Tuesday, March 13

3:00 p.m.

Knock Their Socks Off

Jerry King, Training and Development

Organizations can drastically decrease their marketing and advertising expenses by teaching employees how to retain current customers instead of spending most their resources on acquiring new ones. Nonprofit organizations can also benefit greatly from the powerful principles of this Customer Service training program. Participants will learn: The Top 5 Things Every Customer Wants (and how to provide them), the power of demonstrating an "attitude of gratitude", effective customer service begins with internal customers (team members), and how the success of your organization depends on helping every person your team communicates with -- personally or electronically--experience the "WOW" Factor...it's the reason your customers will keep coming back for more!

Maile and Deb's Game Plan

Armstrong and Duerk, LLC; Maile S. Armstrong and Deborah Duerk

This workshop is a sampling that will give camp staff a taste of playing and singing at camp. The session will teach the basics of safe and fun game planning as well as provide resources for camp staff.

Exploring the Day Camp Concept

Kelly Hicks, WVU Extension Agent; Jane Jopling, WVU Extension Agent

Instructors will share with participants success stories and examples from two day camps in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia. Through a power point presentation, instructors will give background information related to day camping, goals of day camping, and hands-on implementation guidelines for running day camps.

Marketing Camp, to who and how?

Greg Homan, Extension Educator, Ohio State Univ. Extension; Jason Hedrick, Extension Educator, Ohio State Univ. Extension; Jeff Dick, Extension Educator, Ohio State Univ. Extension

This session will highlight findings from a state-wide Ohio 4-H camping research project focused on marketing camp. Using a zoomerang (web-based) survey instrument, feedback from parents of 4-H campers from across the state was analyzed to explain the camp enrollment decision, marketing effectiveness, and overall camp program/facility appeal.

Tuesday, March 13

4:15 p.m.

Measuring Success at 4-H Camp: The Toolkit Developed by the National 4-H Camping Research Consortium (continued)

Allison Nichols, WVU Extension Specialist; Martha Garton, WVU Extension Agent

This workshop will be for those who are interested in evaluating how their camps incorporate the eight essential elements of youth development and if they are developing life skills at camp. Participants will first hear about the work of the National 4-H Camping Research Consortium and then examine three logic models and two questionnaires. All of the instruments are still in draft form and will not be available for distribution at the time of the workshops. The logic models, to be used by camp staff to plan camp activities, include one for overall camp planning, one for looking at the context of camp for addressing the essential elements of youth development, and one for looking at how camp develops life skills in youth. The two evaluation tools include one for measuring how camp addresses the essential elements and one for measuring the success of camp in developing life skills. A tip sheet for evaluating camp is also included the toolkit.

Leadership Boot Camp

Jerry King, King Training and Development

Great Leaders Aren't Born or Hatched…They Learn Effective Leadership Skills! Many people who have leadership or management responsibilities admit not being adequately trained and therefore, lack confidence in their ability and potential. John Maxwell said "An organization's growth is directly relate to its personnel potential". This session is jam-packed with specific strategies and tools that will teach leaders and future leaders how to: coach team members to higher levels of performance, motivate apathetic team members, communicate more effectively with people, create a positive work environment of trust, keep good employees from leaving, and reward and energize team members to make your organization "a great place to work"!

Flag Ceremonies – Dos, Don'ts and How Tos

Armstrong and Duerk, LLC; Maile S. Armstrong and Deborah Duerk

Flag Ceremonies don't have to be routine or boring. This workshop offers background on appropriate handling of the American flag and inspiring and fun ways to teach flag etiquette and honor “Old Glory”. If flag ceremonies are not a part of your daily or weekly routine, here is how to incorporate it into your program.

Making the Most of Your ACA Membership

Positive Youth Development: The Formula for Successful Camps

Debbie McDonald, State Leader, 4-H Youth Development, West Virginia University Extension Service

This workshop will examine each of the essential elements of positive youth development and will identify ways to be certain that they are included in your camp programs to best meet the needs of the youth that you serve. The essential elements that will be reviewed are:
•  A positive relationship with a caring adult
•  A safe environment—physically and emotionally
•  Opportunity for mastery
•  Opportunity to value and practice service for others
•  Opportunity for self-determination
•  An inclusive environment (encouragement, affirming, belonging)
•  Opportunity to see oneself as an active participant in the future
•  Engagement in Learning

Wednesday, March 14

9:00 a.m.

"No nuts, please!" - Accommodating Campers With Food Allergies

Lisa McCutcheon, Extension Educator, Ohio State University Extension

“My daughter would like to attend camp, but I'm afraid that she might die…” It's more than likely you have not heard this statement, but if you have ever encountered the parent of a child with serious food allergies this thought crosses their mind on a daily basis. This interactive session will take participants on an adventure into the world of living with food allergies and how to safely handle this concern at camp. Learn about food allergies and how they are diagnosed, develop a clear understanding of the implications for youth who experience anaphylaxis following exposure to an allergen, and then examine opportunities to train and prepare camp staff. Participants will leave with a greater appreciation for concerns expressed by parents and be able to integrate a plan that accommodates these youth in your camping programs. Insights gained from this program may assist you in saving a life.

Training Camp Assistants --Why does it matter?

Brent Clark, WVU Extension Agent; David Hartley, WVU Extension Agent; Craig Presar, WVU Extension Agent

With the popularity and impact of camp, training of counselors and assistants is crucial in providing a physically and emotionally safe environment for youth. In the spring of 2006, 35 West Virginia young adults were selected and trained to serve as Volunteer Camping Assistants in regional and county 4-H camps settings across the state. Their training included a week long residential camp setting in which large and small group interaction and participation, hands on learning, open discussion, mentoring and self reflection took place. Participants were evaluated against eight competency areas which directly relate to their educational, professional and personal abilities to serve as a camp assistant within the West Virginia 4-H camping program. This workshop will discuss the results and impact of the training and subsequent experiences of participants throughout the summer. Workshop participants will learn how training objectives were met and will also participate in hands on activities which can be used in camp staff training sessions.

Hiking for Health

Kelly Quinn, WVU Extension Agent

Hiking is more than a walk in the woods. Learn safety, techniques, games and activities that will turn any "walk in the woods" into a fun, educational activity that campers will remember for years as their favorite activity at camp.

Capital Projects Management on Historic Properties

Terry Patterson, Director, WVU Jackson 's Mill; Dave Parker, Assistant Director, WVU Jackson 's Mill

The session will explore the multi-faceted approach to planning, research, monitoring, and evaluating construction projects that you may be working on or plan to do in the future. Take a behind the scenes tour of Jackson 's Mill and pick up useful information that can you assist with new projects as well as old.

Understanding Teen Victims and How You Can Help

Mira Krivoshey, Program Associate, National Center for Victims of Crime

This workshop is intended to introduce participants to teen victimization. Using participant driven activities and a power point presentation, this workshop will provide an overview of the types of crimes teens most experience, the unique effects of crime on the developing teen, how teens may respond as victims, warning signs that may indicate a youth has been victimized, and what those who work with youth can do to empower and support them. An emphasis will also be placed on identifying and correcting the myths surrounding teen victimization.

Wednesday, March 14

3:00 p.m.

I Know a Quality Camping Program – Or Do I?

Barry Garst, Ph.D, Director of Research Application, American Camp Association

(Note: This session is a follow-up to the general session titled; The Proof is in the Pudding!)
Over the past several years, the American Camp Association (ACA) has conducted several ground-breaking studies about youth camping. These studies provided revealing information about youth outcomes of the camp experience, supports and opportunities that lead to optimal camp experiences for youth, and strategies that camp directors can use to provide a high quality camp experience. The results of these studies were disseminated in a series of ACA publications titled Directions, Inspirations, and Innovations. Building on lessons learned through ACA's camp Program Improvement Process (PIP), which was the subject of Innovations, we'll focus on how camp directors can develop and initiate a process to improve the quality of their camping program. Each participant will receive guidelines for a step-by-step process that focuses on intentional approaches to gathering information from campers and staff, the organizational practices that must be considered, and examples of “strategies that worked” in the PIP study.
This session will be interactive, so come prepared to participate!

Discover Day Camp; Creating fun for first time campers

Sally McClaskey, Extension Program Coordinator, 4-H Youth Development, Ohio State University Extension

Day camp is a great way to introduce young children to a first-time camping experience. Using the 4-H Cloverbud program as a model, workshop participants will learn the benefits of offering a day camp for kindergarten-second grade, where to find effective volunteers and developing thematic programming. It's not too late to plan and offer a day camp for Summer 2007! Participants will take home a planning checklist with ideas and activities for a successful program.

Hot, Hot, Hot…Off the Grill

Alice Dolu, WVU Extension Agent; Cindy Richmond, WVU Extension 4-H Program Assistant

Learn to plan, organize, and teach cooking skills to youth through a foods workshop. Hot, sizzling grilling techniques will be featured. Great grilling recipes and a complete “how to do it” planning guide are provided. Class will prepare a sampling of grilled foods.

Insurance 101

Scott MacAdam, AU, Account Executive, Markel Insurance Company

The workshop is designed to provide insight into the ever changing insurance coverages that are out there. The participants will come away with a better understanding of what to look for when evaluating and insurance carrier and the coverage options that they present.

Time Management for People Who Are Too Busy to Take a Time Management Course (120 minutes)

Terry Patterson, Director, WVU Jackson 's Mill

This class will focus on time management issues specifically for the camp professional who is going to 100 different directions. The session will deal with a different approach to time managementn, interaction and some basic assumptions and approaches in dealing with stacks of clutter and wasted energy.

Wednesday, March 14

4:15 p.m.

Time Management for People Who Are Too Busy to Take a Time Management Course (continued)

Terry Patterson, Director, WVU Jackson 's Mill

This class will focus on time management issues specifically for the camp professional who is going to 100 different directions. The session will deal with a different approach to time management, interaction and some basic assumptions and approaches in dealing with stacks of clutter and wasted energy.

Volunteer Supervision

Patrick Nestor, WVU Extension Specialist, 4-H Youth Development

The workshop is designed to give participants information and skills to help them manage the volunteer staff during camp. The session will cover ways to allow the volunteers to succeed in their work; work to their potential during camp; and provide validation for the work being done by the volunteers. The workshop will provide information on how to set up an evaluation system and the elements needed for an evaluation system. At the conclusion of the workshop the participants will have a plan to conduct volunteer evaluation when they return home.

Camper Recruitment and Retention Roundtable

Kim Betts, Camp Horizons Director of Admin

How can we attract new campers? How can we hold on to our current campers? Bring your best camper recruitment and retention ideas & strategies to this roundtable discussion, led by ACA Virginias Camper Recruiment Chair. We'll share tips and ideas to complete the 2007 season as well as what we can do to look ahead to 2008.

Planning a Successful One-night Camp for Cloverbuds

Jodi Smith, WVU Extension Agent; Donna Patton, WVU Extension Specialist

This workshop will introduce volunteers/agents to the idea of sponsoring a one-night camp for Cloverbuds. A one-night camp gives our future 4-H members a chance to be acclimated to the idea of being away from home at camp; it helps them learn to enjoy camp and council circle, and most importantly, gives them a chance to learn independence.

CSI Camp

Terry Abston, 4-H Youth Agent, Virginia Cooperative Extension; Linda Eanes, 4-H Youth Agent, Virginia Cooperative Extension

As result in attending this workshop participants will:
1. Have the goals, tools and ideas needed to try this for themselves.
2. Will have sample evaluations to develop great impacts.
3. Will receive a sample schedule.
4. Will learn how easy developing a CSI mystery camp can be.
5. Will see the value of internet education to 4-H youth in their area.
6. Will see the value of working closely with law enforcement, and giving them an avenue to reach young people in a positive setting.
Through this workshop the participating will have all the tools, and insight to make this camp a success.

Is Your Camp Open to All? A Primer for Camp Staff on Accommodating the Special Needs of Campers

Debbie McDonald, State Leader, 4-H Youth Development, West Virginia University Extension Service

 Campers who have a disability, particularly a learning disability, are a rapidly growing population in camp settings. Though it is difficult to obtain accurate figures, between 3 and 10 percent of all the youth who you serve may require some sort of accommodation to successfully participate in your programs. Such accommodations are often not difficult to provide nor distracting to the rest of the participants. In fact, many of these accommodations may make things easier for all of your campers. We will review what types of accommodations are required in what types of settings and ways to make them.

Thursday, March 15

8:45 a.m.

Reading Partners; a Service Project for 4-H Camps

Nila Cobb, WVU Extension Agent; Margaret Miltenberger, WVU Extension Agent; Kimary McNeil, WVU Extension Agent; Shirley Wilkins, WVU Extension Agent

Camp can be a unique opportunity for a group service project and to introduce youths to new service experiences. Children's literacy is a community issue that takes everyone's involvement. Campers serving as “Reading Partners” can help make a difference in the lives of children who are learning to read. Reading Partner training can be easily incorporated into a 30 minute camp class rotation. Campers learn about and practice basic reading strategies to support a child's learning to read. As a group the campers then visit a local child care center or existing summer program and practice the new skills they have learned. The learning experience is greatly enhanced through this “hands on” learning opportunity. This approach was piloted in Cabell and Mineral County 4-H camps in the summer of 2006 and was a hit with the campers! The training is based on the new Reading Partner Guide. It includes all the materials needed to teach a basic program in a camp setting or a full training with 4-H teen leaders or adult volunteers. A video tape of volunteers demonstrating the reading strategies with children is included.

Easy and Inexpensive Teambuilding for Staff and Campers

Brent Clark, WVU Extension Agent

Looking for a quick and easy teambuilding activity to use with campers or in training your staff? This session will help participants understand the impact of teambuilding as well as how to run successful team building activities in their camps. Participate in a variety of low cost activities that can be adapted for use in various settings.

Examining West Virginia Camp Safety Research

Kelly Hicks, WVU Extension Agent; Allison Nichols, WVU Extension Specialist

The National 4-H program has chosen to design its programs using the eight essential elements of youth development. These include: Positive relationships with caring adults; An inclusive environment; A safe environment; Opportunity to see oneself as an active participant in the future; Opportunity for self-determination; Engagement in learning; Opportunity for mastery; Opportunity to value and practice service. Camping is a major part of the total 4-H program, particularly in West Virginia . Each of the 55 counties in West Virginia holds a county camp. In addition, there are a number of state camps held at the Jackson 's Mill Conference Center . In 2004, a group of 4-H Extension specialists and county extension agents evaluated the State Older Members Conference based upon a survey designed to measure the degree to which the Essential Elements of Youth Development were present at that conference. The WVUES camping research team then decided to continue efforts to research the impact that the West Virginia camping program has on youth, focusing on one essential element at a time. This first element to be chosen was safety at camp, both emotional and physical safety.

Bullies and Gang Members….Not in My Camp!

Debbie McDonald, State Leader, 4-H Youth Development, West Virginia University Extension Service

This session will review some of the latest findings concerning bullying behavior and will also share some findings about gangs whose current growth and locations may surprise you. A series of proven strategies to deal with inappropriate behavior in residential and day camp settings will be shared.

Hazing, Huffing and Other Hazards (120 Minutes)

Liz Post, WVU Extension Agent; Terry Patterson, Director, WVU Jackson 's Mill

The camp experience is typically one that is recalled fondly by campers for many years…making new friends, learning new skills through classes, relating to a caring adult, and feeling emotionally and physically safe in the camp environment…a lasting, positive impression, indeed. For other campers, the experience is not so fondly recalled. Unfortunately, ritualistic hazing is all too common in camp settings. Some call it tradition, others a harmless prank. But to the victim, hazing can leave emotional scars for many years.
Although hazing has been a part of camping programs for decades, a newer phenomenon has occurred in camp settings within the past few years…huffing. In fact, huffing was identified as an issue in at least seven West Virginia camp programs in 2005, yet most staff members do not know that huffing is a potentially lethal and widely available alternate to a drug induced “high.' Finally, everyone that has been to camp with youths and with volunteer and/or young staff members knows that there are at least 101 other hazards just waiting to pop up and, of course, at the worst possible time. So, rather than wait, this session will help identity risks and preventive strategies.

Thursday, March 15

10:00 a.m.

Hazing, Huffing and Other Hazards (continued)

Liz Post, WVU Extension Agent; Terry Patterson, Director, WVU Jackson 's Mill

The camp experience is typically one that is recalled fondly by campers for many years…making new friends, learning new skills through classes, relating to a caring adult, and feeling emotionally and physically safe in the camp environment…a lasting, positive impression, indeed. For other campers, the experience is not so fondly recalled. Unfortunately, ritualistic hazing is all too common in camp settings. Some call it tradition, others a harmless prank. But to the victim, hazing can leave emotional scars for many years.
Although hazing has been a part of camping programs for decades, a newer phenomenon has occurred in camp settings within the past few years…huffing. In fact, huffing was identified as an issue in at least seven West Virginia camp programs in 2005, yet most staff members do not know that huffing is a potentially lethal and widely available alternate to a drug induced “high.' Finally, everyone that has been to camp with youths and with volunteer and/or young staff members knows that there are at least 101 other hazards just waiting to pop up and, of course, at the worst possible time. So, rather than wait, this session will help identity risks and preventive strategies.

Reining the Clover in 4-H Horse Camps

Merriam Leatherman, WVU Extension Agent; Jean Woloshuk, WVU Extension Specialist

This workshop will target life and project skills development, risk management, and character education as it relates to 4-H horse camps. Using the Essential Elements approach volunteers and professionals can create a safe and developmentally appropriate learning environment for the increasing number of youth in equine programs.

Healthy Camp Challenge , A Fun, Flexible, Interactive Camp Curriculum

Lauren S. Weatherford, WVU Extension Specialist

This workshop designed for camp directors will introduce the fun, flexible and interactive Health Camp Challenge curriculum developed by WVU Extension Service Family Nutrition Program. This research-based curriculum consists of 8 interactive lessons each with a health message and interactive games and activities. This curriculum was designed with fun and flexibility in mind. It creates an attractive environment for kids to learn about health topics and participate in non-competitive physical activities. The flexibility of its design provides a wide array of opportunities for camp planners to implement. Lessons can be taught in either large or small groups and it possesses the ability to do a lesson in a single time period or break it up into smaller components. An evaluation tool is also included. This curriculum is currently being used by our FNP summer programs and is available for use to anyone. Please join us for a review of this exciting curriculum.

I Know the Risk -- Building on Your Campers' Safety

Jane Jopling, WVU Extension Agent

Here's a risk management session you won't come away from scared! Look at residential and day camp programs and build on your present risk management strengths and ideas. Gain some easy and fun ways to protect yourself, your camp and the campers we love.

Making Community Service Part of Your Camping Program

Janice Heavner, WVU Extension Agent; Jeff Orndorff, WVU Extension Specialist

Youth are unaware of the importance of community service to their individual communities, the state and the nation. During this past summer camping season, both of us added community service projects to our individual camps and it was a large success. We want to share our experience with other camp directors and Extension Educators so they are able to increase the awareness of community service in their camping program.

Question: How Can We Get Those Darn Kids to Behave?

Answer: Use Strategies from the Positive Behavior Support Program

Donna Patton, WVU Extension Specialist; Kerri McCormick, WVU Kanawha County Extension Agent

Positive Behavior Support is a comprehensive and inclusive approach that positively and proactively focuses on developing effective behavior supports and preventing problems before they occur by changing environments, teaching new skills, and improving the quality of life.