All across Illinois, park districts and recreation departments are offering summer day camp programs. These day camp programs provide children from preschool-age through teens an opportunity for wholesome recreation. But what are the ingredients that guide these camps and make them successful?

According to the American Camping Association, camping provides a creative, educational experience in a cooperative group living environment in the out-of-doors. It utilizes the resources of the natural surroundings to contribute significantly to mental, physical, social and spiritual growth. It is a sustained experience under the supervision of trained leadership.

The American Camping Association definition of camping is based on years of education and experience. It gives camps a prescription from which to work. However, relying on the Association's philosophy as the only reference does not assure a successful camp. The making of a truly prosperous camp program stems from the development of a particular philosophy, defined set of goals and comprehensive objectives.

The philosophy is a framework of principles, or values, that constitutes the general purpose of the agency itself. Moreover, the philosophy should reflect a positive view of the importance of wholesome leisure and constructive recreation in modem society. A camp philosophy is a tool that the camp's administration will utilize in everything from hiring staff, training, programming activities and disciplining campers. A day camp that has not developed a philosophy has no foundation on which to base all else.

The Westmont Park District Day Camp program philosophy is to provide an educational and recreational experience in which campers can express themselves, learn to cooperatively play with others and function within a group. The philosophy provides purpose for the staff during the nine week period they are employed. From the first staff interview to the final day of camp, the philosophy is reiterated time and time again. Without that as a guide, the staff may be counter-productive to the camp and its overall mission.

Once the philosophy of the camp is determined, the goals can be formulated. To set goals is to chart the direction that the camp will follow over the course of the summer. Keep in mind that the goals need to directly relate to the philosophy of the camp and the operating mission of the agency. Goals are working tools for the staff. Don't get caught up in developing too many goals and don't make them too specific. They are meant to be general guidelines for the staff to follow.

Some examples that directly relate to the Westmont Park District Day Camp program include providing each camper with the opportunity for fun and adventure in a safe and supervised program; encouraging the development of the campers' physical, mental and emotional skills which contribute to a positive leisure attitude; and inspiring a sense of social understanding and responsibility in the campers within a group of peers.

These goals give the camp a purpose. The staff can take these goals and design their day-to-day activities around them. The goals give the camp unity. These goals are formulated during the most critical time — staff training.

Probably the most important element of a successful day camp program is found in staff training. In some situations, more time and energy is spent on planning and conducting staff training than the camp itself. A well-trained staff will require less

intervention from the camp administration; thus management personnel can spend more time on day-to-day operations than on re-directing and disciplining staff.

Your staff will need time to become familiar with and gain mutual respect for one another. Westmont Park District's training program begins with two-day retreat that everyone is required to attend. During the two-day retreat, considerable time and emphasis is spent on activities that foster friendships. It is true that this process requires some financial commitment from the agency, yet the alternative could be staff conflict and resentment during the summer. Once your staff has a better understanding and appreciation for one another, they can then focus on the development and implementation of objectives.

Objectives are the direct means for achieving goals. They need to be specific in nature, unlike the goals themselves. An objective should specify the task the learner is confronted with, and the action the learner should take. A teamwork oriented camp will result when objectives are mutually developed and determined by the entire staff. Utilize all the resources at your disposal in both the development and implementation of your objectives.

Day campers enjoy many activities including this water balloon tossing contest.

Programming noncompetitive activities into the campers' daily schedule will expose them to values which will nourish teamwork and socialization. This objective gives the camp counselor a reference point from which to plan and implement specific activities. Playing with the parachute for example will present more than just a fun experience for the campers. It equally enhances the group socialization process. Once the staff has developed objectives, the programming of daily activities will have meaning and focus. By developing a philosophy, goals and objectives to meet those goals, you will be creating a solid foundation on which your entire camp can operate. With proper training and teamwork, you will be able to count on the support of the agency and the camp staff you've hired. And most of all, you'll be on the way to providing a successful day camp program.

About the Author
Matthew Ellman is Recreation and Marketing Coordinator for Westmont Park District.