Icebreakers
Breaking the ice. I had not really thought about this phrase until I sat down to write this article. It makes sense… Ice is cold and hard to break, much like the tension and awkward feeling in a room...
View ArticleSports Programming Twist
You’ve scheduled a family fun afternoon at the local park. Staff encourages participants to play softball. Bor-r-ring. It’s time for the first “real” game for the pee-wee soccer camp. Parents and...
View ArticleYou Don’t Say!
Have your campers break up into groups of between five and eight campers. The purpose of the game is to spark conversation and prompt campers to learn more about each other. So, fewer than five tends...
View ArticleStretch & Twist
As camp time gets ever closer (wasn’t it just yesterday that we had closing ceremonies?) it’s time to jumpstart camp and get the ideas flowing. Continuing from last month’s column, and the January...
View ArticleThe Nature of Fun
We’ve all heard the shocking statistics about the rise in childhood obesity caused by inactivity and too many snacks. Communing with nature is an ideal way to get kids moving instead of staring at a...
View ArticleTop Programming Ideas 2006
Great ideas for the New Year of programming, from directors nationwide. 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...
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Programming For Tweens
Way, way back when I started working at Bellingham, Washington Parks and Recreation, (OK it was in 1979) youth programs fell into three age groups: Preschool activities were geared for 3-5 year olds,...
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Programming for Tweens
Way, way back when I started working at Bellingham, Washington Parks and Recreation, (okay it was in 1979), youth programs fell into three age groups. Pre-school activities were geared for 3- to...
View ArticleLet’s Hit the Beach!
Just because you don’t have a pool or access to a lake doesn’t mean you can’t offer fun, creative, healthy aquatics programming. Here are 12 ideas sure to please even the most discerning customer:...
View ArticleSigns Will Steer ‘Em Straight!
During the holidays, I scan the newspaper for announcements of activities for families. In addition to attending parks and recreation-sponsored craft fairs, holiday concerts and Lunch With Santa, I...
View ArticleSpread The Word
As in most parks and recreation departments, you probably offer a crowd-pleasing array of programs, such as road runs, craft classes, senior excursions and soccer clinics. How about adding an...
View ArticleEqual Opportunity Participation
Listen in on an adult conversation, and it won’t be long until you hear someone say, “I wish I had more time with my family. We’re all going our separate ways, and it seems like we never do anything...
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Spread The Word
As in most parks and recreation departments, you probably offer a crowd-pleasing array of programs, such as road runs, craft classes, senior excursions and soccer clinics. How about adding an...
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35 Creative Programming Ideas for 2009
The results are in and the ideas are plentiful! We invited readers to submit their most creative programming ideas to find out what keeps their camp ticking. After the submissions came pouring in, we...
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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 planning in our...
View ArticleAbracadabra
As counselors know, it’s easy to become so involved in getting campers to archery and making sure they go to the bathroom before bed, they forget to have fun with the campers. The following are ways...
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New To The Recreation Field?
Just starting out in the recreation programming field? Want some advice from people who have planned their share of craft classes, day camps and teen special events? Here is a smorgasbord of tips to...
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Let’s Hit The Beach…
Just because you don’t have a pool or access to a lake doesn’t mean you can’t offer fun, creative, healthy aquatics programming. Here are 12 ideas sure to please even the most discerning customer:...
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Icebreaker Ideas
We all know how awkward those first few moments of a camp session can be, before the kids get to know each other and become fast friends. Games for getting to know each other Here are some suggestions...
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Capture The Rules
When you’re coming up with ideas for group play in the out-of-doors — or even the indoors — don’t forget the tried and true. Kids today love playing Capture the Flag, Red Rover and Duck Duck Goose just...
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