The Summer Camp Society Blog
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
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.
TSCS PODCAST 27: Be the Liaison
4 Ways to Include Anti-Racism in Your Summer Camp Staff Training
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.
TSCS PODCAST 26: Seasonal Leadership: Supervising Your Friends
The Three Ds: What Dog Training Has Taught Me about Being a Summer Camp Director
TSCS PODCAST 25: Facilitator Elevator
TSCS PODCAST 24: 5 Minute Expert Talks
TSCS PODCAST 23: Shared Language
TSCS PODCAST 22: We’re All Just People
TSCS PODCAST 21: Camp is the New Old Neighborhood
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.
10 Takeaways From the Restorative Justice Conference (Might help sell your boss)
TSCS PODCAST 20: The People in the Arena
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.
5 Tips for Running the Best Summer Camp Staff Training with Greg Golf
Greg 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
TSCS PODCAST 19: Focus on the Individual
TSCS PODCAST 18: Springboard
ACA Tristate 2023: TSCS Recommendations
The 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 the camping world and inspire innovative solutions.