Managing Difficult Camper Behaviors
Some kids have behaviors that are difficult to manage, especially during group situations. If you’re not careful, you’ll find yourself growing irritated, losing, patience, and getting resentful. It’s important for all staff to agree on what is considered acceptable or inappropriate behavior and respond in a consistent, fair manner.
Presenter: Susan Fee, M.Ed.
CEC's: 1.5
Practical Tools for Addressing MESH Needs at Camp
Camp participants and staff experience a range of emotions throughout camp. Some emotional responses are the normal reaction to a new situation while others struggle from a diagnosed condition. Camps must identify strategies to address the mental, emotional, and social health of youth (including staff) during the program. Facility design, programmatic structure, and staff focus are a few ways that camps are beginning to address MESH-related concerns. This session addresses MESH concerns by sharing practical tools for working with individuals that experience MESH issues.
Presenters: Megan Owens, Alli Faricy, and Cori Miller
CEC's: 1.0
Quirky Kids: What We Can Do When a Kid Doesn’t “Fit”
Sensing Belonging This Summer
Join us for a TED Talk style webinar highlighting the Belonging in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEIB). Together, we’ll spend time thinking about creating a sense of belonging for campers and staff sharing ways camp professionals can engage between now and the start of summer 23’. Learn from our expert, Dr. Anthony Kane who will share his own experiences at summer camp related to his personal journey of belonging. Together in this webinar our attendees will find the inspiration and motivation to cultivate a sense of belonging amongst campers this summer that will create a safe, and quality experience for all.
Presenter
Dr. Anthony Kane Jr. is an experienced Student Affairs professional with critical expertise in belonging, social/emotional counseling, and student development. Currently, Anthony serves as Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students at Saint Vincent College.
Supporting Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) In the Camp Environment
Camping and leisure activities are important for all of us, including individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This webinar will begin to identify the benefits of having children with ASD and their peers in an inclusive camp setting. We will explore how a camper with ASD might think and introduce a practical peer program called “PAWSS” to support the social interactions at camp. Strengths and challenges of serving campers with ASD will be problem solved and myths will be discarded.
Learner Objectives:
- Have an increased understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
- Be introduced to the “PAWSS” Peer Program to support social interaction at camp.
- Name three simple ways to support individuals with ASD at camp.
- State two benefits that campers and staff will experience by including people with ASD into camp.
Presenter: Kathleen "Mo" Taylor
CEC's: 1.0
TOP TRAINING TECHNIQUES: Fast & Effective Ways to Increase Staff Learning
The number one best-selling author in camp training has packed this session with terrific activities and training methods that are easy to use and can be plugged into your existing training right away. Save many hours of time by using these highly acclaimed, practical techniques. Increase staff attention, participation, and retention.
Presenter: Michael Brandwein
CEC's: 1.0
Traversing Complex Emotions: MESH Findings for the Path Ahead
Since the onset of COVID-19, researchers have expressed considerable concerns about the state of our individual and collective well-being. Studies suggest challenges across all generations. Given these trends facing the camp community, the Alliance for Camp Health surveyed camp health care providers and directors to provide clarity on next steps and discoveries to reshape our future. Presenters in this session will share preliminary findings from this survey and provide participants with evidence and stories of the MESH experiences of youth and staff in a national, representative sample of camps. We will discuss the importance of MESH and how to better prepare and navigate your camp through youth, staff, and parent scenarios this summer.
Trip Leader Training for Summer Staff: How to Prevent Trip “Trip-Ups”
Camp Leadership Bundle: Build, Grow, Sustain
This package includes all nine recorded webinars from the 2025 Business of Camp Institute virtual series! Designed specifically for camp professionals, this series features expert-led sessions that will help you elevate you and your camp! Each 90-minute webinar includes a presentation from an industry expert and includes the following topics.
- Work/Life Balance and Support of Year-Round Staff
- Understanding the Gen Z Staff
- Succession Planning
- Mental Health (MESH) for Year-Round Staff
- Year-Round Camp & Retreat Rental Panel Discussion
- Insurance Panel Discussion
- Fundraising & Development
- Site & Facilities
- Inclusion & Belonging at Camp