Camp Fire

Camp Fire

How to Choose a Summer Camp

Choosing the right summer camp for your child can be a challenging and sometimes overwhelming task. Since there's a seemingly endless variety of choices to consider, matching the ideal camp to your child's interests, personality, and busy schedule can be daunting. Furthermore, as a parent, you have the responsiblity of ensuring the camp you choose for your child is operated in a safe and appropriate manner for your child's age and skill levels.

The following is a camp selection checklist for parents to consider when considering summer camp opportunities for their kids:

1. Identify the camp's program emphasis.

Every camp has a different philosophy and program emphasis. Some camps promote structured group activities, while others give campers more individualized freedom to pick and choose the individual activities that appeal to them. Some camps offer strictly traditional activities, while others may focus exclusively on sports, drama, or surfing. Or, maybe your child would flourish in a competitive camp environment whereas another child would be better off participating in non-competitive camp activities. By knowing your child's personality, interests, personality traits, and learning style, you can better identify the right camp for you.

2. Confirm that the camp is accredited by the American Camp Association.

In order to earn accreditation by the American Camp Association (ACA), camps must comply with up to 300 best-practice industry standards relating to camper health, safety, supervision and activity planning and execution which are crucial to a camp's operation.

3. Ask about the camp director's background.

To ensure that the camp director is qualified, make sure he or she meets the minimum standards set forth by the ACA. Such standards recommend that camp director holds a bachelor's degree, has in-depth experience in camp administration, performed in-service training during the last three years, and is at least 25 years old.

4. Camper-to-counselor ratios. To make sure your child is getting the individual attention and supervision he or she needs for his or her age, compare the camp's counselor-to-camper ratio to ACA standards. For day camps, the general ratios range from 8:1 for 6, 7 and 8 year olds, to 10:1 for 9 to 14 year olds, and 12:1 for campers ages 15 to 17. For sleepaway camps, the general recommended ratio is 6:1 for 7 and 8 year olds, 8:1 for 9 to 14 year olds and 10:1 for campers ages 15 to 17.

(Please note, the above-cited child-to-counselor ratio standards are only ACA's general, MINIMUM recommendations and may vary depending on various situations and/or conditions. Moreover, there could be additional standards relating to specific programs and/or activities where more supervision may be prudent, if not required. Accordingly, you should use your own judgement and conduct your own research to decide what is appropriate for you and your child.)

5. Inquire about camp staff: Your child's counselors can make or break a child's camp experience.

In addition to facilitating camp activities, counselors serve as role models and should be dependable, trustworthy, and show enthusiasm for their job. For safety reasons, counselors should also be CPR and First Aid-Certified and have undergone criminal background checks prior to employment by the camp.

6. Accommodation of special needs.

If your child has special needs due to an allergy or other medical condition, be sure to ask if the camp is equipped to handle these requirements.

7. Find out about how the camp handles discipline.

As in any organization, rules need to be followed and the camp's disciplinary approach should be fair, reasonable and openly communicated. Positive reinforcement, a sense of fair play and assertive role-modeling are important things to look for. If penalties apply to certain violations, camp staff should apply them fairly, calmly and without unnecessary criticism.

8. Check the camp's references.

References can provide you with a glimpse of the experiences others have had at a camp, and they are an important way of checking out a camp's track record and reputation. Before you choose a camp, the camp director should be willing to provide references upon request.

Good luck choosing a camp and have a great summer!

Copyright Eric D. Naftulin and Aloha Beach Camp. All rights reserved.

About the Author

Eric D. Naftulin is the owner/operator of Aloha Beach Camp, an aquatic sports summer day camp for kids and teens ages 4 to 15 in Los Angeles, California. Try Aloha Beach Camp and learn to surf, boogie board, wakeboard, jet ski and more.

how to smoke a deer over a camp fire?

if I smoke a deer over a camp fire, would it be better to do it in the open, or cover it with coniferous trees in a tipi type of shape?

You cant use many types of wood or plants some will ruin the meat others are toxic. You want hickory, alder, cotton wood, apple wood or mesquite for the smoke and if you use alder remove the bark for a better flavor. You need two fires one is just hot coals the other is to make the coals. Do not use Pine, spruce, fir, hemlock, cypress, cedar, larch or any pines, conifers or evergreens for any part of this!

Build a rack out of green wood that’s far enough away from the coals as not to burn. Strip the bark off some slender straight branches to support the strips of meat. You cant smoke a whole deer in such a primitive outdoor set up as the meat will go bad in thick areas like the hams and joints of bones. You would have to have a smoker with absolute control of temperature and inject a brine solution into the hams and joints and this requires skill. So stick to strips of meat. Mix ¼ cup of season salt, ¼ cup of brown sugar and 3 tablespoons of pepper to each gallon of water, soak the meat strips cut not thicker than ½ in the mix (mix well) and let soak over night. Then hang them on the rack. Make a teepee frame around the rack with plenty of room and an opening to replace coals and green hickory wood chips or any of the wood I listed for smoking. {do not let the meat touch eachother} Cover teepee with branches then a old cotton bed sheet, canvas, animal hide or woven cattail leaves. Do not use evergreen.
You want smoke not heat so dont get the coal bed too hot. Keep adding green wood and coals to keep a heavy smoke coming out of the top and cover the opening to the coals with something to reduce air flow. After smoking for 24 to 36 hours you should have some very tasty smoked meat.
As long as there is smoke you wont have flies or insects but if you let it go out you could ruin the whole batch. If it goes out on a cool night that’s ok jut not when the flies are out. Once you get it down you won’t have to add coals or green wood that often; maybe every 4 hours.

In time you will learn how to control the smoking process and then can smoke larger pieces of meat, fish and birds.
If you only have dry wood to smoke with, get it real wet in water before placing on the coals for more smoke. Remember you want smoke not flames.

Yep I smoke lots of critters.

Peter, Paul & Mary - Around The Campfire $15.37 Description Not Available

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Popsticks Barbeque/ Campfire Roasting Utensils (Pack of 2) $36.49 Roast hot dogs and other campfire treats with this set of roasting utensils. These sticks feature an aluminum/stainless steel construction and are available in four fun colors.

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Campfire Cookery (Hardcover) $20.25 Camping fare typically includes burgers and hot dogs, and while these are certainly easy, get ready to rethink the cuisine that can be savored over the open flame. With recipes like Spiced Currant Scones, Maple-Glazed Salmon, and Tomato Tarte...

Rugrats All Grown Up - Interview with a Campfire (DVD) $9.88 Nickelodeon launches a spinoff of the hugely popular RUGRATS phenomenon with the new animated series ALL GROWN UP. Tommy, Chucki

10,000 Maniacs - Campfire Songs: The Popular, Obscure & Unknown Recordings * $13.84 Description Not Available

Easy Campfire Cooking (Paperback) $10.26 Whether you are heading out on a camping trip or simply enjoying a backyard bonfire, this book will satisfy your appetite and provide hours of entertainment for the whole family. You`ll find many recipes for a variety of fun cooking methods ...

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Piper Reed, Campfire Girl (Paperback) $5.93 Piper and her family are going camping—nothing could be better. But when Piper finds out that the camping trip is on Halloween, nothing could be worse! Still, catching fish, roasting marshmallows, and sleeping in a trailer are right up Piper...

Cooking the Cowboy Way (Hardcover) $19.53 A Texas Tailgate Party with South Texas Tajitas, Frito Pie, Gridiron Guacamole, Blue-Cheese-and-Bacon Burgers, and Chipotle Mayo. A Canadian feast of Molasses-Rubbed Beef Tenderloin and Candied Bacon with Goat Cheese. Lisa`s Caesar Salad and Autumn Pea...

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Bill & Gloria Gaither - A Campfire Homecoming (DVD) $13.51 An incredible array of artists join Bill and Gloria Gaither for this selection of gospel songs--all sung around the rising flames of a warm camp fire. The concert was shot at the Wilson County Fairgrounds in Tennessee, and features appearances from Eva...

Campfire Tales (DVD) $17.81 On a chilly autumn evening, Jason, Billy and Danny sit around the campfire and listen to horror stories told by a derelict named Ralph (played by Gunnar Hansen of TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE fame).

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Campfire Mallory (Paperback) $5.89 Nine-and-a-half-year-old Mallory`s trepidation about going to sleepaway camp is multiplied when she and her best friend are assigned to different cabins, and a new "friend" seems determined to get Mallory in trouble. Reprint.

Animal Collective - Campfire Songs [1/26] $12.86 Disc 1:Queen In My PicturesDoggyTwo CorvettesMoo Rah Rah RainDe Soto De Son

Scary Stories For Campfires $5.89 It`s scary how fast this book will fly off the shelves. Perfect for sleepovers, summer evenings by the campfire, or any time kids want a fun fright night, these 26 classic and newly illustrated ghost stories send chills down the spine. From terrif...

The Kids Campfire Book $14.35 This collection of outdoor activities, games, stories, songs, and more is for kids and families to share around the campfire. Kids learn how to make pizza over an open fire, tell a spooky ghost story, or create musical instruments for a singalong. Wi...

Melwood Cutlery - Campfire $13.3 Disc 1:Ballad of the Moonlight LadyI WonderWalkertonMoonlight MotelAeroplaneToo StonedBarbie and the BeesJimmy`s RoomMakin` the MusicLast LullabyLong Lonesome RoadBig CityW...

Various Artists - Early Summer Campfire Songs $12.05 Disc 0:No track list availableDisc 1:My Favorite Song - Dan PotthastWill I Have a Chance? - The ChinkeesUntil the Party Ends - SubbPlain Morning, A - Dashboard ConfessionalMy Hotel Year...

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Camp Fire $19.09 Camp Fire

Camp $4.11 When the Silva men go camping in Montana, they encounter bears and have to outrun a forest fire.

The Camp-fire $28.27 No Synopsis Available

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Camp Chef Browning Fire Ring $99.99 Camp Chef - Outdoor Accessories - BRFRING - Camp Chef is proud to bring you another way to show your Browning buck mark. The new Browning Fire Ring is a convenient means of spicing up your camp-out or hunting trip. Don't spend your time gathering rocks. Quickly assemble this large fire ring and in minutes have a roaring fire sufficient to accomodate your entire group. After dark the buck mark can be seen glowing with fire for long distances providing an attractive display for fellow campers. Product Specifications: Heavy Duty 14 Gauge Steel 36 Diameter 12 Tall Durable Powder Coat Paint Easy Assembly Browning Buck Mark Cutout

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In Store Vintage Vintage Harmony Early Camp Fire 33Sw98 $250 In Store Vintage VINTAGE HARMONY EARLY CAMP FIRE 33SW98

Scout Camp $16.53 The sacred "Spirit Stick" has been stolen from Camp Rakhouta, threatening the very legacy of the prestigious camp unless the intrepid Fire Dragons can rise to the occasion and recover the priceless relic. Returning to his beloved Camp Rakhouta for what wi

The Camp Fire Girls at Camp Keewaydin $26.28 No Synopsis Available

Scout Camp - $19.99 The sacred "Spirit Stick" has been stolen from Camp Rakhouta, threatening the very legacy of the prestigious camp unless the intrepid Fire Dragons can rise to the occasion and recover the priceless relic. Returning to his beloved Camp Rakhouta for what will likely be his last summer, York Hayes (Shawn Carter) makes it his mission to leave behind a legacy for his troop the Fire Dragons to follow. When the "Spirit Stick" goes missing, York spurs the Fire Dragons into action. Should they succeed in achieving their goal, the tradition of Camp Rakhouta will continue for generations to come. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

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Camp Chef Lumberjack Over the Camp Fire Grill 36 $40.6 Camp Chef - Grill Accessories - OFG36 - The Lumberjack Over Fire Grill is the simplest solution to cooking while camping. Make of durable plated steel, it's as tough as those that cook on it. Folding legs make for easy transportation and compact storage. The Lumberjack grill is hands down the easier grill you'll ever use. All you need is a fire, wait for it to burn down to some coals, and you're ready to cook. Try the Camp Chef Lumberjack Over Fire Grill the next time you go camping and you'll see just how good food cooked directly over the fire can taste!

Jesus Camp $13.72 The youngest foot soldiers for the Lord are shown in their native environment in this documentary. Becky Fischer is a children's pastor who runs "Kids on Fire," a summer camp for evangelical Christian children in North Dakota. Fischer believes in the poli

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