were, although they might continue to be helpful as carnival games or creative group activities at some camps. When deciding which new themes to add, make sure you consider their shelf life. Try to imagine how long they will be popular. While this isn’t always possible, certain trends obviously have more potential to last than others. (Do you remember Beanie Babies, Furbies, and Pokémon? All of these were obviously going to burn out.) Also consider how long it will take for you to implement ideas and whether they will still be in vogue when your camp uses them. If you will need several summer seasons to implement a new change, it may be available too late. The popularity will have faded. Remember to ask others about trends and not to rely just on your own understanding of popular culture. Ask board members, staff members, summer staff, and potential campers for insights into whether the trend is just beginning and for an idea of how much staying power it will have. These people can probably give a good idea of what trends you can catch in time. If you are already coming in late, you probably won’t be in time. Make Your Mission First Priority Though all four of these questions will be helpful in the decision-making process, the first question should always be given the most weight. Always make your mission and goals the first priority when deciding which fads and trends are going to be added to your camp culture. Make absolutely certain you never allow a popular activity or new cultural idea to overshadow your purpose and vision, no matter how exciting and permeating these new ideas may be. Your camp stands for something powerful, and the only fads that should be given immediate space are those that further your vision. All others should be approached with suspicion. Photo on page 56 courtesy of Concordia Language Villages, Bemidji, Minnesota. Lanet Hane has served in a variety of ministry settings, including several years in summer camp ministry and higher education. She works fulltime at Green Lake Lutheran Ministries in Spicer, Minnesota, runs the Camp Whisperer Web site, and is working toward her master’s degree in organizational change leadership. A NEW CAMP TRADITION ROLLING YOUR WAY The act of spinning on a log in the water captures the imagination and attention of kids and adults alike. Key Log Rolling® makes it easy for you to bring authentic fun and purposeful play to your camp’s waterfront activities. We invite you and your campers to be a part of this historic sport for modern times. Contact us to learn how to introduce Key Log Rolling to your camp this year. Call us at 763-544-0047, email us at info@keylogrolling.com or visit www.KeyLogRolling.com. Also think about whether the trend will be able to bring in new clients, retreats, or guest groups. Even though many trends may not directly benefit your mission, if they are able to generate additional income, they still may have a place at your camp. Consider if you will be able to design themes or interesting activities around the trend. Could your camp gain numbers by adding extreme adventure options? Are there ways that your camp could plan weekend retreats focused around the themes of justice or reconciliation? 4. Will You Be Able to Maximize the Trend in Time? There is no point in wasting your valuable resources on a fad that is coming to an end. If your camp hasn’t already gotten on board with the paintball trend, you might not want to try it; that ship has sailed. Paintball may still be considered a fun activity, but it doesn’t have the kind of power to excite that it did ten years ago. Fear Factor and Minute to Win It are two other trends in youth programs that have lost some of their steam. Concepts from these shows are no longer the excitement-building activities they once ©2014 Key Log Rolling. Key Log Rolling is a registered trademark. CAMPING magazine • March/April 2014 59
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