When visiting camps our team members often notice ideas big and small that other camps might be interested in. Here we have assembled many examples so that everyone can learn from our visits.
→Do you have something you want to share with us that we should feature? Email Ari Polsky with an image and short description.
This update features all things Program Areas & Facillities (activities, facilities, space utilization, etc). Not every idea or example will be applicable to every camp, and we are always open to learning about new ideas to feature.
Future updates will be grouped by topic and will include: Staff (Training, Management, Lounges), Operations & Logistics, Camper Areas & Care.
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Seating area created out of trees felled on the property.
Camp Mountain Chai
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A DIY Human Foosball Court
Camp Mountain Chai
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Shading over a gathering area, retired Army parachutes.
Camp Mountain Chai
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These phone booths were installed to create private and soundproof space for campers and staff to take personal calls and telehealth visits.
Camp Ramah in New England
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These phone booths were installed to create private and soundproof space for campers and staff to take personal calls and telehealth visits.
Camp Ramah in New England
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Seen on an ACA Camp Hop - this kiosk of information can serve multiple purposes. Displayed here are a map, information about local wildlife, and a rotating information in the bulletin behind plexiglass.
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The new pool at GUCI has their logo added to the pool floor.
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Details on the hammock village setup, in case you want to create your own!
This hammock village was built as a part of a project the oldest campers created with the camp's facility staff.
URJ GUCI
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This hammock village was built by the oldest campers as a service project. Multiple locations on site, frequently in use by campers.
URJ GUCI
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A neat way to showcase the long histories of camps - by creating a curated 'exhibit' space in the Dining Hall or other high traffic areas.
Girl Scout Camp Lakota.
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Another view of Camp Lakota's history display.
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Hydroponic gardening towers serve BOTH as a camp programmatic element and as a kitchen supply source (kept in two separate places) and stocked it with herbs and veggies requested by the kitchen (Brand: Cerca Cultivation)
Camp JCA Shalom
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Good safety signage for the climbing wall at J-Camp Los Angeles
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This storage cart system for all the gear needed for an indoor climbing wall at J-Camp Los Angeles. This easily rolls away and gets locked up when not in use.
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A neat use of signage at Mandel JCC Day Camp to showcase achievements in program areas.
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'Homemade' archery quivers using PVC piping and crates. Camp Mountain Chai
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One of the most 'established' archery ranges seen at a camp. This has a clear waiting area and firing line, and even has shade!
GS Camp Lakota
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One of the most 'established' archery ranges seen at a camp. This has a clear waiting area and firing line, and even has shade!
GS Camp Lakota
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One of the most 'established' archery ranges seen at a camp. This has a clear waiting area and firing line, and even has shade!
GS Camp Lakota
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One of the most 'established' archery ranges seen at a camp. This has a clear waiting area and firing line, and even has shade!
GS Camp Lakota
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This fence at Lakota blends in with the landscape - using wood that matches the building aesthetics to hide the propane tank.
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These hexagon and triangle acoustic panels create a repeated Jewish star theme throughout the building and help dampen echos.
Trager JCC (Louisville, KY)
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These hexagon and triangle acoustic panels create a repeated Jewish star theme throughout the building and help dampen echos.
Trager JCC (Louisville, KY)
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A climbing wall over the new pool at GUCI.
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This dining hall was semi pre-fabricated: it was built off site in multiple parts and assembled at camp.
Ramah in the Rockies
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This playground was the brainchild of a group of campers during a Shark Tank activity over the summer. After the campers worked to raise funds to make it a reality, in partnership with their families and the camp, the camp installed this sign to acknowledge the history.
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This teaching kitchen is set up for whole bunks or groups of campers to cook together. There are two 'sides' (as seen by the knife handles in the back) which allow for division of groups for either different tasks or a top chef-style competition.
Camp Tawonga
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An example of what is on the agenda and menu for a day of cooking in the Tawonga teaching kitchen.
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A teaching kitchen and program space at the Merage JCC. The stations are flexible to allow for different configurations of the space. The signage and step and repeat make for great photo opportunities during year-round and summer programs.
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A great way to teach campers, staff, and visitors about the local wildlife and surroundings. Girl Scout Camp Lakota
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A number of ropes courses we have seen feature the camp name as part of an element. Seen here, Camp Wise.
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Permanently installed ping pong tables with the camp slogan at Camp Wise.
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Permanently installed ping pong tables with the camp slogan at Camp Wise.
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A part of the Teva program, a fun Jewish star shaped planter at Camp Wise.
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After visitors conclude their visit, they hang their name tags (tree cookies) from the main tree outside the office. It is a way to show all the people who have been through that summer.
Camp Wise
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After visitors conclude their visit, they hang their name tags (tree cookies) from the main tree outside the office. It is a way to show all the people who have been through that summer.
Camp Wise
