To describe two basic models of camping programs.

OVERVIEW

There are two basic models of camping programs. The first, which is the more common and traditional model, is the centralized program. In this type of camp, a program director or committee organize the activities. Campers individually select those activities in which they want to participate.

The campers and counselors follow a pre-arranged schedule throughout the day. For example, the first activity may begin at 10:00 a.m. each morning and runs for an hour. At 11:00, the next activity begins. Lunch is at 12:30 p.m. The day flows smoothly and efficiently. This type of program has the ability to service a large number of campers. Also, counselors can specialize in one area of the program, such as music, water activities, or archery rather than having to know how to do everything.

The second model is decentralized. At a decentralized camp, the individual cabin counselor acts as a program director for his or her cabin group. The cabin group ranges anywhere between three to fifteen campers. This group develops a schedule together, corporately deciding what they will do throughout the day.

This method seems to capitalize on the "teachable moment." If a group of campers is at the lake and is catching a lot of fish, the counselor has flexibility to rearrange the schedule and let the campers fish longer. Or, if a camper should ask a question such as, "Why are there so many different types of birds?", the counselor can give a short lesson on birds without having to worry about missing the 12:30 lunch.

There are camps that try to combine the best of both formats. These camps use a pre-arranged schedule for such things as pool use, but allow flexibility into the schedule so that the counselor and his or her cabin may plan activities on their own. COMPARISONS OF BOTH MODELS

In a decentralized camping program, the counselors require a level of maturity to be able to self-initiate activities. The centralized program allows more direct supervision of the counselors.

Coordinating the use of facilities and equipment is difficult with decentralization. Also, the counselor and his or her cabin group may focus on a limited number of activities and miss other activities. The centralized program provides a balanced, well-rounded experience for each camper.

Individual needs of campers are more easily met in the decentralized program. Some campers may be overlooked in a centralized program during which everyone is expected to follow the same pre-arranged schedule.

The decentralized program allows more opportunities for campers to experience the democratic process in operation. In the combined model this element can be included. The success of the program and the camping experience depends more on the counselor in the decentralized program. If one counselor in the centralized program is not working effectively, the camper may still have a great week because of exposure to a number of other counselors.

IMPLICATIONS

1. The stated purpose of most camps is to meet the needs of campers. Each of these camping models can accomplish this goal. Parents will inquire how the camp plans to meet the needs of their child.
2. Youth workers planning a camping program for a group should consider the resources available to meet the needs that he or she is trying to meet. This will help the youth worker determine which approach to camping will best serve the campers.
3. In either model, or in the combined model, the most important aspect of a successful camping program is the counselor. The counselor should love, nurture, and care for young people; be able to communicate well with them; and be comfortable with leading a group of young people. There must be a commitment to unconditional love for the all the kids in the program.