Ideas All About StaffA Note from Jack I run a sleepaway camp called Stomping Ground. We try stuff. One time we had no bed times. That didn’t work. (I should write about that later) My favorite part of The Summer Camp Soci
January 25, 2018Three Easy Ways to Add Gratitude to a Staff MeetingWhether for a small leadership team or for your entire group of counselors, these gratitude practices can help motivate and inspire staff or volunteers at all levels.
December 21, 2017Camping Coast to Coast Staff Tour 2018I have a ridiculous idea. In 2015, Laura and I ran a trip for teens from camps across the country. We got in a van and visited 7 camps over 17 days in the Pacific Northwest. Along the way we visited n
November 29, 2017I Believe In Love - Levi MillerI believe in love. I know that seems like the cheesiest damn thing to say. But, I believe in love more than anything. I believe that the power it has over us, can either destroy us, or free us. Love i
November 27, 2017Summer Camp Leads To Self-Discovery by Hannah WeinerI believe summer camp leads to self-discovery. When I was ten years old, I started going to an overnight camp in the Detroit suburbs. The camp, while dear to my heart, offered nothing special: Jewish
November 19, 2017Kelsey Pizac By Aaron GreeneKelsey Pizac By Aaron Greene from Jack Schott
November 19, 2017Jami Biodrowski by Eli RolliEasterseals of Nebraska is incredibly fortunate to have Jami Biodrowski as their Director of Camp, Respite and Recreation. Jami directs all of the operations of the overnight summer camp program put o
November 19, 2017What To Expect: The Summer Camp SocietyBy Sarah Kurtz McKinnon Before it Starts First off, you need to apply online here . We just want to learn a bit more about you and learn about why you want to join The Society. The application should
November 17, 2017Why Bother With Opening Campfires?I am in a contemplative mood as we approach the holidays…. I don’t love our opening day at Stomping Ground and the opening campfire is a big part of that day. We have a relatively standard opening day
November 12, 2017The Best Investment Your Camp Can Make Is In YouThe Summer Camp Society’s first cohort is amazing. We have 24 passionate, compassionate, and driven camp professionals striving to better themselves and their camps. It is inspiring to meet with them
October 26, 2017A Profile of Katrina Dearden by Rachel EsteyLike many college students Katrina spent her summers working a summer job, preparing for the upcoming academic year, and perusing the job boards for the career she was gearing up for. In this particul
October 26, 2017Meet Katie Bean! By Levi MillerKatie Bean was subjected to answering a ton of ridiculous questions in rapid succession by Levi Miller. She was a great sport! Here are the results: Levi: I’m so excited to finally be talking! I can’t
October 25, 2017Meet Anna Hopkins, Director of Friends Camp By Meghan McCarthyFor the past year Anna has taken on any and everything on her own. Anna is the only full time year round staff member at Friends Camp and she enjoys it that way. I spent 40 minutes on the phone with A
October 25, 2017“Maintaining quality--that’s the most boring goal in human history!”An Interview with Ben Clawson by Sarah Kurtz McKinnon Growing up, Ben Clawson, the camp director at Lindley G. Cook 4H Camp in Stokes Forest, New Jersey , did not think he would find himself living an
October 16, 2017REVIEW: Alice Haefeli, A Camp Life By Luke LaRocque***** (Five Stars) Like every good stage show, Alice Haefeli: A Camp Life is a story with three distinct but intertwined acts. It starts with a musical theatre burst and ends in a bit of a mystery (le
October 12, 2017Kristy Andrew’s Bio By Margeaux SullivanKristy Andrews began her camp journey at age eight when she attended the seven-week program at Camp Wawenock for Girls. Since that time, she has spent every summer at the camp along the shores of Seba
October 11, 2017Meet Maggie Mitchell By Amy MonskyMaggie Mitchell is the Overnight Camps Director at Camp Copneconic, a 700-acre YMCA camp just south of Flint, MI. With a Bachelor's degree in teaching and a Master’s in public administration with a fo
October 11, 2017Meet Amy Monsky By Maggie MitchellFun, friends and free thought… This was the slogan that drew Amy Monsky into the camping industry and the one that still keeps her there today. Amy discovered Camp Quest while struggling to find a cam
October 11, 2017Introducing Megan “Rory” Maiello By Carlie FischerMeet Rory Maiello! Rory is the Assistant Camp Director at Camp Cedarbrooks, which is located in the Adirondacks. Cedarbrooks is a Christian girls’ camp, and they run a two-week session in addition to
October 6, 2017Getting to know Rachel “Crash” Estey By Katrina DeardenRachel has directed Camp Farnsworth through Girl Scouts of the Green and White Mountains for the past two years. Farnsworth serves primarily overnight campers but also runs day camp at the same time f
October 6, 2017All About Margeaux Sullivan By Kristy AndrewsKristy: How did you get originally get involved with camp? Margeaux: I always wanted to go to camp but it was never part of my family culture. My mom went to a camp and hated it because of how competi
October 3, 2017A TSCS Interview: Meet Meghan McCarthy By Anna HopkinsMeet Meghan, the awesome Director of Programming at Catholic Youth Camp in Minnesota. Since her relationship with CYC began when she was a camper, she has filled many roles from counselor to camp “elf