Blessed are the cake buyers -- but will they get promoted?
I’ll admit that this article (and ones related to it, like this one, and this one) hit hard. Though I work remotely now, I have never worked in an office setting where it wasn’t a woman who shouldered the responsibility of the celebrations that are a crucial part of company culture. What traditions exist at your organization? Who keeps them going? Who adds birthdays to the office calendar, and circulates the card? Who knows the favorite dessert to request from the kitchen team for a celebration?
So much of the desire for this return to a shared physical workspace focuses on the culture of an office, from holiday parties to familiar faces at the front desk to the ability to simply pop our heads into others’ offices for quick questions…
The assumed and unsaid expectations run deep: even if you’re not initially asked to buy the card or the cake or the decorations, once you do it, it morphs into your role, your responsibility. And the research shows that this may come with career consequences.
I’ll admit that this article (and ones related to it, like this one, and this one) hit hard. Though I work remotely now, I have never worked in an office setting where it wasn’t a woman who shouldered the responsibility of the celebrations that are a crucial part of company culture. What traditions exist at your organization? Who keeps them going? Who adds birthdays to the office calendar, and circulates the card? Who knows the favorite dessert to request from the kitchen team for a celebration?
So much of the desire for this return to a shared physical workspace focuses on the culture of an office, from holiday parties to familiar faces at the front desk to the ability to simply pop our heads into others’ offices for quick questions…
The assumed and unsaid expectations run deep: even if you’re not initially asked to buy the card or the cake or the decorations, once you do it, it morphs into your role, your responsibility. And the research shows that this may come with career consequences.
10 Tips for Creating Stunning Portraits
The Noun Project is one of my favorite resources for marketing imagery. You can download icons representing almost anything, specific to whatever color you need, and there’s flair to spare. They also host a creativity sparking blog, including this new article to inspire your next summer camp brochure.
The Noun Project is one of my favorite resources for marketing imagery. You can download icons representing almost anything, specific to whatever color you need, and there’s flair to spare. They also host a creativity sparking blog, including this new article to inspire your next summer camp brochure.
Camp in the national media
Good Morning America ran this story in June about what campers and counselors are doing to stay safe at summer camp. Watch it here. How do stories like this impact and influence your parents, campers, staff, and program?
Good Morning America ran this story in June about what campers and counselors are doing to stay safe at summer camp. Watch it here. How do stories like this impact and influence your parents, campers, staff, and program?
Understanding Trauma: What's up with "that" kid?
There is a challenging child in every group. As Christian educators we learn about Autism, Asperger’s, learning disabilities, and physical disabilities. We do everything in our power to meet children where they are and welcome them into our midst. We know Christ calls us to do so.
But what about the kid that doesn’t fit any diagnosis you’ve heard of?
…
That’s my kid, and his issue is early childhood trauma.
There is a challenging child in every group. As Christian educators we learn about Autism, Asperger’s, learning disabilities, and physical disabilities. We do everything in our power to meet children where they are and welcome them into our midst. We know Christ calls us to do so.
But what about the kid that doesn’t fit any diagnosis you’ve heard of?
…
That’s my kid, and his issue is early childhood trauma.
Centering BIPOC Voices: Preparing Camp for Summer 2021
On Monday, May 10th, from 1-3 pm ET OAAARS, and The Summer Camp Society will be hosting a panel of BIPOC camp leaders and youth workers who will have a conversation on what camp would look like if we centered BIPOC folks and the DEI work necessary to do so. This would be a great staff training tool to use for your upcoming orientations and staff training! If you want to learn more, please register here and we really hope to see you all there!
On Monday, May 10th, from 1-3 pm ET OAAARS, and The Summer Camp Society will be hosting a panel of BIPOC camp leaders and youth workers who will have a conversation on what camp would look like if we centered BIPOC folks and the DEI work necessary to do so. This would be a great staff training tool to use for your upcoming orientations and staff training! If you want to learn more, please register here and we really hope to see you all there!
Updated CDC Guidance for Operating Youth and Summer Camps During COVID-19
On April 24, the CDC released updated guidance for operating youth and summer camps during COVID-19. The updated guidelines can be found here and include:
Updated background for what is known about COVID-19 and transmission among children and in summer camp settings
Added vaccination information
Updated guidance on physical distancing
Updated guidance on camp activities, including sports and athletic activities
Updated considerations for screening testing and contact tracing
Updated guidance on cleaning and disinfection
Removed guidance on physical barriers
Updated guidance on developing emergency operations plans
Updated guidance on ventilation and water systems
Updated guidance for communal spaces, food service, playgrounds and play space
Updated guidance for overnight camps
On April 24, the CDC released updated guidance for operating youth and summer camps during COVID-19. The updated guidelines can be found here and include:
Updated background for what is known about COVID-19 and transmission among children and in summer camp settings
Added vaccination information
Updated guidance on physical distancing
Updated guidance on camp activities, including sports and athletic activities
Updated considerations for screening testing and contact tracing
Updated guidance on cleaning and disinfection
Removed guidance on physical barriers
Updated guidance on developing emergency operations plans
Updated guidance on ventilation and water systems
Updated guidance for communal spaces, food service, playgrounds and play space
Updated guidance for overnight camps
New CDC Guidance for Summer Camps is Coming Soon
New CDC guidance for summer camps is expected any day; this Tuesday at 1pm ET, the ACA is hosting a webinar where I imagine they will announce or preview said guidance. Sign up here.
New CDC guidance for summer camps is expected any day; this Tuesday at 1pm ET, the ACA is hosting a webinar where I imagine they will announce or preview said guidance. Sign up here.
Trauma-Informed Care Training
Saturday, April 17th, 9:00 am-12n PT noon PT
Join OR-ID Conference Camp & Retreat leaders for this timely and relevant training with Resilience and Trauma Educator Shauna Signorini. Participants will learn about trauma, understand the possible lasting impact of toxic stress, recognize "flight, fight, and freeze," and explore ways our camp and retreat ministries can offer support, adaptive skills, and brain healing. $25 Learn more and register.
Saturday, April 17th, 9:00 am-12n PT noon PT
Join OR-ID Conference Camp & Retreat leaders for this timely and relevant training with Resilience and Trauma Educator Shauna Signorini. Participants will learn about trauma, understand the possible lasting impact of toxic stress, recognize "flight, fight, and freeze," and explore ways our camp and retreat ministries can offer support, adaptive skills, and brain healing. $25 Learn more and register.
Build A Hands-Free Water Dispenser
Jack Kallio, the Maintenance Manager at Lake Lucerne Camp & Retreat Center (WI) figured out how to inexpensively customize regular water coolers into fancy hands-free water stations using hardware store parts. Then, because they are thoughtful and generous members of our UMCRM community, the Lake Lucerne team created a video, spec sheet, and instructions so that you, too, could build these for your sites.
Jack Kallio, the Maintenance Manager at Lake Lucerne Camp & Retreat Center (WI) figured out how to inexpensively customize regular water coolers into fancy hands-free water stations using hardware store parts. Then, because they are thoughtful and generous members of our UMCRM community, the Lake Lucerne team created a video, spec sheet, and instructions so that you, too, could build these for your sites.
American Academy of Pediatrics releases guidelines for safe Summer camps
To guide parents, camp directors, and pediatricians in creating safe camp environments, the American Academy of Pediatrics is issuing newly updated Guidance for Families and Pediatricians on Camp Attendance During the COVID-19 Pandemic to help protect the health of children, adolescents, staff, and communities.
New information has emerged to guide safety procedures in camp settings. Evidence has shown there is limited transmission of the virus among children and staff in controlled settings when safety protocols are followed, including wearing masks, practicing physical distancing, and the enhanced cleaning and disinfection of surfaces.
The greater availability of local testing and the longer planning period that camps have had to adjust their facilities and programming will also help more camps open safely in 2021. The updated guidance reflects this new knowledge and is intended for pediatricians and families as they make informed decisions on sending children to overnight/sleepaway or day camp during summer 2021.
To guide parents, camp directors, and pediatricians in creating safe camp environments, the American Academy of Pediatrics is issuing newly updated Guidance for Families and Pediatricians on Camp Attendance During the COVID-19 Pandemic to help protect the health of children, adolescents, staff, and communities.
New information has emerged to guide safety procedures in camp settings. Evidence has shown there is limited transmission of the virus among children and staff in controlled settings when safety protocols are followed, including wearing masks, practicing physical distancing, and the enhanced cleaning and disinfection of surfaces.
The greater availability of local testing and the longer planning period that camps have had to adjust their facilities and programming will also help more camps open safely in 2021. The updated guidance reflects this new knowledge and is intended for pediatricians and families as they make informed decisions on sending children to overnight/sleepaway or day camp during summer 2021.
Thirteen ideas to keep boards effective and cohesive in a remote environment
This article from the Stanford Social Innovation Review offers thirteen ways to build board effectiveness, virtually.
Succeeding in a virtual environment takes hard work and a willingness to experiment. But many of the board members we interviewed have been pleasantly surprised at the results, including better attendance at virtual meetings, more willingness among members to speak up, and deeper personal connections.
…
Pandemic-induced isolation and virtual technology have sparked some great ideas that give every board an opportunity to be more inclusive, more connected, and more productive than before. Boards that seize this opportunity will emerge from the pandemic stronger than ever.
This article from the Stanford Social Innovation Review offers thirteen ways to build board effectiveness, virtually.
Succeeding in a virtual environment takes hard work and a willingness to experiment. But many of the board members we interviewed have been pleasantly surprised at the results, including better attendance at virtual meetings, more willingness among members to speak up, and deeper personal connections.
…
Pandemic-induced isolation and virtual technology have sparked some great ideas that give every board an opportunity to be more inclusive, more connected, and more productive than before. Boards that seize this opportunity will emerge from the pandemic stronger than ever.
Thermometer Comparison & Analysis
As you stock your infirmary for a COVID summer, this is a good tool from the Association for Camp Nurses to help you choose the right thermometers.
As you stock your infirmary for a COVID summer, this is a good tool from the Association for Camp Nurses to help you choose the right thermometers.
Grant Opportunity: Direct Programming with Native Youth
Are you currently serving Native American youth in your community? Consider these grant opportunities.
Are you currently serving Native American youth in your community? Consider these grant opportunities.
New InsideOut Summer Camp Curriculum: Creation Speaks
Creation Speaks provides a full week’s worth of creative activities for all age groups, including:
Daily Bible study exploring what Creation can teach us about God
Recommended focus activities for each day
Multi-day projects, crafts, and other extras to make your job easier
Daily worship resources for children and youth
Resources for connecting the camp experience to home and church
Preview the daily themes and scriptures here.
InsideOut curriculums includes daily activities for faith formation and worship planning. Your curriculum purchase also includes:
Staff Devotions
Camper Devotions
Camp-to-Home worksheets
Table Tents with themed questions
Song and Story suggestions
Online Staff Training tools
Letter templates to keep in touch with campers through the year
Creation Speaks provides a full week’s worth of creative activities for all age groups, including:
Daily Bible study exploring what Creation can teach us about God
Recommended focus activities for each day
Multi-day projects, crafts, and other extras to make your job easier
Daily worship resources for children and youth
Resources for connecting the camp experience to home and church
Preview the daily themes and scriptures here.
InsideOut curriculums includes daily activities for faith formation and worship planning. Your curriculum purchase also includes:
Staff Devotions
Camper Devotions
Camp-to-Home worksheets
Table Tents with themed questions
Song and Story suggestions
Online Staff Training tools
Letter templates to keep in touch with campers through the year
Safe Camp Advocacy
This call will focus on sharing relevant research findings and educational resources to support coordinated engagement efforts, strategy, and best practices for operating safe camps in 2021. If you are currently advocating for camps in your state, please join ACA and your fellow camp professionals.
This call will focus on sharing relevant research findings and educational resources to support coordinated engagement efforts, strategy, and best practices for operating safe camps in 2021. If you are currently advocating for camps in your state, please join ACA and your fellow camp professionals.
Running a ropes course during COVID-19: Resources & grant opportunity
The Alliance Collaborative is offering resources for challenge courses and aerial adventure attractions to develop a COVID-19 operations plan that is specific to their course’s needs, and twenty grants for inspection services to US-based non-profit organizations that utilize challenge course/ropes course/zip line/climbing wall structures, and that have experienced economic difficulty as a result of COVID-19 shelter-in place regulations.
The Alliance Collaborative is offering resources for challenge courses and aerial adventure attractions to develop a COVID-19 operations plan that is specific to their course’s needs, and twenty grants for inspection services to US-based non-profit organizations that utilize challenge course/ropes course/zip line/climbing wall structures, and that have experienced economic difficulty as a result of COVID-19 shelter-in place regulations.
Demonstrating appreciation to employees
We’ve shared resources before around the 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace; similar to the 5 Love Languages, this is a tool for communicating with people in the ways that connect and are meaningful for them. This quick video talks about how to be effective with communicating appreciation to employees, in a world where 56% of senior managers think they are, and yet only 12% of employees feel appreciated.
We’ve shared resources before around the 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace; similar to the 5 Love Languages, this is a tool for communicating with people in the ways that connect and are meaningful for them. This quick video talks about how to be effective with communicating appreciation to employees, in a world where 56% of senior managers think they are, and yet only 12% of employees feel appreciated.
ACA Conversations about Staffing in 2021: Recruitment
The American Camp Association’s Not-for-Profit Council is offering a 3-part series on staffing, starting this week with Recruitment. We’ve heard, almost universally, about struggles to staff for summer 2021. Join this free conversation to get some new insight and tactics.
The American Camp Association’s Not-for-Profit Council is offering a 3-part series on staffing, starting this week with Recruitment. We’ve heard, almost universally, about struggles to staff for summer 2021. Join this free conversation to get some new insight and tactics.
Details on new relief bill, American Rescue Plan Act
Last week, the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (H.R. 1319) was signed into law. Some highlights of the American Rescue Plan Act for nonprofits, as summarized by the North Carolina Center for Nonprofits here, include:
Improvements to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan Programs. The American Rescue Plan Act allows many larger nonprofits to apply for PPP loans for the first time by extending eligibility to nonprofits with more than 500 employees that operate at multiple locations as long as no more than 500 employees work at any one location. It also allows performing arts nonprofits to apply for both the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) and the PPP with limits on the total amounts they can receive from the two programs.
Extension and Improvement of Federal Unemployment Coverage. The COVID relief package extends various federal benefits for unemployed workers – including coverage for self-employed workers and staff of religious and very small nonprofits and $300 per week supplemental federal payments – through September 6, 2021. These benefits had been scheduled to expire on March 14. Notably for nonprofits, the federal government will cover 75% of the unemployment costs of reimbursing nonprofits from April 1 through September 6; currently, the federal government is only covering 50% of these costs, and the state of North Carolina is covering the other 50%.
Tax Relief for Individuals and Employers. The American Rescue Plan Act provides $1,400 stimulus checks for most taxpayers. It also helps working families by increasing the child tax credit and earned income tax credit. The new law extends the tax credit for nonprofits and other employers that offer paid sick leave and paid family and medical leave through September 30, 2021 (it was set to expire on March 31).
Increased Federal Funding for Various Programs Important to the Work of Nonprofits. The American Rescue Plan Act provides additional funding for child care providers, the Corporation for National and Community Service, arts and humanities organizations, food assistance, housing and homelessness prevention, and nonprofits providing services to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.
$340 Billion in Additional Funding for State and Local Governments. This support could help ease financial pressures on cities and counties and provide additional support to state legislators to invest in nonprofits providing COVID relief.
Funding for COVID-19 Vaccines, Treatment, and Testing As Well As Other Public Health Programs. The added investment in these public health measures should significantly reduce the spread of COVID-19.
We expect a number of webinars digging into this new relief package to become available from non-profit, camp, and hospitality industry organizations in the coming weeks, and will share what we see and hear.
Here’s another detailed resource on the non-profit implications in the new act, from Candid for Non-Profits.
Last week, the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (H.R. 1319) was signed into law. Some highlights of the American Rescue Plan Act for nonprofits, as summarized by the North Carolina Center for Nonprofits here, include:
Improvements to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan Programs. The American Rescue Plan Act allows many larger nonprofits to apply for PPP loans for the first time by extending eligibility to nonprofits with more than 500 employees that operate at multiple locations as long as no more than 500 employees work at any one location. It also allows performing arts nonprofits to apply for both the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant (SVOG) and the PPP with limits on the total amounts they can receive from the two programs.
Extension and Improvement of Federal Unemployment Coverage. The COVID relief package extends various federal benefits for unemployed workers – including coverage for self-employed workers and staff of religious and very small nonprofits and $300 per week supplemental federal payments – through September 6, 2021. These benefits had been scheduled to expire on March 14. Notably for nonprofits, the federal government will cover 75% of the unemployment costs of reimbursing nonprofits from April 1 through September 6; currently, the federal government is only covering 50% of these costs, and the state of North Carolina is covering the other 50%.
Tax Relief for Individuals and Employers. The American Rescue Plan Act provides $1,400 stimulus checks for most taxpayers. It also helps working families by increasing the child tax credit and earned income tax credit. The new law extends the tax credit for nonprofits and other employers that offer paid sick leave and paid family and medical leave through September 30, 2021 (it was set to expire on March 31).
Increased Federal Funding for Various Programs Important to the Work of Nonprofits. The American Rescue Plan Act provides additional funding for child care providers, the Corporation for National and Community Service, arts and humanities organizations, food assistance, housing and homelessness prevention, and nonprofits providing services to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.
$340 Billion in Additional Funding for State and Local Governments. This support could help ease financial pressures on cities and counties and provide additional support to state legislators to invest in nonprofits providing COVID relief.
Funding for COVID-19 Vaccines, Treatment, and Testing As Well As Other Public Health Programs. The added investment in these public health measures should significantly reduce the spread of COVID-19.
We expect a number of webinars digging into this new relief package to become available from non-profit, camp, and hospitality industry organizations in the coming weeks, and will share what we see and hear.
Here’s another detailed resource on the non-profit implications in the new act, from Candid for Non-Profits.
Six Ways to Make 2021 the Year of the Volunteer
Volunteers can be valuable assets to any organization; a volunteer program can also be inefficient or time consuming. Here are six ways to make the most of your volunteers.
Volunteers can be valuable assets to any organization; a volunteer program can also be inefficient or time consuming. Here are six ways to make the most of your volunteers.