The CampHacker Podcast

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2025/opsFrom Paperwork to People: The “Ops” Deep Dive EpisodeAre you truly taking the operational side of camp seriously enough? If you're like many camp leaders, the answer is probably "not yet." This episode of the CampHacker Podcast dives deep into the often-undiscussed world of camp operations. Join hosts Travis Allison, Chris Hudson, and Rachel Kent, along with special guest Peter Elbaum from Camp Graystone, as they share insights, practical strategies, and personal experiences on making your camp run smoother.Discover how freeing up time from back-office tasks can allow you to focus on what truly matters: creating unforgettable experiences for your campers. Learn about tackling frustrating dining hall bottlenecks, leveraging technology to automate repetitive tasks, and fostering a culture that embraces efficiency without sacrificing the human touch. -Tool of the Week - Make Yourself a Better Camp DirectorTravis - Brother HL-L2360D Laser Printer https://www.brother-usa.com/products/hll2460dw Chris - Futureme.orgPeter - pinpoint applicant tracking https://www.pinpointhq.com/Rachel - James Clear newsletter https://jamesclear.com/3-2-1-Your HostsTravis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp ProChris Hudson, Camp Consultant and Director - Camp HighlightPeter Elbaum, Operations Director - Camp Greystone & writer of The Tool Belt NewsletterRachel Kent, Camp Consultant, RKent Consulting-Rate and Review the CampHacker Show(Thank you!)-Thanks to our sponsors!UltraCampRemember what sparked your passion for camp? UltraCamp knows it’s about the people, not the paperwork. That’s why they built a platform to simplify your camp management. Learn more at ultracampmanagement.com/camphackerBowlineCamp leaders: Win back your time to what matters most—your campers. Bowline's comprehensive accounting back-office solutions and tech-enabled team free up your staff to focus on your mission. Visit bowlinehq.com to learn more and book a free 2-hour financial diagnostic.

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2025/dei-camp-2025Is Summer Camp Inherently Racist? A Frank Discussion on DEI in the Camp IndustryThis week on the CampHacker Podcast, Travis Allison gets straight to the point with Chris Hudson, Rachel Kent, and Simone Gamble: Is summer camp inherently racist? They dig into the history of camping and how it's wrestled with being truly open and welcoming to everyone. The group doesn't shy away from the industry's past and looks closely at the challenges camps still face in making sure all kids and staff feel like they belong.The conversation moves beyond just talking about diversity to practical steps camps can take to show they're serious about inclusion. They discuss real actions like looking at their own numbers, setting clear rules, and making sure their leadership reflects the campers they serve. The episode also touches on the tricky balance of speaking out about these values in today's world. Ultimately, the panel pushes the camp industry to really think hard about who feels welcome and to actively build camps where everyone can thrive.-Tool of the Week - Make Yourself a Better Camp DirectorTravis - The World’s Fairest City - yours and mine (book) https://amzn.to/4ihb8noChris -  Laziness does not Exist https://bookshop.org/a/84130/9781982140113Rachel - Your Next BreakThrough Mark Manson newsletter - https://markmanson.net/breakthroughSimone - The Anti-Racist Organization : Dismantling Systemic Racism in the Workplace : Shereen Daniels https://bookshop.org/a/84130/9781119880622-Your HostsTravis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp ProChris Hudson, Camp Consultant and Director - Camp HighlightSimone Gamble, Founder - OAAARSRachel Kent, Camp Consultant, RKent Consulting-Rate and Review the CampHacker Show(Thank you!)-Thanks to our sponsors!UltraCampRemember what sparked your passion for camp? UltraCamp knows it’s about the people, not the paperwork. That’s why they built a platform to simplify your camp management. Learn more at ultracampmanagement.com/camphackerBowlineCamp leaders: Win back your time to what matters most—your campers. Bowline's comprehensive accounting back-office solutions and tech-enabled team free up your staff to focus on your mission. Visit bowlinehq.com to learn more and book a free 2-hour financial diagnostic.

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2025/power-of-performanceUnlocking Hidden Potential: What All Camps Can Learn From the Magic of Performing Arts CampsWhat's the secret sauce of performing arts camps? Host Travis Allison chats with Chris Hudson, Carolyn Daniels (Meridan YMCA), and Theo Lencicki (Camp Broadway) to uncover the surprising lessons that all camps can use.Discover how embracing elements of theater, music, and dance builds community, fosters leadership, boosts confidence, and creates safe spaces for kids to truly be themselves. Learn simple ways to weave in the magic – no big productions needed! From talent shows to improv games, find practical tips and inspiring stories to unlock your campers' potential.Ready to add some spark to your camp? Tune in for actionable insights you won't want to miss!-Tool of the Week - Make Yourself a Better Camp DirectorTravis - Canon Ivy 2 - Zink mini photo printer - https://www.usa.canon.com/shop/p/ivy-2-mini-photo-printer?color=Pure%20White&type=New Chris -  Band aids for everyone!Carolyn - https://goosechase.com/ Theo - Stage Write App - https://www.stagewritesoftware.com/ -Your HostsTravis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp ProChris Hudson, Camp Consultant and Director - Camp HighlightCarolyn Daniels, Arts and EducationProgram Director - Meriden YMCATheo Lencicki,  Artistic Director for the Broadway Education Alliance-Rate and Review the CampHacker Show(Thank you!)-Thanks to our sponsors!UltraCampRemember what sparked your passion for camp? UltraCamp knows it’s about the people, not the paperwork. That’s why they built a platform to simplify your camp management. Learn more at ultracampmanagement.com/camphackerBowlineCamp leaders: Win back your time to what matters most—your campers. Bowline's comprehensive accounting back-office solutions and tech-enabled team free up your staff to focus on your mission. Visit bowlinehq.com to learn more and book a free 2-hour financial diagnostic.

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2025/modern-mentorWhat does it take to be a great mentor in the camp industry?This week on CampHacker, hosts Travis Allison, Chris Hudson, and guest Michael Garcia (author of "Becoming a Modern Mentor") dive into the essential elements of effective mentorship. They share personal stories of impactful mentors, discuss strategies for setting boundaries, and explore how to empower staff to reach their full potential. Learn how to move beyond "voluntold" management and cultivate a supportive environment where everyone can thrive and invisible culture is always visible to those who matter most.-Tool of the Week - Make Yourself a Better Camp DirectorTravis -  14 INSANE Mac Apps You Can't LIVE Without! https://youtu.be/9qLWL505WlQ?si=tQ2y-N31Wse5mztOChris -  A use of ChatGPT that will save $$$$ Michael -  Trello  -Your HostsTravis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp ProChris Hudson, Camp Consultant and Director - Camp HighlightMichael Garcia,  Consultant/Author/Podcaster - Youth Development Pro-Rate and Review the CampHacker Show(Thank you!)-Thanks to our sponsors!UltraCampRemember what sparked your passion for camp? UltraCamp knows it’s about the people, not the paperwork. That’s why they built a platform to simplify your camp management. Learn more at ultracampmanagement.com/camphackerBowlineCamp leaders: Win back your time to what matters most—your campers. Bowline's comprehensive accounting back-office solutions and tech-enabled team free up your staff to focus on your mission. Visit bowlinehq.com to learn more and book a free 2-hour financial diagnostic.

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2025/culture-customerMastering Camp Culture: From Disney Magic to Tea-Kettle Secrets!Dive into the latest episode of the CampHacker Podcast, where Travis Allison, Chris Hudson, and Heather Withrow unravel the secrets behind creating a vibrant and intentional camp culture. From the enchanting influences of Disney to the practical magic of a 'nurse mobile' during check-ins, this episode is packed with quirky insights and savvy advice. Learn why first impressions matter, how to win over new campers and their parents, and why serving tea might just be the ultimate camp hack. Plus, discover how to ensure your camp's invisible culture is always visible to those who matter most. Join the conversation and take your camp's customer service game to the next level!-Tool of the Week - Make Yourself a Better Camp DirectorTravis -  Best personality test based on science https://www.tiktok.com/@idiotic_shrimp/photo/7474823467444210990?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7446923457428456965Chris - List of LGBTQ camps! https://riverhuntervooris.com/lgbtq-summer-camps/Heather -  Raving Fans - Ken Blanchard-Your HostsTravis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp ProChris Hudson, Camp Consultant and Director - Camp HighlightHeather Withrow, President & CEO - Jumonville-Thanks to our sponsors!UltraCampRemember what sparked your passion for camp? UltraCamp knows it’s about the people, not the paperwork. That’s why they built a platform to simplify your camp management. Learn more at ultracampmanagement.com/camphackerBowline HQCamp leaders: Win back your time to what matters most—your campers. Bowline's comprehensive accounting back-office solutions and tech-enabled team free up your staff to focus on your mission. Visit bowlinehq.com to learn more and book a free 2-hour financial diagnostic. Find out more at https://www.bowlinehq.com 

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2025/talk-to-parentsSave the dodging and weaving for wide-game, not for avoiding camp parents!On this episode of CampHacker, Travis and Chris are joined by Ruby Compton, and Joanna Warren Smith to really dig into the importance of communicating with camp parents. They discuss the common issue of camps avoiding communication with parents and emphasize the importance of timely, meaningful responses to build trust and ensure camper safety. The conversation highlights the need for camps to set clear expectations with parents, train staff on effective communication, and prioritize responsiveness to inquiries. Guests share practical tips for improving parent relations, from proactive communication strategies to addressing parental concerns head-on.-Tool of the Week - Make Yourself a Better Camp DirectorTravis -   The Canary Code Ludmila N. Praslova (Author) A Guide to Neurodiversity, Dignity, and Intersectional Belonging at Work https://amzn.to/3OWpc9H https://bookshop.org/a/84130/9781523005840Chris - Matador Pocket BlanketRuby -  Breville Jewel Sous VideJoanna - Bunk List Retention Hack. Use last year’s bunk list and map who isn’t registered yet, then reach out with personal moments from the kiddo’s summer.-Your HostsTravis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp ProChris Hudson, Camp Consultant and Director - Camp HighlightRuby Compton, Chief Exploration Officer - Ruby OutdoorsJoanna Warren Smith - Camp Consultant -Rate and Review the CampHacker Show(Thank you!)-Thanks to our sponsors!UltraCampRemember what sparked your passion for camp? UltraCamp knows it’s about the people, not the paperwork. That’s why they built a platform to simplify your camp management. Learn more at ultracampmanagement.com/camphackerBowline HQCamp leaders: Win back your time to what matters most—your campers. Bowline's comprehensive accounting back-office solutions and tech-enabled team free up your staff to focus on your mission. Visit bowlinehq.com to learn more and book a free 2-hour financial diagnostic. Find out more at https://www.bowlinehq.com 

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2025/spicy-questionsAre these questions about the camp industry too hot to handle?In this special live recording from OCA Connects 2025, Travis is joined by Go Camp Pro podcast hosts Howie Grossinger (The Camp Owners Podcast), Rachel Kent (Beyond Camp), and Matt Wilfrid (First Class Counselors) on a panel discussion like no other.The group answered spicy questions while eating progressively hotter wings - much to the delight of the audience and the pain of the panelists. Here are the questions:What is the biggest waste of time you see or think many year-round camp professionals engage in?Has the camp industry abandoned environmentalism?Given the changing attitude about social media. If a camp who has a belief system that is opposed to what they feel social media and companies like meta and x specifically have become or what they represent, how realistic is it for them to de-couple themselves, knowing that families still use it?Many camp professionals and the industry at large seems to understand that it's a good goal to welcome more diverse campers and staff into camps. What are some ways you see our industry succeeding and/or falling short of that?What is the ultimate camp footwear (so spicy!)-Tool of the Week - Make Yourself a Better Camp DirectorBack next episode!-Your HostsTravis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp ProRachel Kent, Non-Profit Professional - Host - Beyond CampHowie Grossinger - Co-owner/Director - Camp Robin Hood, Partner - Camp Walden & Madawaska Camps - Host - The Camp Owners PodcastMatt Wilfrid, Executive Producer of Podcasting at Go Camp Pro - Host - First Class Counselors-Rate and Review the CampHacker Show(Thank you!)-Thanks to our sponsors!UltraCampRemember what sparked your passion for camp? UltraCamp knows it’s about the people, not the paperwork. That’s why they built a platform to simplify your camp management. Learn more at ultracampmanagement.com/camphackerBowline HQCamp leaders: Win back your time to what matters most—your campers. Bowline's comprehensive accounting back-office solutions and tech-enabled team free up your staff to focus on your mission. Visit bowlinehq.com to learn more and book a free 2-hour financial diagnostic. Find out more at https://www.bowlinehq.com 

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2025/adhdIs Summer Camp the Right Profession for Someone with ADHD?"I thought it was just me." This is the sentiment shared by many camp professionals with ADHD. On this episode of Camp Hacker, Travis, Kelie, and Shauna open up about their personal experiences with ADHD, sharing the struggles, the "aha" moments, and the unique strengths that come with neurodiversity. They discuss the challenges of masking, the importance of self-advocacy, and the power of finding community. Tune in for an honest and relatable conversation about ADHD and camp leadership. This is part one of a two-part series; hear more on Scamp Life: The Other Side.-Tool of the Week - Make Yourself a Better Camp DirectorKelie - Factile (Jeopardy Maker) https://www.playfactile.com/ Shauna - Goblin Tools - https://goblin.tools/ Travis - The Way of Play - Dr. Tina Payne Bryson - https://www.tinabryson.com/the-way-of-play -Your HostsTravis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp ProKelie Cook, Camp Director, Pine Ridge Day CampShauna Guglielmo, Camp Programs Coordinator - Lincoln Park ZooCheck out Kelie and Shauna’s Podcast -  Scamp Life - The Other Side-Rate and Review the CampHacker Show(Thank you!)-Thanks to our sponsors!UltraCampRemember what sparked your passion for camp? UltraCamp knows it’s about the people, not the paperwork. That’s why they built a platform to simplify your camp management. Learn more at ultracampmanagement.com/camphackerBowline HQCamp leaders: Win back your time to what matters most—your campers. Bowline's comprehensive accounting back-office solutions and tech-enabled team free up your staff to focus on your mission. Visit bowlinehq.com to learn more and book a free 2-hour financial diagnostic. Find out more at https://www.bowlinehq.com 

Ariella Skoczylas, an educator and trainer from Leadership Lioness, dives into the intriguing dynamics of fun and responsibility for camp directors. She emphasizes the significance of balancing joy with the hard work of camp management. Listeners will enjoy anecdotes showcasing how spontaneity can enhance connection among staff and campers. Ariella also discusses strategies for communicating these challenges to young staff, rethinking what 'fun' really means in this demanding role, and fostering a positive camp atmosphere.

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2025/hire-directorExpectations vs. Reality: The Camp Director Job MarketJoin Travis Allison, Chris Hudson, Dan Weir, and Esther Eisenhard for another fantastic episode of the CampHacker podcast! This episode dives into key challenges and emerging trends in recruiting and retaining camp staff. Learn about tools and strategies to manage camp operations more effectively, improve the candidate experience, and set up your camp for success. Plus, find out about specific job openings and practical tips on hiring superstars for your camp.-Tool of the Week - Make Yourself a Better Camp DirectorChris - Battery-powered lamps (Expensive version)Travis - The Unstuck Book - Conor McCarthy https://amzn.to/3PwqWH2 Dan - Grammarly Pro: https://www.grammarly.com/referrals/redeem?key=pj7usy9dest2ilsu Esther Indeed.com Role posting - Analytics / Analytics ReviewJazzHR - https://www.jazzhr.com/ Glassdoor - https://www.glassdoor.ca/index.htm -Your HostsTravis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp ProChris Hudson, Camp Consultant and Director - Camp HighlightEsther Eisenhard, Co-Founder, CampHire RecruitingDan Weir, Sr. Consultant - immersive1st - Day Camp Community-Rate and Review the CampHacker Show(Thank you!)-Thanks to our sponsors!UltraCampRemember what sparked your passion for camp? UltraCamp knows it’s about the people, not the paperwork. That’s why they built a platform to simplify your camp management. Learn more at ultracampmanagement.com/camphackerCamptivitiesActivity schedules are the backbone of every camper’s experience. If there’s a staffing change, it’s really hard to find a person that knows your camp and the nuance your schedule takes. Come check out Camptivities to learn more about our scheduling tools,  designed for camps by camp people. Find out more at camptivities.com