Night Hikes
Night hikes are pretty common for stargazing, but what if it’s a cloudy night? Don’t worry—there’s plenty to do in any kind of weather—as long as it’s dark!
101 Fun Things To Do
There are plenty of activities that lend themselves to real-world, in-person gatherings and events while maintaining appropriate physical distance. I’m sure if you put your mind to it, you can probably create a similar list of possibilities, just from the many activities you already know.
Parachute Power
Take a large billowy mass of nylon, a group of children and what do you have? Instant fun and excitement with a parachute! Using a parachute draws children of all ages together in a
Brain Breaks
Last spring, when schools closed due to COVID-19, teachers and school boards, with resilience and speed, adjusted to provide online programs. Although these enabled the continuation of school and learning (and possibly an end to snow days in the future), the health effects of staring at a screen for hours on end is not beneficial.
A Basketful Of Ideas
Every month, I compile an e-newsletter and invite camp directors to submit information to be included in the publication. It’s seen as an honor for their ideas to be used, so I thought I would
Made For The Shade
On hot summer afternoons when the sun is baking the playing fields and a group’s turn for swimming is over, camp counselors wonder what they can do with restless campers. Here are
Let's Get Twisted
Every camp has its never-fail programs and traditions that campers enjoy every year. Yet what about those so-so activities we keep doing because we have the supplies and can do the
Get Up And Get Moving
Kids come to camp looking for excitement and adventure. There’s no better way to pique their interest than to get their bodies moving.
Cleverly Collecting Data
“Doing science? Outdoors? At camp? You must be kidding!” The notion that any person, even without a sound scientific background, can contribute to genuine field research is fairly new, and can produce a variety of responses:
Alexandria, Va. – The 50th anniversary of Earth Day is on April 22, but anyone can start celebrating today right in their very own backyard with tips from the TurfMutt Foundation and reap the health and de-
A Swinging Good Time
The signs of a nearby ropes course are often easy to recognize—there’s lots of yelling and laughing and high-pitched screams from distant trees; there might be posted “warning” signs or harnesses hanging near a forest or dirt path.
Unplugged And Unleashed
With the constant intrusion of electronics into the very fabric of society, and the increased dependence of electronics as a source of constant entertainment, the unplugged camp
“Pond”-ering Science
Enthusiasm for STEM education (interdisciplinary learning in science, technology, engineering, and math) is growing among teachers and administrators, as are concerns about summer
25 Programming Ideas for 2002
Initiating new programming each year can be as simple as looking and listening. Take copious notes about what campers, parents, staff and peers are saying and you've made an important first step.
Top Programming Ideas 2003
Good ideas don't come easily. After all, inspiration is 99 percent perspiration. Ask any camp director and they'll tell you that a good portion of that perspiration comes from trial-and-error.
Freedom To Explore
Dunes Learning Center (DLC) is a residential outdoor center located in the Indiana Dunes National Park that immerses campers in nature to inspire lasting curiosity and stewardship. Being inside a national park,
Top Programming Ideas 2004
Each camp year brings with it the usual struggle to not only maintain quality programming, but to tweak and revitalize it year after year.
Top Programming Ideas 2006
It's hard to believe it's already 2006… but it is. And what better time to regroup and plan next year's programs. Whether it's an involved program, or one that's a simple icebreaker, our hope is that you'll glean
Top Programming Ideas
No matter whether you operate a day camp or an overnight camp—there is always a need for fresh programming ideas. Every year, we scour the industry looking for the latest and greatest tips and
Themed Activities
When I am running a themed activity for the youngest campers (ages 8 and 9) at camp, the kids have so much fun that the oldest campers (ages 14 and 15) feel left out and want “in.” Here are two evening