Summer Camp Bead Program

When I was a camper back in the 80s I was awarded a few beads. I was given a piece of leather cord to tie them on my backpack. I think I got one for picking up trash, one for hitting the archery target (not the bullseye, just the target), and one or two for good group behavior or teamwork. That always stuck with me. 

Big shoutout to Peter Vigeant and Bryan Vitale. Their 2010 workshop at the ACA National Conference, “Beads and Nachos: Inspiring Great Staffers and Great Campers,” totally reignited this whole thing for me. I decided then to try a bead program at the day camp I was directing at the time. After that first summer, the program went through some iterations. It grew, was trimmed down, tweaked, and flipped all around, becoming what you see below. 

Starting the Bead Reward and Recognition program was honestly one of the coolest things I’ve ever brought into camp. Sure, there are simpler and cheaper ways to give kudos, but when I was experimenting with different programs as a day camp director, the bead system just clicked in a way the others didn’t. 

A Word of Warning

For a camp-wide thing like this to work, it’s all about the team effort. Leaders need keep their eye on the ball, and the staff need to be all in, which can be a bit of a hustle. There are times when my crew might skip handing out beads or grumble about the extra steps. Whenever that happens, I just ask them straight up, “Wanna drop it?” And they always say, “Nope.”

If you are not willing to go all in or don’t have complete staff buy-in, skip this program and do something easier like giving out buttons, high fives, or raffle tickets. But if you’re willing to put in the work and experience the power of a well run bead program, buckle in and keep reading.

What is a Bead Reward and Recognition Program?

It’s this super fun way we say ‘awesome job’ to kids (and even the grown-ups) at summer camp. It’s perfect for sleepaway and day camps, but not the best fit for after-school stuff.

Here’s how it goes: each camper gets this cool cotton cord necklace with a name tag (I’m all about those wood cookies). As they go about their camp days being their amazing selves or rocking a camp activity, they score beads. These beads aren’t just any ol’ beads – they’re like little trophies that they get to wear. Campers totally dig earning these shiny bragging rights.

Now, every camper receives at least one bead ‘set’ daily. Why a set? Because when they get a bead, they snag a twin for the other side too – gotta keep that necklace looking neat and balanced, am I right? There’s a whole variety of beads they can collect, and trust me, it’s like Pokémon – they’re gonna want ’em all. 

The Rating System

There’s this neat bead rating system too. It’s like a bonus level for the fun of it, and totally up to you if you wanna use it.

Each bead gets a cool label based on how often they’re handed out. So, let’s say you’re dishing out tons of Positive Attitude beads, those would be in the “Common” category. But if those Humor beads are like a rare Pokémon card and you hand them out less, boom, they’re in the “Epic” category.

I’ve got four tiers for these shiny rewards:

• Common: for the beads that are everywhere.
• Rare: for the ones that are a bit harder to find.
• Epic (also known as Ultra Rare): for the beads that make you go, ‘Whoa, nice!’
• Legendary (or Super Ultra-Rare): for the beads that are like spotting a unicorn!

What About Staff?

Staff also have bead necklaces and are eligible to receive many of the beads available for campers, as well as beads that are on the staff-only list. Staff beads are only given by the director, but other staff, and even campers, can nominate any staff person for a bead. I find that the staff are just as proud of their bead necklaces as the campers are, maybe even more so.

Why Roll with a Bead Program?

Let me count the ways:

• It’s like a little piece of camp they can take home, hang up, and remember all the fun times, all year round.
• It’s a great way to encourage all those good vibes and behaviors we love seeing in campers… and yes, the staff too!
• It’s super inclusive, so every camper gets to shine, not just the brainy, sporty, or chatty ones.
• It really amps up that camp spirit and sense of belonging.
• It’s a team-builder’s dream, with staff cheering each other on by suggesting who gets which bead.
• It’s like a magnet for campers, they just gotta come back for more fun and more beads. Great for retention.
• Parents get to see tangible proof of their kiddo’s successes at camp.
• And, it nudges campers to branch out and try new things.

It’s Gonna Take Some Effort

I just have to say it again — kicking off a bead program is a pretty big deal and it takes some elbow grease to make it work. I’ve chatted with a bunch of program directors who gave it a go but ended up with a flop. Turns out, there are two biggies why it didn’t work out:

1. All Hands on Deck: You gotta have everyone on board, and I mean everyone. This isn’t something you spring on the team mid-season. It’s staff training 101. Stick around for the Staff Onboarding chapter for more info.
2. Keeping Score: The big cheese, the program director, or whoever’s the captain of the ship needs to stay on top of things. They should collect the “bead sheets” that track who’s earned what each day. This one move? It’s like a magic wand for keeping everyone on their toes.

If you’re nodding along thinking, “Yes, I’m all in for this bead biz,” then awesome! Let’s roll up our sleeves and check out the toolkit you’ll need to bring this to life.

Supplies

Let’s talk supplies for those bead necklaces!

Necklaces

You’re gonna need some sturdy cord. I go with 1mm waxed cotton cord because it works perfectly. You can snag a spool from places like Fire Mountain Gems. They’ve got it in black and tan, but I’m partial to the black—it’s got that classic look, and at around $10 for a 100-meter spool, you’re only spending about 7 cents per necklace.

So, why cotton cord? I’ve heard tales of other camp maestros using leather, yarn, twine, and even dog tag chains, but here’s the scoop: cotton cord is king. Leather’s fancy but pricey and can be a bit harsh on the skin. Yarn and twine? They can’t take the heat; they fray like crazy. Dog tag chains? They pop open more than a jack-in-the-box.

Now, why necklaces instead of bracelets or keychains? Simple. Necklaces are like billboards around the camp—everyone sees them, they’re a conversation starter, and they can carry a whole bunch of beads. Bracelets are cool and all, but they’re like a studio apartment—only so much room. And they tend to wander off your wrist. Keychains are out of the game because if they’re not in sight, they’re out of mind.

Concerned about safety? For most camp fun, necklaces are A-OK. But yeah, for water shenanigans or high-flying rope courses, best to leave them off. And if there’s a bit too much swish and sway during sports, just tuck those necklaces into shirts to keep things neat and safe.

Wood Cookie Nametags

Next up on our camp crafting list: wood cookie nametags! These bad boys are not just for charm; they’ve got campers’ and staff names on them, so no more “Hey, you!” moments. I have the arts and crafts leader write the names with s Sharpie. Plus, wood cookies (slices) are the perfect natural divider for your bead necklace. Sure, plastic nametags could work, but come on, nothing screams ‘camp’ like a slice of tree.

Back in the day, when I was nestled in a forested sleepaway camp, I’d forage for branches to slice and drill. But when I shifted to day camps, where trees were like gold dust, I turned to the crafty wizards on Etsy for my wood cookie supply.

Here’s a pro tip: Ask Etsy sellers for a bulk discount and ask ’em to pre-drill the holes. Shopping on Etsy gave me cookies that were like peas in a pod size-wise. Aim for the 3”-3.5” ones, because trust me, trying to fit ‘Zachariah’ or ‘Genevieve’ on a tiny cookie is like squeezing into your jeans post-Thanksgiving dinner.

These larger, sanded, and hole-ready cookies will set you back about $1-$1.50 each after you factor in the shipping. If you’re a DIY lumberjack, then hey, you just saved yourself some moolah!

Beads

Alrighty, bead talk! Every day, each camper gets a twin set of beads to keep their necklace symmetrical — one for each side. So if Susie scores a Cleanliness bead, she’ll get a matching pair, one for the left, one for the right. Why double the fun? Because:

• Pony beads are super affordable, we’re talking less than a penny each when you buy in bulk.
• It balances out the necklace, so it looks good from any angle.
• The more beads they have, the more the campers beam with pride over their growing collection.

For the best deal on pony beads, a little birdie told me that PonyBeadStore.com is the place to be.

Now, for that extra pizzazz, I get fuzzy pony beads, sports beads, and wooden beads. Amazon is my go-to. Just remember: size matters. Make sure those holes are big enough for your cord, ideally over 2mm — pony beads usually have a cozy 2.5mm.

Budget-wise, don’t sweat it. Most campers won’t hoard more than 8 sets of beads in a week. Mix it up with pony, fuzzy, and wooden beads, and you’re looking at no more than 25 cents per camper. Talk about a steal!

Bead Boxes

Bead boxes are a total game-changer for keeping things organized. My go-to setup? One set of bead boxes for every four counselors. This way, they can team up and distribute the beads to their groups each morning — it’s like a little bead party.

Now, the special staff beads? Those get VIP treatment in a box tucked away in the office.

As for the storage, there’s a smorgasbord of bead and craft organizers out there. I also use an inexpensive plastic toolbox for stashing the cord, scissors, and those spare wood cookie nametags. It’s all about making it easy to grab what you need and keep the bead magic flowing!

Preparation

Prepping for a bead program is like planning an epic road trip — you need a map, snacks, tunes, and a cool destination. Here’s your roadmap:

1. Map Your Rewards: Use the bead list down below to pick out the achievements and qualities you want to cheer for, both for campers and staff.
2. Shopping Spree: Get your beads, wood cookies, cord, and those nifty bead organizers. 
3. Bead Billboard: Whip up some poster boards listing all the beads up for grabs and scatter them around camp like treasure maps.
4. Parent Memo: Craft a note for the parents that breaks down the bead bonanza. It’s like a cheat sheet they’ll get at the end of camp, so they can decode their kid’s necklace. Because the kids won’t remember.
5. Bead Sorting: When your bead bounty arrives, sort them into the boxes and slap labels on each spot. A label maker is your best buddy here.
6. Staff Swag: Set aside a special bead box for staff-only awards. Remember, staff can earn camper beads too, but some honors are just for the big kids.
7. Show and Tell: Roll out the red carpet for your bead program during staff training. And hey, grab 5 extra types of beads, because your crew might just have some genius ideas for new awards.
8. Deck Out Your Team: Give each staff member their own cord, wood cookie, and a starter bead. Make pre-camp staff training a mini bead fest and let them start their collection early.

Staff Onboarding

Staff onboarding is the secret sauce to the bead program’s success. Without the staff buying in, it’s like a guitar without strings — it just won’t play. The best time to get the team jazzed about the bead program is during pre-summer staff training.

Set aside some special time during training for a bead program workshop.

Introduction

“We’re rolling out something new this summer — a reward and recognition program that involves everyone, including you! It’s called The Bead Program. Campers (and you!) will receive specific beads each day, based on behavior and achievements. For instance, if a camper is a super sharer, they get the ‘sharing’ bead. Bullseye at archery? They earn the Top Shot bead. And they get a bead for each side of their necklace.

Everyone gets a cord necklace with a wood cookie nametag to wear daily. It’s a badge of their achievements and a handy way to remember names.

Counselors will ensure their campers receive at least one set of beads daily, tracked on a bead sheet that’s handed to the program director every day.”

The Why

• It’s a souvenir from camp that hangs around all year.
• It promotes positive behavior.
• It’s inclusive, celebrating every type of camper.
• It uplifts the camp culture.
• It boosts retention, as campers want to come back for more beads.
• It shows parents the wins of their child.
• It motivates campers to dive into new activities.

The Beads

Discuss the specific beads and the reasons for awarding them. Jot down any staff suggestions for new beads.

Tracking the Beads

• Explain the tracking sheet and its importance.
• Bead sheets are distributed each morning.
• Completed sheets are collected at day’s end.
• Counselors get a distribution list the next morning.

Handing Out Beads

Inform staff of the time allocated for bead distribution, and ensure they explain the significance of each bead as they award them.

Tying Knots

Teach the staff the art of the slipknot — secure for the day but easy to untie for adding new beads. Practice makes perfect. There are videos on YouTube that show ways to tie breakaway knots, but they are a bit complicated. I use a simple slipknot so that all my staff can easily learn to do it. Here is a quick video I made to show you how.

Collecting Necklaces (Day Camps)

Collect necklaces at the end of each day to avoid the “I forgot it at home” dilemma. Give each counselor a box for safekeeping — hanging them invites tangles.

Returning Necklaces

At day camps, return the necklaces during morning check-in.

Staff Necklaces

After the workshop, let staff personalize their tree cookies, ensuring their names are clear and visible. Those little buggers like to flip around all the time, so have staff write their names on both sides.

Since I have my staff come up with camp names and we have a whole camp name ceremony, I don’t give them their necklace until after the ceremony. My arts and crafts leader uses a Sharpie to write all their names on the tree cookies. This ensures that they are legible.

Side note: I wouldn’t suggest encouraging staff or campers to “decorate” their name tags. This often leads to name tags that are hard to read.

Staff Beads

Explain the exclusive staff beads and the nomination process for these beads, including that staff can also earn camper beads.

Wrap up by gifting each staff member their “staff bead,” signaling their role at camp. These can be special beads picked up from a local craft store to stand out.

Running the Bead Program

Alrighty, you’ve got your gear and the team’s pumped — it’s showtime for the bead program! Let’s break down how it’s gonna go down:

Day One Magic

Kick off with a bang during your welcome chat with the campers. You’ll cover the basics and introduce the bead program — they’ll get their bead necklaces later that day.

Tracking Sheets

Every staff member (not just the counselors) gets a tracking sheet. They jot down camper names and the bead-worthy deeds of the day. It’s like a scorecard for awesomeness. Want a copy of my simple tracking sheet in a Word doc? Click Here

Necklace Prep Crew

Recruit a dream team (think artsy types, CITs, or any willing hands) to prep the necklaces. Just cut the cord to a one-size-fits-most length, and you can always snip it shorter for the little ones later.

Name Game

Scribe camper names on both sides of the wood cookies — neat handwriting for the win! Group the cookies by camp to streamline handouts.

Bead-azzling

Thread that cord, pop on a starter set of beads or team colors, and voilà, necklaces are ready to make their debut.

Distribution Dance

Hand the camper necklaces to counselors for the big reveal to campers.

End-of-Day Roundup (for day camps)

Counselors will gather up the necklaces in their own box to prevent the dreaded Tangle Monster from visiting overnight. Yep, if you try to put ALL the campers’ necklaces into one large bin, you’re going to hate the next morning as you try to untangle them all. Got individual pegs or cubbies for each little one? Even better. 

Daily Dose

The bead boss (program director, unit leader, or specific bead program supervisor) hands out fresh tracking sheets each morning. Counselors write the names of their campers on the sheet. All other staff will only write the names of the campers they are awarding beads to.

Counselors dish out a new set of beads to each camper daily, making sure it’s not a repeat — variety is the spice of camp life! For example, if Susie already has a “Camp Spirit” set, it is the counselor’s responsibility to award her a different bead set. Sure, Susie may have camp spirit every day, but I have found that campers don’t want the same beads they already have.

At the end of the day, the bead boss will collect all the tracking sheets and begin filling out distribution sheets.

Distribution Sheets

These are yesterday’s tracking sheets with today’s beads. The bead boss adds any extra beads earned from non-counselor staff, making sure every camper’s bead bounty is ready for the next day.

For example, Johnny the counselor turns in his tracking sheet for the day. On the sheet, it has all his campers’ names and the bead sets he wants them to get the next day (Oh boy! Alex got the friendship bead!). The bead boss then goes over the tracking sheets of all the staff, and he/she adds bead sets that campers earned from staff other than their counselor (Delilah got the Sportsmanship bead. Nice!). The next morning, the program director returns the previous day’s tracking sheet (now a distribution sheet) to the counselor who then uses the sheet to distribute beads to the campers.

Activity Beads

Speaking of non-counselor staff like activity leaders and leadership staff. Hold off on handing out beads on the spot to avoid any hard feelings. Give them out the next day so everyone can share in the excitement.

Final Farewell

No tracking sheets on the last day. Any last-minute beads get dished out pronto.

As campers head out, they take their necklaces and a cheat sheet of bead meanings, so they can brag about their bling to friends and family (hi, mom!) and remember the good times!

FAQs

Got bead questions? You’re not alone! Here are some answers to the bead-related queries that pop up a lot:

What’s bead-worthy?

This totally depends on what’s cookin’ at your camp. If you have horses, maybe there’s a Horsemanship bead. I started with 30 types, and thanks to staff ideas, it’s only gotten bigger and better.

You can give out beads based on behavior. The Positive Attitude bead, the Camp Spirit bead, the Sharing bead, the Respect bead, and the Good Sportsmanship bead are just a few examples.

You can give out beads based on accomplishment. Some examples include the Creativity bead, the Bell Ringer bead (bell at the top of rock wall), the Treasure Hunter bead, and the Fishing bead.

You could also give out beads based on competition. For example, the Blue Team bead, the Red Team bead, the Winning Team bead, the Top Shot bead, etc.

Finally, there are other beads you might give out like the Birthday bead, the Braveheart bead (courage), the Strength of Character bead, etc.

Upset campers over beads?

Sure, it can happen. That’s why everyone gets a bead at the same time each day – it’s like bead-o’clock.

Why not hand out beads on the fly?

Instant bead awards could stir up some drama. If Susie gets a bead on the spot, others might feel left out. Better to jot it down and hand it out with the rest the next day – keeps the peace.

Fancy beads – yay or nay?

Tempting, right? But lots of those fancy beads won’t fit on your cord. Stick with pony beads – they’re classics for a reason. Campers dig them, especially when they’ve earned it. If you’re set on snazzy beads for those Epic or Legendary moments, skip buying them online. Go to a crafts store and test them in-store to make sure they fit your necklace theme.

Variety’s cool and all, but in the end, it’s more about the collection than the bling factor. If you do want to splash out for those super special beads, keep it rare. I have some special Director beads that I only give out once or twice a summer.

Camper Bead List

Here’s the scoop on camper beads: think of them like collectible cards. They come in four levels of rarity — Common, Rare, Epic, and Legendary. Common ones are your everyday high-fives, handed out frequently. But those Legendary beads? They’re like comets — you’ll hardly ever see them, making them super special when you do.

* The beads can be earned by a staff member as well.

Common Beads 

Here’s a list of camper beads you might hand out, and remember, you can always add or subtract to this list based on your camp’s vibe: The asterisk * is for beads that can be earned by staff as well.

• ATHLETICISM*: For those sporty moments where a camper shines in physical activities.
• CAMP SPIRIT*: This one’s for the camper who bleeds your camp’s colors and embodies its spirit.
• CAMPER BEAD: It’s the starter bead, kind of like the ‘Welcome to Camp’ badge.
• CHEERFULNESS*: For the camper who’s a ray of sunshine, always sporting a smile.
• CLEANLINESS*: Shout out to the ones who keep their space spick and span without a nudge.
• COOPERATION: For the team player who’s all about that ‘together is better’ life.
• CREATIVITY*: For the imaginative souls finding a canvas in everything.
• FRIENDSHIP: For those who weave the social fabric of camp, making and strengthening bonds.
• HELPER: The unsung heroes who are always lending a hand.
• PATIENCE*: For those who stay chill, even when the ‘What’s next?’ excitement builds up.
• POSITIVE ATTITUDE*: For campers who find the silver lining, even when clouds are out.
• RESPECT*: For those who treat others, gear, and Mother Nature with due reverence.
• RETURN CAMPER 2 YEARS: Celebrating loyalty, this one’s for campers coming back for another round.
• TEAM BEAD*: If your camp’s all about the team life, these beads are like team jerseys.
• TEAMWORK*: For the campers who could teach the Avengers a thing or two about collaboration.
• WINNER*: For that victory lap — whether it’s a team triumph or a personal best.

Rare Beads

And here’s more of the rare bead brigade for your campers:

• DANCER*: For the ones with the moves or the first to hit the dance floor.
• INTELLIGENCE*: For the campers who bring their brain game, be it through trivia mastery or slick strategy.
• LEADERSHIP*: For those stepping up and steering the ship with their leadership chops.
• OVERNIGHT*: If you’re a day camp that offers an overnight experience this is for the brave souls who attend.
• POLITENESS: For the ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ champs, making manners cool again.
• SINGER*: For the voices that belt out camp anthems or wow with vocal talent.
• RESPONSIBILITY: For the reliable campers who take charge and own their actions.
• RETURN CAMPER 3 YEARS: For the seasoned campers marking their third year.
• RETURN CAMPER (SAME SUMMER): For campers doubling down on fun in the same summer.
• SHARING: For those generous hearts always ready to split their cookie.
• SPORTSMANSHIP: For the fair players who keep it cool, even when the game heats up.
• STAR PERFORMER*: For the spotlight-stealers shining in skits or talent shows.

Epic Beads

Here’s a lineup of epic beads that are sure to be the talk of the camp. These beads aren’t just rewards; they’re stories, memories, and the stuff of camp legends!

• RETURN CAMPER (3+ SAME SUMMER): For the die-hards coming back for thirds in the same summer – talk about camp loyalty!
• RETURN CAMPERS 4+ YEARS: Celebrating those who’ve made camp their summer home for four years or more.
• INITIATIVE: For campers who jump into action and do something awesome all on their own.
• ORIGINAL: For the campers who dance to the beat of their own drum and really stand out.
• HUMOR*: For the kids who could double as stand-up comics, keeping everyone in stitches.
• NATURE BUFF: For the nature-loving campers, recognized by the one who knows the outdoors best – the nature activity leader.
• FISHING: For the anglers who manage to reel in a catch.
• BEE STING*: For the brave souls who took a sting but kept on buzzing through camp activities.
• GAME MASTER: For the strategists and competitors who dominate in camp games.
• CRAFT SUPERSTAR: For the campers who turn pipe cleaners and glitter into masterpieces.
• TOP SHOT: For those who’ve got an eye like an eagle and hit the bullseye.
• TREASURE HUNTER: For the adventurers who always seem to find the hidden treasures first.
• SCAVENGER: For the speedy seekers who ace scavenger hunts.
• HIKE MASTER: For the trailblazers who hike with gusto and never grumble about the climb.
• HAPPY CAMPER: For the camper who radiates joy like sunshine over the camp.
• BUS SUPERSTAR: For those helpful campers on bus trips who make every journey better.
• BEST DRESSED FOR THEME*: For the fashion icons who really embrace the camp’s theme days with style.
• BIRTHDAY BEAD*: Well, you know what this one’s for.
• BRAVEHEART BEAD: Sometimes the fear monster takes hold of a camper (I’m looking at you, Leap of Faith), and the camper has to try hard to summon up the courage to move forward.

Legendary Beads

And for those exceptional moments that deserve the highest honor, we have the Legendary beads. These are the camp equivalent of a hall of fame induction – rare, revered, and remembered.

• CAMP MOJO*: This one’s for the camper who embodies the spirit of camp so fully, you can already picture them running the show in the future.
• MAKING A DIFFERENCE*: Reserved for a camper who goes above and beyond, touching another’s life in a meaningful way that echoes beyond the campfire.
• DIRECTOR’S BEAD: The ultimate accolade, bestowed at the discretion of the camp director for those standout moments that define the camp experience.

Remember, these are just starting points — feel free to tweak and tailor the list to make it your camp’s own special brand of awesome!

Other Beads

Every camp has its own unique flavor, and sometimes that means getting creative with your bead awards. You may want to have beads for other things that are specific to your camp.

For instance, at a camp I once directed, which was situated on a seagull-frequented island, a quirky tradition was born. Whenever a camper or staff member had the misfortune (or fortune, depending on how you look at it) of being targeted by a seagull’s “aerial surprise” (if you know what I mean), it became an opportunity for a special kind of honor – the Seagull Bomber bead. In one memorable moment, a young camper, freshly ‘bombed’ by a seagull was in tears. While trying to console him the counselor said, “Hey, you are so lucky. You get the Seagull Bomber bead.” The camper paused his crying and asked, “Is it a legendary bead?” At that moment, it instantly became one of the beads a camper or staff member could “earn”.

Staff Only Beads

Staff members at camp also get their very own set of beads, reflecting the unique roles they play and the extraordinary contributions they make. Here’s a list tailored just for the fantastic folks who keep camp running:

• ARTS MASTER: For the creative geniuses leading arts and crafts, theater, dance, and music.
• BEAST MASTER: For those with a knack for animal care, from horses to bunnies.
• BUS MASTER: For the captains of the camp commute.
• CAMPFIRE MASTER: For the storytellers and songleaders who make the campfire glow.
• CHAMELEON: For the adaptable staff who can thrive in any camp scenario.
• CLOCK WATCHER: For the punctuality pros who are never late.
• FAMILY CAMP TROOPER: For those who make family camp sessions a hit.
• FITNESS MASTER: For the leaders of fitness and wellness activities.
• GOLDEN LENS: For the photographers capturing those golden moments.
• HORSE WHISPERER: For the equestrians who connect with our four-legged friends.
• HUNT MASTER: For the treasure hunt gurus crafting epic adventures.
• MASTER OF DISGUISE: For staff who go all-out on theme days with epic costumes.
• MEDIC: For the certified first-aiders, lifeguards, and nurses ensuring everyone’s safety.
• OUTDOORS MASTER: For the wilderness enthusiasts leading nature activities.
• RETURN STAFF: For the veterans who keep coming back for more camp magic.
• ROPES AND TEAMBUILDING MASTER: For those who challenge and unite us on the ropes course.
• SPECIAL EVENTS MASTER: For the planners behind each memorable camp event.
• SPORTS AND GAMES MASTER: For the dynamic leaders of all things sporty and playful.
• SONG MASTER: For the spirited souls always ready with a camp song.
• STAFF MEMBER: The welcome bead for each new staff member.
• S.T.E.M. MASTER: For the brainy bunch leading science and tech activities.
• STORYTELLER: For the ones who captivate us with tales and legends.
• TARGET MASTER: For the sharpshooters guiding archery and other target sports.
• TEEN MENTOR: For those guiding the older campers through their journeys.
• THEME MASTER: For the imaginative minds that turn theme weeks into unforgettable experiences.
• WATER WARRIOR: For the aqua aficionados who lead us in all things wet and wild.
• WINTER WARRIORS: For the hearty souls who keep the camp spirit alive, even in the snow.

Each bead is a token of appreciation for the dedication and passion staff bring to camp, creating a summer full of fun and learning for everyone!