December 19th
Apple recommends anti-virus software for Macs
Apple is urging customers to invest in anti-virus software for their Mac computers. Although the company first suggested the idea in 2002, it was largely ignored until recently, according to a December 1 report by cnet.com. Experts say that an increasing number of viruses are attacking through applications and Internet browsers, regardless of the operating platform. A November 21 technical note on Apple’s website encouraged the use of multiple anti-virus programs on its computers to help thwart virus writers.

December 9th
The Salvation Army Presents: Christmas Spectacular ~The Spirit of Christmas~
Please come join us for a wonderful Christmas show on Sunday December 14, 2008 (this coming Sunday). There are two show times; 3pm and 6pm. We are hoping to have a full house for both of them! + Additional Resource: Cost: Free Event Location: Centennial Memorial Temple, 120 West 14th Street, New York, NY 10011. 

November 21st
Cyber fraud on the rise
Experts warn that cyber fraud may get worse as the economic crisis continues. Close to 844,000 PCs were infected by fake anti-virus software in September as opposed to only 300,000 in July, according to a November 3 report by USA Today. Security expert and LifeLock CEO Todd Davis says that an economic downturn in the holiday season is a prime time to prey on consumers who bank and shop online. The number of phishing attacks targeting bank customers is also on the rise this holiday season, and experts such as Davis predict it will only get worse. Take precautions to ensure your and your camp's online activities are safe.

Video games linked to aggression
Close to 90 percent of youth between the ages of 8 and 16 play video games 13 hours a week or more. A recent study at Iowa State University in Ames suggests that violent video games encourage aggressive behavior in youth. More than 1,500 Japanese and American students ages 9 to 18 participated in the study. Researchers found that children who played violent video games became more aggressive over three to six months than their peers who had limited exposure to these types of games. Some experts are concerned that the fictional scenarios will desensitize children to real violence and make them increasingly aggressive. Your camp offers a healthy and adventurous alternative to video-game playing. [Source: CNN.com, November 3]

Multi-tool gets a makeover
Multi-tools are quite handy around camp, but they are usually a bit heavy. Leatherman has a solution, offering customers the usefulness of a multi-tool without the weight. Called the Skeletool, it weighs just 5 ounces. Among other features, the tool comes with a built-in carabineer clip for securing it to a belt or backpack. The tool also boasts the trademark Leatherman pliers, along with a knife blade that can be accessed while the tool is folded closed. The Skeletool has a lightweight yet sturdy frame to ensure durability. Check it out online.

October 17th
Some Children Prone to Victimization
Bullying is a very real threat for some children—and some kids are more suseptible to harmful physical and emotional mistreatment from their peers than others. According to Quebec researchers who studied data on 1,970 children and their families, one in ten children are bullied at school. Because of certain factors, many are at risk of becoming chronic victims of the abuse. The researchers state that in some cases victimization becomes stable over time, meaning that some children are bullied into their adolescence. Factors that contribute to chronic victimization include harsh parenting, low socio-economic status, and physical aggression of the victim. Some consequences bullied children may suffer include low self-esteem, social withdrawal, and physical health problems. [Source: Time, October 14]
+ Additional Resource: The Bully Coach Guide to Spotting and Stopping Bullying By Dr. Joel Haber www.respectU.com

October 3rd
Great Read in the Park http://www.greatreadinthepark.com/
The New York Times has partnered with children’s libraries from the three public library systems of New York City – Brooklyn Public Library, The New York Public Library and Queens Library – to establish the list of Favorite New York City Stories.  Celebrities from film, TV, community and Broadway will read from the 20 books on the list live at the Great Children’s Read!  Please click here to see the full schedule.

Featured entertainment at the Target Children’s Stage this year will include performances by Justin Roberts & The Not Ready for Naptime Players, Mercer Mayer, Playhouse Disney’s “Johnny and the Sprites,” Jane O’Connor, Playhouse Disney’s “Choo-Choo Soul,” Jacky Davis & David Solomon, Peter Howe, Matthew Reinhart, Common, They Might Be Giants, Laurence Yep and Yo Gabba Gabba.  There also will be a performance and signing by American singer-songwriter and actress Lisa Loeb.  The Target Children’s Stage is part of Target’s national initiative, Ready. Sit. Read!, a program that fosters a love for reading at an early age.

Come rain or shine on Sunday, October 5th.  Hosted by Columbia University, Broadway & 116th Street.  Bring the whole family!

House of Representatives Approves NCLI Act
A Grassroots Victory for Environmental Education

No Child Left inside is pleased to report that environmental education won a major boost on Friday, September 19th when the U.S. House of Representatives approved the No Child Left Inside Act of 2008. To see details from the Coalition, visit their Progress page. 

For now, [we] enjoy a victory that will one day pay great dividends for our kids and our environment.  Continue to spread the word about No Child Left Inside!

September 26th
Thanks to ACA Visitors
Many, many thanks to the 1400+ ACA standards visitors who volunteered their valuable time to travel to camps to conduct pre-visits and on-site accreditation visits.  The ACA accreditation system relies on the willingness and expertise of its trained volunteers who complete 900+ on-site visits within a two-month period.  No other national accreditation program has such dedicated volunteers!
ACA members interested in getting involved as visitors should contact their ACA local office http://www.acacamps.org/about/offices.php for information on eligibility and training options.
In April 2008 Star Lake's own Baron Whitfield became an ACA Associate visitor, this past summer he made his first visit.
+ Additional Resource: Many Thanks! ACA 2008 Fall Standards Newsletter