Summer Camp Staffing: Challenges and Solutions Revealed

In this episode of Camp Code, Donnie Keele from UltraCamp unveils the findings of the Ultracamp Summer Camp Employment Study, which surveyed 157 camp directors and 615 students to unearth key trends shaping summer camp hiring today. Gabz and Beth and Donnie dive deep into the complexities of staff retention, the impact of director turnover, and the contrasting definitions of 'positive experiences' between camp directors and staff. They also touch on actionable strategies for directors to improve recruitment and retention efforts, emphasizing the importance of addressing both staff needs and mission alignment.

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Editorial Note:

Ultracamp, who conducted the survey discussed in this episode, is a sponsor of this podcast. However, we want to assure you that our decision to feature this episode was based solely on the importance and relevance of their survey findings for our listeners. We believe this information is valuable and can help you better understand the summer staffing landscape. Whether or not you choose to engage with Ultracamp is entirely up to you. Our commitment is to provide you with insightful and helpful content, regardless of sponsorship.

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Best Practice for Leadership Training

From Donnie

Retaining is recruiting. If you're new, and it's hard out there and it's like, how do I retain? I would say conduct an experience audit, see what the experience is like. Ultimately retaining is recruiting because students are looking for people in places that give them confidence and clarity about their experience and trajectory. The experience that you're offering can give them more confidence and clarity. If you can retain, you'll find it much, much easier to recruit.

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Special Guest:

Donnie Keele, Media and Learning Lead at Ultracamp

Your Hosts:

Beth Allison, Camp Consultant - Go Camp Pro
Gabrielle Raill, Camp Director - Camp Ouareau

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Thanks to our sponsors…

UltraCamp

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