Natalie Holland
Tim Horton’s Memorial Camp Site Visit
April 3, 2010
During the preparation for the Tim Horton’s Memorial Camp site visit I had the
opportunity to experience first hand the process that takes place prior to the arrival at the
site. This planning and research process before the site visit was a key component in the
success of our site visit. Once we arrived at the Tim Horton’s Memorial Camp facilities
and began the process of reviewing camp procedures I realized what an important role I
played in the site visitation team.
One of the first things I realized, from my evaluation of the camp site, was that
after all the policy and procedures that I read, observed and evaluated gave me the
confidence to be able to transfer that learning to other organizations I will be working
with in the future. In the Administration class we have been focusing on strategies to
enhance our abilities to manage and maintain effective programs by understanding
logistics and key concepts that are imperative to the success of a program. I was able to
connect the principles learned from the Administration class to the site visitation by
observing the process of operating a program on such a large scale. By seeing the way the
staff in the main office had a working knowledge of each entity of camp operations we
were able to accurately assess their strengths and areas needing improvement. I saw the
importance of budgeting, program planning, hiring, registration, scheduling,
management, and facilitation that we have studied in Administration class in a working
and functioning camp facility.
Another key aspect I gained from being part of the site visitation team was
actually seeing all of the five p’s of administration during the site visitation. I saw how
important it is to have personnel that know each others strengths and weaknesses. I saw
examples of this at Memorial Camp in the front office with staff knowing who could
address questions at hand. The appearance of the place where camps are located give the
first impressions to guests, so when facilities are maintained it reflects good management.
While observing the facilities at the Memorial Camp I made a mental note that this makes
a very lasting impression on guests. The staff were able to adjust their program on the
spur-of-the-moment when weather conditions changed to inhibit previously planned
programming. I learned that an organization must be able to change their plan of
programming and convey the proper techniques and skills staff need to implement the
program effectively. The fourth “p” of administration is policy, which we covered in
detail on the site visitation. I learned that having a policy that is clearly defined, accepted
and understood by all staff, and meets industry standards is vital to the success of an
organization’s effectiveness. The last area includes price. When looking at a price you
must consider the overall value that participants obtain when taking part in activities.
These costs consist of four aspects, among others, covered in the Administration class
which include staff cost, upkeep on challenge course, specialized activity equipment, and
general maintenance of the grounds. Actually being on site helped me put all of these
principles into perspective.
After reflecting on the site visitation I took part in I realized three very important
concepts that I can take with me into other areas of my professional development. These
concepts include the role a well prepared and organized team has in the recognition of an
organizations accreditation. I developed a level of confidence in being able to understand
policy and procedures and identify standards that were both met and unmet according to
industry standards. The other concept includes seeing first hand the studies from my
Administration class being implemented in a real life setting.