This chapter emphasizes the importance of building a support network to combat loneliness as a camp director. It discusses the value of volunteering outside of the camp world, taking the first step in reaching out to others, and finding a place of vulnerability and education. It also touches on maintaining a professional image online and having a creative outlet for support.
It wouldn’t be the revelation of the century if we said that being a full-time Camp Pro can be incredibly lonely.
Most of us work in small (or solo) teams, we usually are the only person in our part of the hierarchy, we manage many people (and their emotions) and we work incredibly hard.
If we don’t think about building our support networks intentionally, camp can be an incredibly exhausting industry to be a part of the long term.
This time of year (if you’re reading this in November/December), is the perfect time to start building and cultivating your support network. To give you some inspiration and insurance that you’re not in this alone, we brought the whole gang! Gab, Travis, Dan and Joe are here to share their stories and tips all surrounding the topic of building a support network.
Tune in to this episode to hear about:
How to intentionally cultivate a support network both in and out of the camping industry
Building connections at camp conferences
Asking for help and collaboration opportunities with people in your network
Practical tips and tools for being staying mentally healthy and avoiding burnout
Are there any tools or systems that you love? Please share them in the comments section!
Tool of the Week – Make Yourself a Better Camp Director
Gab: Class Dojo
Travis: Umonzi Aluminum Phone Stand
Joe: Shtil Combi Unit
Dan: White Fragility
Your Hosts:
Travis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - CampHacker.TV, Founder at Go Camp Pro
Joe Richards, Executive Director - Pearce Williams Summer Camp & Retreat Facility
Dan Weir, Sr. Director - Youth Development, Summer Camp, & Strategic Initiatives - YMCA of Long Island
Gabrielle Raill, Camp Director - Camp Ouareau
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(Thank you!)
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