The CampHacker Podcast

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/camphacker/iil-chris-hDungeons & Directors: Chris Hudson’s Wild Card Ride on Love, Awe, and CampIn this unique installment of the CampHacker Podcast's Intentionally Intentional Leaders series, Executive Producer Matt Wilfrid sits down with Chris Hudson, consultant, speaker, youth development specialist, and co-host of this very podcast. Using the unpredictable roll of a 20-sided die (D20), Chris explores pivotal memories, profound insights, and fundamental beliefs that have shaped his 30+ years in camping and social work.The conversation is a moving journey that touches on the power of Dungeons & Dragons as a childhood refuge, the influence of Mary Poppins and Willy Wonka on his leadership style, and his essential work with Planet Chris Consulting to make camps more inclusive and equitable. Chris shares why love is his "religion" and what he believes camp is uniquely positioned to deliver that schools and screens can't: the ability to live in a diverse, empathetic community. This episode is a raw, inspiring listen for any camp professional committed to intentional leadership and building a better future for their campers.Key Takeaways for Camp ProfessionalsBehavior Isn't Always the Issue: Chris advocates for taking camper behavior less seriously, especially minor infractions. He challenges camp professionals (especially those with teaching backgrounds) to move past ableist expectations and focus their attention on the core values of safety and belonging.The Power of Connection and Love: Discover why Love feels like a religion to Chris. He discusses how empowering kids to bring out "everything they have to bring out"—their complete, authentic selves—is the highest form of respect and leadership.Camp's Unique Position: Camp is argued to be a necessary "third space" uniquely positioned to teach children how to live in community. It's the environment where kids learn to embrace diversity and solve problems on their own, lessons critical for navigating the world that screens and traditional schooling often fail to provide.The Foundation of Inclusive Work: Chris addresses the horrific current climate for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) work, urging camp leaders to call him to work through the emotional process of dismantling old, often racist structures within their camp's foundation. He emphasizes that the work must be done if you truly care for all children.Guiding Principles for Staff and Campers: Learn Chris's three guiding principles to bring a calming and effective energy to any interaction: "I love you so very much," "I'm interested in what you have to say," and "Everything's gonna be all right."Your HostsMatt Wilfrid, Executive Producer of Podcasting - Go Camp ProChris Hudson, Camp Consultant and Director - Camp HighlightFree Resilient Camp Blueprint Diagnostic: https://camp.mba/travisTake it once a month to see how all of your work is progressing.  Our free Resilient Camp Blueprint diagnostic is available at: https://camp.mba/travis

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/camphacker/how-to-hire-a-camp-consultant-Making the Case for a Camp ConsultantAre you feeling stuck running the same old systems? This episode pulls back the curtain on why hiring an outside camp consultant is an investment, not an expense. Travis and Chris, both experienced consultants, dive into the critical value proposition they bring: fresh eyes to combat "camp myopia," rapid shortcuts to save significant staff time, and invaluable expertise forged by working with hundreds of other camps. The conversation also provides practical advice on how to select the right consultant, how to talk about budget, and the unexpected benefits of accountability and institutional protection that an outside expert can provide. Key Takeaways Include:Understanding Your Value: Calculate the cost of your own time (salary + benefits) to understand how much you save when a consultant fast-tracks a project that would have taken you months.The Shortcut Economy: Consultants bring battle-tested tools, systems, and lessons learned from dozens of other camps, providing instant, high-value shortcuts to accelerate revenue generation, improve staff culture, or optimize operations.Overcoming Sticker Shock: Consultants are open to discussing the budget. Be upfront about what you can afford, as many are willing to scale services or help you find initial revenue to cover their costs, treating the engagement as an investment in your future.-Tool of the Week - Make Yourself a Better Camp DirectorTravis - CleanShot MacOS AppChris - Removepaywall Website-Your HostsTravis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp ProChris Hudson, Camp Consultant and Director - Camp Highlight-Rate and Review the CampHacker Show(Thank you!)-Thanks to our sponsors!UltraCampRunning camp comes with enough moving parts. UltraCamp keeps registration, payments, and communication in one place—so you can spend less time juggling systems and more time building an incredible camp experience. Learn more at ultracampmanagement.com/camphacker.CamptivitiesIf you’re still making camp schedules in spreadsheets, you know how draining it is and how often mistakes slip in. Enter Camptivities. It’s made by camp people, for camp people - to save time, cut errors, and make camp run smoother. Be the change your camp needs - explore smarter scheduling today at camptivities.comFree Resilient Camp Blueprint Diagnostic: https://camp.mba/travisTake it once a month to see how all of your work is progressing.  Our free Resilient Camp Blueprint diagnostic is available at: https://camp.mba/travis

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/camphacker/welcoming-and-including-1st-year-staffHow to Make Every New Staff Member Feel Included and Supported from Day OneThis week on the Camp Hacker Podcast, Chris Hudson, Travis Allison, and Kim Aycock dive into how to make camp's most beloved "magic moments" genuinely welcoming and inclusive for both first-year staff and new campers. The crew challenges the notion that camp success relies on "magic," arguing that true inclusion comes from intentionality, strong communication, and better systems. Key Takeaways Include:Segment Your Communication: Avoid overwhelming new staff with an 80-page PDF. Break down essential information into multiple mediums (audio, video, simple graphics) and frequently reinforce the most crucial rules and camp lingo to appeal to different learning stylesMake Tiny Pockets of Safety: Intentionality means equipping new people with little wins before they arrive. Teach them one song, one chant, or one ritual via video before the first day so they can immediately participate and feel like an insider.Tool of the Week - Make Yourself a Better Camp DirectorTravis - Simple tricks for defensive calendaring to take back control of your time, by Andy PolaineChris - I wrote this for you, by Iain S. ThomasKim - How to Work with Complicated People, by Ryan LeakYour HostsTravis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp ProChris Hudson, Camp Consultant and Director - Camp HighlightKim Aycock, Camp Consultant and Staff Trainer - https://kimaycock.com/-Rate and Review the CampHacker Show-Thanks to our sponsors!UltraCampRunning camp comes with enough moving parts. UltraCamp keeps registration, payments, and communication in one place—so you can spend less time juggling systems and more time building an incredible camp experience. Learn more at ultracampmanagement.com/camphacker.CamptivitiesIf you’re still making camp schedules in spreadsheets, you know how draining it is and how often mistakes slip in. Enter Camptivities. It’s made by camp people, for camp people to save time, cut errors, and make camp run smoother. Be the change your camp needs - explore smarter scheduling today at camptivities.comFree Resilient Camp Blueprint Diagnostic: https://camp.mba/travisTake it once a month to see how all of your work is progressing.  Our free Resilient Camp Blueprint diagnostic is available at: https://camp.mba/travis

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/camphacker/wildcard-chris-rdTQAMP’s Chris Rehs-Dupin: Failure, Humanity, and the Wild Card of LeadershipJoin host Travis Allison for the inaugural "Wild Card" segment of the Camp Hacker Podcast, an interview game show format inspired by the NPR show. He welcomes Chris Rehs-Dupin from TQAMP to tackle a series of spontaneous questions spanning Memories, Insights, and Beliefs.Chris offers profound and candid answers on what shapes his leadership style, his admiration for his teenage self, and the valuable lessons learned from a massive, hilarious parking meter programming blunder (yes, you read that right!). He also shares the mission of TQAMP: to make camps safer spaces for LGBTQIA+ campers and staff by focusing on inclusion, a practice he believes enhances safety for everyone.Key Takeaways include:Leadership Modeled and Modified: Learn about the trusted, curious, and authentic leadership modeled by his former boss, and where Chris intentionally shifts to balance support with necessary challenge.The Power of Accountability: Hear a fascinating (and funny) story of a colossal failure involving city parking meters and the critical moment Chris chose immediate accountability—a core lesson for all leaders.A Deep Belief in Humanity: Chris shares his unprovable belief that everyone is fundamentally trying their best, even those we deeply disagree with, offering a powerful, empathetic lens for camp professionals.TQAMP’s Mission: Understand why TQ Camp focuses on creating spaces of belonging for campers of all genders and sexualities, and the practical consulting they do around inclusive housing, advocacy, and handling challenging caregiver conversations.A Good Summer Metric: Discover Chris’s one-sentence definition of a good summer and the simple metric that tells you it was a success.The Camp Time Machine: Find out which electric, hopeful moment from his camp career Chris would go back to and just be in again.-Your HostsTravis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp ProChris Rehs-Dupin, Founder & President - TQAMPFree Resilient Camp Blueprint Diagnostic: https://camp.mba/travisTake it once a month to see how all of your work is progressing.  Our free Resilient Camp Blueprint diagnostic is available at: https://camp.mba/travis

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/camphacker/preemptive-scarcity-mindset-Are Camp Directors Getting Too Scared, Too Early? This episode centers on the 'preemptive scarcity mindset' affecting camp directors, who are increasingly worried about future challenges related to enrollment, staffing, and budgeting. The conversation highlights the impact of past crises. Key solutions include being intentional with resource allocation, maintaining dynamic programming, and enhancing camp culture. Practical advice is offered, such as organizing listening sessions with staff and families and using technological tools to streamline operations.-Key Takeaways Include:The Intentional Pivot (Less is More): How to reframe a conservative approach into a strategic opportunity. Focus on doing six core things exceptionally well, rather than 36 things poorly.Listen, Then Do: Practical advice on organizing listening sessions with staff and families, not just to hear their worries, but to make small-to-medium dynamic program changes that prove you're listening.The Scarcity Vicious Cycle: Identifying how fear about future financial and staffing challenges leads to bad, present-day decisions that hurt your program's quality and staff morale. -Tool of the Week - Make Yourself a Better Camp DirectorTravis - The PROMPT OF PROMPTS (Find details at Go Camp Pro)Chris - The War of Art, by Steven Pressfield  Max - The How We Feel Project, https://howwefeel.org/-Your HostsTravis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp ProChris Hudson, Camp Consultant and Director - Camp HighlightMax Claman, Camp Consultant -Rate and Review the CampHacker Show(Thank you!)-Thanks to our sponsors!UltraCampRunning camp comes with enough moving parts. UltraCamp keeps registration, payments, and communication in one place—so you can spend less time juggling systems and more time building an incredible camp experience. Learn more at ultracampmanagement.com/camphacker.CamptivitiesIf you’re still making camp schedules in spreadsheets, you know how draining it is and how often mistakes slip in. Enter Camptivities. It’s made by camp people, for camp people - to save time, cut errors, and make camp run smoother. Be the change your camp needs - explore smarter scheduling today at camptivities.comFree Resilient Camp Blueprint Diagnostic: https://camp.mba/travisTake it once a month to see how all of your work is progressing.  Our free Resilient Camp Blueprint diagnostic is available at: https://camp.mba/travis

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