Schedule

Theoretical Rationale of Schedule: The camp schedule attempts to find a balance between consistency and activities of integration and a flair for exciting new experiences. While innovative programming can successfully do all of these, there is inevitability some form of this trade-off. The more successful camp leader will understand the realities of this trade-off and create a schedule that accomplishes both.

Structure of Schedule: The basic camp schedule should include one-to-one activities, team activities, and camp-wide activities. They should also be trips off-campsite. Traditionally, the schedule should include choice activities in the morning, team and camp-wide activities in the afternoon, and trips and camp-wide activities in the evening.

1. Choice Activities: These activities allow campers and counselor to select programming that interests them and to personalize their camp experience. These activities can be various and should not typically consist of more than 10 campers per activity. The number of activities offered will inevitably depend on the size of the program. Activities should last approximately 1 hour. Possible choice activities include acting, photography, cinematography, yoga, cooking, arts, music, karaoke, dance, hiking, soccer, tennis, basketball, kickball, Frisbee.

2. Team Activities: These activities should be fun and create a sense of belonging. These activities can include a scavenger hunt, a choreographed dance, an obstacle course, and a team Olympics replete with an opening ceremony.

3. Camp-wide Activities: These activities should include visits by performers or other guests when time constraints would not permit smaller group interactions. Examples of these activities are a magic show, a play, a petting zoo, and interactive concerts.

4. Schedule Template: This template gives a general idea of programming at the Camp PALS program.

Arrival and Departure

Arrival and departure are difficult moments for campers and counselors. At arrival, staff should seek to immediately integrate their camper into the camp. Departure should be preceded by a concluding ceremony that recognizes all participants and parents. See section on Closing Ceremony.

Over-scheduling

Given camper abilities, care should be taken not to over-schedule activities. In particular, significant time should be allowed for transitions between activities (20 minutes minimum) and additional time should be allowed on trips.

Confirmation of Schedule

The camp leader is responsible for ensuring that the schedule is confirmed in advance. Flexibility is something that camp leaders should exhibit; it is not something that should be asked of participants, if at all possible.

Camp PALS Start-Up Kit

Schedule

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