The Summer Camp Society Blog

Presenting, The Facilitator Elevator: Sharing and Growing in Community

Presenting, The Facilitator Elevator: Sharing and Growing in Community

Level 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. Elevate your camp staff training with ease and energy.

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Smartphone Scrapbook: An Easy Icebreaker for Summer Camp Staff Training

Smartphone Scrapbook: An Easy Icebreaker for Summer Camp Staff Training

Looking 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 the trust you need to tackle the summer ahead

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Transforming Our Communities

Transforming Our Communities

This 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, and promoting diversity. The post also discusses ways camp leaders can drive meaningful change within their camp environments by being intentional with their approaches to community building.

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Supporting Seasonal Summer Camp Staff

Supporting Seasonal Summer Camp Staff

Supporting 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, providing mentorship, and ensuring mental health resources are accessible. Emphasis is placed on making staff feel valued, offering ongoing feedback, and fostering a positive camp environment.

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Camper Clubs

Camper Clubs

Camper 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 connections, facilitate skill development, and offer continuous opportunities for campers to stay involved in camp life outside the summer season.

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Defaulting to Inclusive Language
Staff, Inclusion & Community Building Dex Coen Gilbert Staff, Inclusion & Community Building Dex Coen Gilbert

Defaulting to Inclusive Language

This 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 inclusive communication, ensuring that all campers and staff feel seen, respected, and valued. The post offers practical tips for incorporating inclusivity into everyday conversations and camp policies.

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Diversity Training Part 2
Staff, Inclusion & Community Building Dex Coen Gilbert Staff, Inclusion & Community Building Dex Coen Gilbert

Diversity Training Part 2

This 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 biases within camp culture. The post also provides tools and strategies for implementing effective diversity training, ensuring that camps are inclusive and supportive for everyone.

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Make Staff Training Easier: How Outside Trainers Make a Big Difference
Staff, Staff Training, Leadership & Staff Development Sarah Kurtz McKinnon Staff, Staff Training, Leadership & Staff Development Sarah Kurtz McKinnon

Make Staff Training Easier: How Outside Trainers Make a Big Difference

Thinking 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 transform your camp culture and training outcomes

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Diversity Training Part 1: Focus Points
Staff, Inclusion & Community Building Dex Coen Gilbert Staff, Inclusion & Community Building Dex Coen Gilbert

Diversity Training Part 1: Focus Points

This 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 identities and perspectives, fostering an environment where everyone feels respected and valued. The post also outlines steps to begin meaningful conversations about diversity and inclusion within the camp community.

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