Camp Administration 101: Stay Fresh

Coordinating successful activities: Part 2

By Jason Schaitz

Part 1 of this series provided 20 points that will help in successfully coordinating any activity with a focus on planning, having fun, and keeping kids engaged. Part 2 outlines more ideas to make activities even better. Creating an upbeat, positive atmosphere always improves activities. Campers tend to “feed” off counselors, so if the counselors are positive, energetic, and having fun, so are the kids. Negativity and lack of effort will show immediately. Here are 20 more tips to take activities to the next level:

1. Emphasize competition against oneself or a team when appropriate.

2. Keep the tone positive. Discourage negative criticism.

3. End with a quiet activity that allows everyone to regroup and relax before the end of the day.

4. Try to de-emphasize the importance of outcomes. Temper the spirit of competition with the spirit of cooperation.

5. Send a clear message that everyone plays all activities. That energy will resonate with campers.

6. Examine the play area and rules of the game before each activity to ensure that campers are safe. If multiple kids get hurt, it is time to switch the game or change the rules. Be sure to include plenty of water breaks.

7. Experiment with staff members for the activities during camp training or before the session begins. If counselors don’t understand the rules or how the game works, then kids won’t understand either.

8. Come up with a story. Fantasy always makes an experience better.

9. Look for opportunities to incorporate songs, chants, noises, and body movements.

10. Turn on music during the activity to keep the mood fun and upbeat.

11. Incorporate a reward system for those who participate, always try their best, and show good sportsmanship.

12. Provide alternative activities or “jobs” for kids who do not want to participate. Everyone should try an activity at least once, but inevitably someone may want to sit out. Make them helpers or set them up with an easy table game or craft.

13. Use a chant or a fun clap to get the kids’ attention. Have them do the chant or clap on command, then be quiet immediately after. Use this to give instruction to make it fun.

14. Institute a “penalty box” for campers who try to cheat or do not want to follow the activity rules. Teach the Honor System when enforcing rules and make sure campers know that cheating or not following the rules will ruin the activity for everyone.

15. Always discourage negative behavior, such as slamming a ball, crying, or getting upset when one loses or has to leave a game.

16. Incorporate games that are educational or promote healthy habits. The best games are those in which the kids are having so much fun they don’t realize the games are educational as well.

17. Be upbeat, positive, and have fun. Kids will emulate the behavior of their counselors.

18. Communicate and work well with other groups in camp in managing rotations, cleaning up, and coordinating activities. If everyone does their part, the day will run much smoother. Remember—transitions, transitions, transitions!

19. If a camp has “free time” (usually during pick-up or drop-off times), make sure it is still controlled. Station counselors throughout the areas to engage with kids, making sure they are in line to play next, walking from game to game, etc. Controlling free time will prevent many behavioral issues from occurring.

20. Stay motivated! The kids look up to you and will remember you for years to come. The more you put into this, the more impact you can make on a child’s life!

Visit www.campbusiness.com to see the short, animated video on this topic and download the handout and free activity guide. Look for another Camp Administration 101 topic next month!

Jason Schaitz is a Parks and Recreation Director with 15 years’ experience managing camps and recreation programs. He also created and manages www.thesummercampsource.com with the goal of providing free high-quality resources for any type of camp, afterschool, or childcare program. Take your camp to the next level by visiting The Summer Camp Source and check out our Camp App, Camp Resources, Camp News, and Camp Administration 101 Educational Series!