stephenwinbaum
Communications Coordinator
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Oct 17, 2006, 12:14 PM
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Camp Site, Camp Right
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Chilly November, and maybe time for last minute repairs to the camp site before the spring — and then Camp 2007.
That’s the scenario for northern camps that hunker down during cold winter nights.
For the rapidly expanding Sun Belt Region, camp owners can be renovating and expanding year-round.
In both situations, most camps make changes between summer sessions to their physical structure. Camp friends, counselors, and associates are held dear, but recollections of the physical sites of camps — cabins, dining halls, pathways, activity areas, and all the natural nooks and crannies keep campers coming back.
All the more reason for camp administrators to keep up the camp site: for the campers and staff, for financial reasons, and for the natural environment that sustains the experience.
Now the hard work of getting the work down, hiring the contractors, and insuring that all is finished before the summer begins. Summer camp is a serious undertaking, not just a seasonal operation. Building codes need to be met in full accordance with existing building codes.
Off season Repairs
Many camps need off-season repairs for the following reasons: - water damage
- seasonal mishaps
- the slow process of aging, wearing down
Post-camp is a period for inspection, taking stock, and honestly evaluating the work needed on key areas — bunks, toilets, dining areas and kitchens, health centers, water fronts, boating docks, horse stalls, and the newly-popular ropes courses.
More and more, camp’s physical site is identified with its natural surrounding. As the environment becomes a bigger social concern, pollution problems at camp take on new meaning. Here’s a shortlist that camp administrators need to keep in mind. - Underground and above-ground gas storage tanks
- Camp health-care waste
- Stable manure
- Leakage into camp soil
- All potential pollutants
Many camp owners and directors are setting realistic goals for the opening of summer camp 2007. They have sought out reputable contractors to bring the new construction and renovations in on budget. Agreements have been formalized regarding the extent of labor, fee for services, and expected time of completion.
Calls are being made to insurance agents about the changes to the physical site with new liability provisions attached.
Camps with foresight are streamlining their business and office operations by researching and implementing paperless camp strategies. Administration is moving faster, deleting the waste of paper.
The camp team is planning for July 2007, another safe and enjoyable year, with realistic changes to improve the landscape for the oncoming campers and staff.
There are many articles on Site and Facility Planning in the ACA’s Knowledge Center.
Stephen Winbaum is the Communications Coordinator of MySummerCamps.com.
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(This post was edited by stephenwinbaum on Oct 31, 2006, 9:32 AM)
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