We are so grateful for the donation from Entourage, which provided us with money to pursue other fundraising endeavors, as well as a much-needed boost towards reaching our $10,000 Livestrong matching grant. The money itself is a big deal for us, but it’s also a great reminder of how supported our new chapter already is in our community!

Check out Entourage’s blog post about us here and their Facebook page here.

I think the entire concept of a behavior contract depends less on the behaviors and more on the personalities and the history of the campers involved.  Anytime there is extreme behavior from a camper that is ongoing or otherwise not easily resolved, there may be an opportunity for some sort of contract.  Essentially, a contract is an opportunity for the camper and their parents or guardians to have more control over the potential consequences or outcomes of their behavior.  I always try to include three basic parts in a behavior contract:

1. The behavior that is unacceptable and why (be really specific)
2. The consequences to repeat behavior including how and when those consequences will be elevated (again, be very specific)
3. Other ideas and suggestions for acceptable behavior

These three parts offer a roadmap of sorts for kids to follow.  They may not be successful, but at least they will know what is coming and they may feel more control over their actions.  It is great if you can include parents or guardians in on this.  They need to not only be aware of the behavior issues, but also understand their role in helping to reinforce more appropriate behavior.  Not to mention, they need to understand that you may be calling mid-week for an early pick up.

Most importantly to the whole process and to everyone involved (campers, staff, and families) a behavior contract should a clear indication that we want the camper to succeed and have fun at camp.

We are working hard to organize all of our enthusiasm and passion for one last push as we get ready for camp this summer. We cannot wait. Absolutely all of our supporters have been incredible. To see more information about our first year at Columbia, feel free to view our first blog at campkesemcolumbia.wordpress.com! However, subscribe here, because we will be updating right here from now on. We also haven’t formally announced our camp theme as Under the Sea! From guppies to pirates we’ll have them all this summer.

We hope that you’ll spread the word about Camp Kesem’s mission throughout the nation, wherever you may be. We are incredibly proud of what we have done so far this year, and we can’t wait to see what new developments happen over the summer.

Thank you for your continued support and keep a look out for new information here on our blog!

85 days to camp.

Camp Kesem UCSD alumni are helping us raise money by putting on this awesome fundraiser. Current and past counselors will be playing video games in the dark while other counselors try to scare them!

For more information:

Website: www.scaretocare.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/scaretocare

Promo vid: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W9zr4eOlhZk

My favorite stuff to do with teens is either some sort of group project or the discussion-based games.  For discussion-based games, I always try and carry in my pocket or backpack trivial pursuit cards or a “would you rather” book.  There are also lots of great question books like “The Book of Questions.”  Also, if you go on www.ultimatecampresource.com and search “Minute Mysteries” those are interesting clue-type conversation starters.

For group projects, I always like to have a couple of week-long things going with teens.  Those massive 3D puzzles are great.  It’s something they can work on all week.  I have also done murals at camp with teens or song banners.  Basically you could take a big white sheet (maybe tie-dye it) and have them write down the words to camp songs, then hold them up at meals or whenever to help the younger kids learn the words.

Answer:  This is one of the ongoing issues of every camp.  Campers that come back year after year are expecting some of the same activities but are also interested in some new ideas and interesting twists.  So here are 6 ideas for you to keep in mind:

1. Keep notes at camp.  Try to have people fill out a daily program eval every night during your staff meetings.  They don’t have to be long, just the good, bad, and ugly of some of the programs and activities.
2. Identify a few traditions (whether they are activities, programs, or other) that you want to try and keep consistent year after year.
3. Challenge yourself to come up with new activities within traditional program areas. For example, every year you could do 5-10 new activity ideas at Arts & Crafts.
4. Ask other camps on the facebook groups
5. Come to the CK National conference with 5 specific program related questions
6. Use online resources for new ideas like www.ultimatecampresource.com

As you know the Teen Camp Program has to participate in some form of service or charity project during their week of camp. The projects from the past have been rather lack luster, and usually involve helping the campsite with maintenance type projects. We really want a meaningful and worthwhile projects for the teens to do this year, but we’re having trouble coming up with ideas, or even charities to reach out to. Any suggestions on where we could get started?

Answer:

I really do like the idea of giving back to the host camp.  There is something in there about physically helping to make camp better that I really like.  It may be worth a try to involve the Camp Director.  I know you said they have been lack luster in the past but they may have better ideas.

I also like the idea of doing something for the support staff at a camp (maintenance, kitchen, cleaning, etc.).  A few years ago at Dragonfly we had our Teens do tie-dye aprons for the whole kitchen crew and they loved it.

Local charities might be tough, because they usually want money or volunteer time at the location.  If you could find an area soup kitchen and work out transportation, that may be really cool.

Finally, maybe some sort of big thank you for all the student leaders from the teens might be cool.  Like planting a tree with a plaque that they make or something like that.  It is really a thankless job and that would be really meaningful for the staff.

I hope that helps!!