Classic Problem Solving

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

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.

Day Camp Dynamics, Part I

Drop Off, Parent Communication, and Pick-Up
Dan Neal

Experienced day camp director Dan Neal dives into the fundamentals of working at a day camp in this dynamic 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.

Day Camp Dynamics, Part II

Off-Site Trips and Group Management Tips
Dan Neal

Once you've mastered the finer points of drop-offs and pick-ups in Part I of this series, it's time to pack up and leave camp! 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. A must-see for all dedicated day camp staff who organize field trips and excursions.

Non-Verbal Communication

Communication
Dr. Sarah Levin Allen

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.

Rules Were Made to Be Positive

Creating Expectations Campers Want to Live Up To
Evan Heltay

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.

Becoming a Youth Development Professional, Part I

Making the Transition from ME to KIDS
Dan Weir

Day and overnight camps are powerful, positive developmental experiences for young people. 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 children and adolescents you’ll serve.

Cultivating Patience

Creating a Calm Presence for Learning and Leadership
Dan Weir

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!

Bullies and Targets, Part I

Prevention
Luci Macli

Did you know that about 75% of boys and girls report being both bullies and targets at one time or another? That means deciphering who the “real” bully is can be difficult. But what if you could prevent bullying altogether? This revealing module shows how staff can create a nearly bully-free culture with a warm tone, firm expectations, vigilant presence, and kind example.

Bullies and Targets, Part II

Intervention
Betsy Martin

Some bullying behavior is so violent that dismissal is required. For everything else, you’ll need the strong discipline tools in this module. Research shows that zero-tolerance policies fail to teach social skills. Instead, enlightened intervention for bullying requires consistent enforcement of your rules, thoughtful teaching of peaceful interaction, and praise for good behavior.

Cultural Exchange Excellence

Top Ten Tips for International Staff
Jeff Daly

Prevent homesickness, promote adjustment, and increase excellence with this insider's guide for foreign staff. Whether your cultural exchange participants are working on the waterfront, the fields, the kitchen, or the courts, they will love hearing Scott's hilarious take on The Look, The Accent, The Food, The Drink, The Tongue, The Glamour, The Pits, The Parents, The Sex (spoiler alert), and The End.

Helping Kids Fit In

Accelerating Social Awareness and Development
Meg Clark

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 behavior becomes an obstacle to forming lasting friendships. This module helps ensure that all campers get sensitive and effective coaching from staff.

Skillful Discipline, Part I

Creative Behavior Management and Alternatives to Punishment
Evan Heltay

The biggest concern that every new staff member has is that the children won't listen and follow directions. No wonder! If young people 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 core behavior management strategies to use for any misbehavior.

Skillful Discipline, Part II

Advanced Behavior Management and Alternatives to Punishment
Evan Heltay

After mastering the powerful strategies in Skillful Discipline Part I, you’ll be ready to expand your behavior management repertoire. This practical module includes seven more field-tested prevention techniques that promote good behavior, plus seven commanding interventions for misbehaviors. Fourteen fresh approaches that promote durable behavior change.

Duty of Care, Part I

The Concept of In Loco Parentis
Dan Weir

Think this is just a casual summer job? Think again. Your job as a youth leader includes the enormous responsibility to care for the participating children as if they were your own. You function in place of the parents, or in loco parentis. With startling clarity, this module highlights the responsibilities of all youth leaders and the grave consequences of neglecting that duty.

Duty of Care, Part II

Applied Strategies for Acting as In Loco Parentis
Dan Weir

In Part I of this module series, you learned how duty of care concepts applied to your job as a youth leader. Here in Part II, you’ll learn seven essential strategies to help you act in a reasonably prudent manner in your role as in loco parentis: self-assessment, participant assessment, equipment assessment, risk analysis, continuous evaluation, go/no-go, and procedure compliance.

Sexual Harassment Awareness, Part I

Identification and Prevention for Youth Leaders
Isaac Mamaysky

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.

Staff Use of the Internet

Promoting Online Leadership-by-Example
Tim Huchton

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.

Wise Use of Time Off

Camp is a Marathon not a Sprint
Tim Huchton

Whether you work at day or overnight camp, you'll need to spend your time off 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.