There is a moment at the end of every summer season when camp becomes still. A gentle breeze moves through the trees. Squirrels begin to reclaim their territory. A songbird returns, its call no longer drowned out by the laughter, cheers, and energy of a busy camp season. The campers have all been picked up. The final staff dinner has ended, filled with celebrations, stories, and a few laughs about…

Golf carts and UTVs (such as Gators, Mules, etc.) have become increasingly popular at summer camps for a variety of reasons. They support day-to-day transportation, enable quicker responses from healthcare teams, and extend the reach of facilities and maintenance staff—especially on smaller trail systems. Regardless of their use, it’s essential to follow safety guidelines to protect staff…

May is Water Safety Awareness Month—but if your camp has a pool or a waterfront, water safety isn’t just a one-month thing. It’s an everyday responsibility. And while swim safety often takes center stage, boating safety deserves just as much attention.

Pools are being reopened. Docks are going back into the water. Lifeguard training for new aquatics staff is being scheduled, with some classes beginning by the end of the month. As your team works to bring the aquatics area back to life, now is the perfect time to assess your setup and equipment to ensure your staff is prepared for the summer season ahead. Are Your Lifeguards Rescue Ready?

As National Child Abuse Awareness Month comes to a close for 2026, it doesn’t mean our focus on prevention should end. As camps and summer programs prepare to open their doors (or gates) to children and teens in just a few weeks, this work should remain top of mind.

Recently, the Chalmers Team had the opportunity to host Meredith Bunnel, Director of Research & Strategic Engagement at Praesidium, for a webinar focused on what the latest research tells us about abuse prevention in youth serving organizations—and what that means for camps and programs as we prepare for another summer. This week’s blog provides a summary of this webinar with Meredith, as she…