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Leadership

  1. Advanced Skills for Working with Difficult Parents, Part I

    Using Empathy and Diplomacy to Create Partnerships: Part I
    By Dr. Chris Thurber

    Advanced Skills for Working with Difficult Parents, Part I Children aren't our only camp clients. Directors and experienced staff know that partnerships with parents are an indispensable component of a successful season. In this entertaining, two-part module, you'll witness five categories of difficult parents along with realistic and clever ways to respond…all without compromising your campers' best interests. Part I: Overwhelmed Parents and Anxious Parents.

  2. Advanced Skills for Working with Difficult Parents, Part II

    Using Empathy and Diplomacy to Create Partnerships: Part II
    By Dr. Chris Thurber

    Advanced Skills for Working with Difficult Parents, Part II Children aren't our only camp clients. Directors and experienced staff know that partnerships with parents are an indispensable component of a successful season. In this entertaining, two-part module, you'll witness five categories of difficult parents along with realistic and clever ways to respond...all without compromising your campers' best interests. Part II: Bossy, Defiant, and Unhappy Parents.

  3. Classic Problem Solving

    Using Options and Evaluation to Reach Group Consensus
    By Dr. Chris Thurber

    Classic Problem Solving Classic problem solving is a powerful way to use the group's wisdom to find a solution that works for everyone. In this insightful module, you'll watch elegant, step-by-step examples of camp staff sitting down with real campers to solve common problems. No leader should be without this fundamental conflict resolution tool-kit. Far superior to blaming or shaming.

  4. Day Camp Dynamics, Part I

    Drop Off, Parent Communication, and Pick-Up
    By Steve Maguire

    Day Camp Dynamics, Part I Experienced teacher and day camp director Steve Maguire dives into the fun fundamentals of working at day camp in this unique module series. Part I showcases the logistics and opportunities of drop-offs and pick-ups. Beyond simple accountability, these transition times are opportunities for building relationships, clarifying misunderstandings, and partnering with parents to maximize the benefits of camp.

  5. Day Camp Dynamics, Part II

    Off-Site Trips and Group Management Tips
    By Steve Maguire

    Day Camp Dynamics, Part II Experienced teacher and day camp director Steve Maguire dives into the fun fundamentals of working at day camp in this unique module series. Part II illustrates advanced group management techniques with young children and the five best practices for safely transporting groups to and from an off-site location, such as the beach. This edifying two-part series is a must-see for all dedicated day camp staff.

  6. Rules Were Made to Be Positive

    Creating Expectations Campers Want to Live Up To
    By Scott Arizala

    Rules Were Made to Be Positive Because your brain first processes the positive in any statement, it can be confusing and ineffective to give campers a string of negative admonishments. A better way to achieve compliant behavior is to explain games, rules, and activities using positive statements. The examples in this original module show you how to turn "Don't cross the line" into "Stay on your side" with marvelous results.

  7. Stop Yelling: Get the HINT

    Seven Simple Ways to Engage Cooperation
    By Dr. Chris Thurber

    Stop Yelling: Get the HINT If you’re not careful, some of your campers’ minor, annoying misbehaviors can get under your skin and turn you into a world-class grouch. This inventive module provides easy alternatives to yelling and other energy-draining reactions. HINT stands for High Impact Nominally Taxing leadership. Here are seven effortless approaches to shaping children's positive behavior.

  8. We Squashed It!

    Collaborative Problem Solving for High-Conflict Situations
    By Scott Arizala

    We Squashed It! Rethink your outdated approach to conflict resolution. New research with explosive children shows that the best solution involves a combination of empathy, exploring needs, and teaching skills in self-expression, hypothetical thinking, and emotion regulation. By showing you how to focus on human needs, this module illustrates the best way to cool hot tempers and promote durable behavior change.

Youth Development and Play

  1. Becoming a Youth Development Professional

    Making the Transition from ME to KIDS
    By Dr. Chris Thurber

    Becoming a Youth Development Professional Day and overnight camps are powerful, positive developmental experiences for children. Their growth hinges on the quality of their relationship with you, so it is essential that you begin considering yourself a youth development professional. This honest module explains how to transition from focusing on yourself to focusing on the needs of the young people you’ll serve.

  2. Cultivating Patience

    Creating a Calm Presence for Learning and Leadership
    By Scott Arizala

    Cultivating Patience Ever feel as if you're going to lose it because the kids aren't listening? We all have, at some point. Ironically, of all the essential leadership skills for youth development professionals, patience may be the most important and the most neglected. This remarkable module uses realistic pairs of bad and good examples to teach novel ways of fostering lasting patience. Never "lose it" again!

  3. Equity & Diversity

    The Fabric of Camp
    By Dr. Chris Thurber

    Equity & Diversity Celebrating the differences among people introduces a whole new level of enjoyment to the experience of day or overnight camp. It may be human to fear differences at first, but a skillful leader can guide the group toward a deep appreciation of all that makes us unique. This pioneering module cleverly showcases children's perspectives on diversity at camp.

  4. Hello Games

    Invite, Include, and Inquire
    By Faith Evans

    Hello Games Tired of the same old icebreakers and name games? Bust out some of the innovative games from this module and get everyone playing, laughing, and feeling part of the group. When campers feel welcome and included on the first day of camp, they form the kind of close friendships that prevent homesickness, cliques, and bullying. These "hello games" will help you make a warm first impression.

  5. Move It Like You Mean It

    Using Body Language to Enhance Communication
    By Scott Arizala

    Move It Like You Mean It Keen awareness of the seven types of non-verbal communication will help all new, returning, and supervisory staff become better communicators. Beyond the basic distinction between safe and unsafe touch lie the powerfully subtle and intricate ways we use our bodies to send messages of support, enthusiasm, invitation, and friendship. Learn quickly how a gesture can be worth a thousand words.

  6. Rainy Day Games

    All Weather Fun
    By Faith Evans

    Rainy Day Games Foul weather is an opportunity to play, as you'll learn in this upbeat module on indoor games that cost little or nothing. Using materials you can easily find around your camp, you'll learn step-by-step instructions for creating activities that engage campers, stimulate staff, and transform "Oh no, not another rainy day..." to "Hey, it's raining! Can we play that cool game again?"

  7. Speaking of Camp

    Parents' Advice and Reflections on the Power of Camp
    By Dr. Chris Thurber

    Speaking of Camp Here's what all parents want you to know before becoming the substitute caregiver for their most precious possession—their child. Listen carefully here to what moms and dads believe is the value of the camp experience, the important role you play, and the ways in which camp changes children's lives. Nowhere else can you hear real parents sharing valuable advice for youth development professionals.

Mental Health and Behavior

  1. Bullies and Targets

    Teaching Social Skills to Build Healthy Relationships
    By Dr. Chris Thurber

    Bullies and Targets Did you know that about 75% of boys and girls report being both bullies and targets at one time or another? That means your job deciphering who the “real” bully is can be difficult. This revealing module shows how camp staff can respond skillfully and sensitively to both bullies and targets in ways that teach social skills and prevent future bullying episodes.

  2. Campers with Attention Deficits

    Promoting Compliance and Focus
    By Dr. Chris Thurber

    Campers with Attention Deficits Although ADHD may be more frequently diagnosed now than ever before, camp staff would be wise to realize that all children have trouble paying attention, all children are energetic and sometimes hyperactive, and all children get distracted. This succinct module provides universal tools to promote attention and minimize distracting, hyperactive behavior. A must-see for all.

  3. Children with Verbal Learning Disabilities

    Using Language to Boost Social Connection
    By Cindy Ziobrowski

    Children with Verbal Learning Disabilities All children benefit from refining their communication and social skills, but how can you teach campers to use their words in ways that build connections with others? This specialized module showcases ways to capitalize on your camp's rich social environment and boost campers' tact, friendship skills, and language skills. This is the perfect toolkit for working with young, immature, or developmentally delayed youth.

  4. Good Sportsmanship vs. Foul Play

    You Make the Call
    By Dr. Joel Haber

    Good Sportsmanship vs. Foul Play Pop culture may celebrate "trash talk" or "dissing" in sports, but just because a behavior is common doesn't mean it's healthy. Day camps and resident camps are ideal places to create nurturing, alternative cultures. The scenarios in this module teach staff to distinguish good from bad sportsmanship and use positive motivation to pick teams fairly, prevent foul play, and promote healthy teamwork.

  5. Helping Awkward Children Fit In

    Accelerating Social Awareness and Development
    By Cindy Ziobrowski

    Helping Awkward Children Fit In One of the things young people like most about camp is the freedom to be themselves. In that spirit, most social blunders at camp get laughed off or politely ignored. But sometimes, a camper's awkward behavior with his or her peers becomes an obstacle to forming lasting friendships. This module helps ensure that even the most socially inept campers will get sensitive and effective coaching from staff.

  6. Preventing Gossip and Relational Aggression

    Toward Emotional Safety and Inclusiveness
    By Dr. Joel Haber

    Preventing Gossip and Relational Aggression Some people assume that gossip, rumors, and other "mean girl" behavior is just part of growing up. The fact is, this kind of relational aggression can happen among girls and boys—even among male and female staff—and no one should passively accept it as normal. This module, hosted by an international expert on bullying, helps staff understand what relational aggression looks like and how to stop it.

  7. Skillful Discipline

    Creative Behavior Management and Alternatives to Punishment
    By Dr. Chris Thurber

    Skillful Discipline The biggest concern that every new camp staff has is that the children won't listen and follow directions. No wonder! If the campers aren't compliant, your job gets pretty tough. This innovative module illustrates the six prevention strategies you can use to promote good behavior. Then, you'll learn six easy behavior management strategies to use for any misbehavior.

  8. Treating Homesickness at Day & Resident Camps, Part I

    Best Practices for Youth Leaders
    By Dr. Chris Thurber

    Treating Homesickness at Day & Resident Camps, Part I Nearly all people miss things about home when they’re away. Left untreated, intense homesickness can ruin a child’s stay and soak up staff time. Here in Part I of this series you’ll find the essential tools for recognizing homesickness and treating it effectively in any setting. Build confidence that you can help campers cope and have a great time away from home.

  9. Treating Homesickness at Day & Resident Camps, Part II

    Supportive Conversation Demonstration
    By Dr. Chris Thurber

    Treating Homesickness at Day & Resident Camps, Part II Well-meaning staff commonly make the mistake of extending conversations about homesickness to an unhealthy duration. Part II of this module series contains an entire, unedited conversation with an actual homesick camper. Although every supportive conversation with a homesick boy or girl is different, the format in this compelling module serves as a valuable template.

Physical and Emotional Safety

  1. Active Lifeguarding

    Preparation, Scanning, and Practice
    By Dr. Chris Thurber

    Active Lifeguarding The camp tradition of hiring newly certified lifeguards without real-world experience is woefully inadequate. Inexperienced lifeguards are often poorly equipped, fail to scan properly, and neglect regular practice of emergency action plans. This crucial module teaches staff how to prepare for their work as lifeguards, scan for distressed or drowning campers, and practice skills and drills. A safety essential.

  2. Camp Staff and the Internet

    Promoting Online Leadership-by-Example
    By Dr. Chris Thurber

    Camp Staff and the Internet The Internet is public space. If you take your responsibilities as a youth development professional seriously, then your behavior in that space, like all your other public behavior, must set a sterling example for young people to follow. This provocative module provides practical guidelines that promote leadership and integrity. Now is the time to clean up your online presence.

  3. Confidentiality for Youth Professionals

    It's Not All Secret
    By Jack Erler, Esq.

    Confidentiality for Youth Professionals Camps encourage parents to disclose all private medical, mental health, and personal information that will help the camp staff and health care team work with each child. Yet few front-line staff understand the legal and ethical limits of confidentiality. This module clarifies exactly how to protect campers' privacy and take the necessary steps to prevent the unauthorized disclosure of confidential information.

  4. Safe Touch & Safe Talk

    Protecting Your Campers and Yourself
    By Dr. Chris Thurber

    Safe Touch & Safe Talk One essential component at any high-quality day or overnight camp is the physical and emotional safety of the campers and staff. Although every camp has slightly different guidelines, this frank module demonstrates the essentials of what's forbidden and what's permitted. Adhering to these safe touch and safe talk rules helps protect your campers and you.

  5. Sexual Harassment

    Identification and Prevention
    By Jack Erler, Esq.

    Sexual Harassment To reduce liability and create a safe culture at camp, employees must know their rights and responsibilities regarding sexual harassment. This carefully constructed module, hosted by one of the camp world’s most respected attorneys, reviews sexual harassment laws and the proper way to respond if you observe or experience any unwelcome sexual advances, touch, language, or requests for favors.

  6. Wise Use of Time Off

    Preventing Burnout and Staying Sharp
    By Dr. Chris Thurber

    Wise Use of Time Off Whether you work at day or overnight camp, you'll need to spend your time of wisely so when you're on duty you're ready for anything. Working at camp takes energy and patience, but if you return to camp exhausted or hung-over, you're likely to burn out quickly. This candid module provides solid advice on managing stress and returning refreshed from time off.

Supervision

  1. Advanced Staff Supervision, Part I

    PEEPL Power, Part I
    By Dr. Chris Thurber

    Advanced Staff Supervision, Part I When experienced staff are promoted to supervisory positions at camp, they face the double challenge of having zero formal management training and becoming a boss of their peers. This two-part module, developed over 25 years of in-camp management experience, clearly illustrates five principles of supervisory success: Prepare, Encourage, Evaluate, Participate, and Learn. Part I: Prepare and Encourage.

  2. Advanced Staff Supervision, Part II

    PEEPL Power, Part II
    By Dr. Chris Thurber

    Advanced Staff Supervision, Part II When experienced staff are promoted to supervisory positions at camp, they face the double challenge of having zero formal management training and becoming a boss of their peers. This two-part module, developed over 25 years of in-camp management experience, clearly illustrates five principles of supervisory success: Prepare, Encourage, Evaluate, Participate, and Learn. Part II: Evaluate, Participate, and Learn.

  3. Difficult Management Conversations

    How Great Leaders Make It Look Easy
    By Scott Arizala

    Difficult Management Conversations Staff who overstep boundaries, underperform, break rules, or fail to integrate feedback require careful conversations with top-level supervisors. Yet even experienced directors sometimes blanch when it’s time to confront staff in trouble. This advanced module guides experienced supervisors through a balanced and logical process for tackling the most difficult management conversations.

  4. Providing Feedback

    Improving Performance and Maintaining Connections
    By Dr. Chris Thurber

    Providing Feedback Whether you're in a supervisory position or not, providing feedback to your colleagues is an essential skill for leadership growth and development. Of course, the barrier to providing feedback is that relationships are at stake. This advanced module describes how to preserve good relationships while providing clear feedback in ways that boost everyone's performance.

  5. Supervising Junior Leaders

    Coaching the Transition from Camper to Counselor
    By Dr. Chris Thurber

    Supervising Junior Leaders Day camps and resident camps cultivate many of their strongest staff using junior-counselor, leader-in-training, and counselor-in-training programs. But who among your supervisory staff is really ready for all the immature and impulsive things junior leaders do? This vital module prepares unit leaders and division heads to identify and respond skillfully to the ten most common mistakes junior leaders make.

  6. Winning Ways of Skilled Supervisors

    Foundations of Success for All Senior Staff
    By Scott Arizala

    Winning Ways of Skilled Supervisors Before embarking on any supervisory role, all senior staff members must adopt the four fundamental practices of Accessibility, Approachability, Being a Team Player, and Communicating Clearly. The truth is, being a great manager and someone who is easy to talk to is not always...well...easy. This succinct module clearly outlines the building blocks of supervisory success. Critical for new supervisors.

Medical Essentials Preview

  1. ABC's of Emergencies: Airway, Breathing, and Circulation

    By Stephanie Simmons, MD

    ABC's of Emergencies: Airway, Breathing, and Circulation Camp health care providers hope they never see emergencies. But each summer, nurses and doctors are faced with life-or-death crises at camp. Ultimately, all emergencies are referred to a higher level of care, but some situations are so urgent that there is no second chance; professionals at camp must act immediately. The clear guidelines in this detailed module will give health care providers the reassurance and direction that can save lives.