The CampHacker Podcast

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2024/digital-detoxAre we doing our staff and campers a disservice by not better managing the expectations around their phone time at camp?Travis and Chris sit down with Max Claman to chat about effective digital detox and the psychological impacts of removing screens. They also discuss the role of AI in streamlining operations and provide practical tips for integrating technology while preserving the authentic camp experience. Packed with valuable insights and real-world examples, this discussion offers essential advice for camp directors and educators looking to enhance their camp programs.Hear more about:01:57 Max's Camp Journey04:17 Technology and Phones at Camp08:27 The Impact of Technology on Campers11:23 Balancing Technology and Camp Life20:42 Educating Campers on Technology Use24:21 Generational Perspectives on Technology29:27 Developing a Digital Detox Plan for Camps31:43 Engaging Parents in the Digital Detox Process-Tool of the Week - Make Yourself a Better Camp DirectorChris - Brother printersTravis - unapologetically ADHD - podcast and bookMax - Claude.ai-Your HostsTravis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp ProChris Hudson, Camp Consultant and Director - Camp HighlightMax Claman - Principal - VestEd 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/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.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/2024/ai-fall-2024The State of AI and Camps: Fall 2024In this episode of the CampHacker podcast, Travis and Chris explore the revolutionary impact of artificial intelligence on summer camp management. They dive into AI's role in streamlining operations, automating tasks, and enhancing staff training and parent communication. Discover specific tools like Perplexity, ChatGPT, and Notebook LM, which improve efficiency while addressing privacy concerns. Learn how AI can transform everything from scheduling and communication to monetization and fundraising, making camps more effective and enjoyable.Hear more about:4:03 AI's Impact on Summer Camps16:36 Staff Training and AI Scenarios26:46 Understanding AI's Limitations27:35 Career Coaching with AI28:41 AI in the Gig Economy29:27 AI in Camp Photography31:54 AI's Role in Camp Administration35:04 Addressing Privacy Concerns37:54 Future of AI in Camps-Resources from this EpisodePrompt-building link: https://mitenmit.github.io/gpt/https://account.aftershoot.com/referral-signup?referrer=V31CAJ02Use this to append to prompts to get you better answers:Ask me clarifying questions until you are 95% confident you can complete the task successfully. Take a deep breath and take it step by step. Remember to search the internet to retrieve up-to-date information.-Tool of the Week - Make Yourself a Better Camp DirectorChris - Game - Once Upon a Time - https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/1234/once-upon-time-storytelling-card-game Travis - Match Puzzle Game-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!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 Free 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/2024/over-programmed Are camps so packed with activities that it's actually detrimental? In this episode of the CampHacker podcast, hosts Travis Allison and Chris Hudson discuss the concept of overprogramming at camps, questioning if an abundance of scheduled activities could be detrimental. With insights from camp consultants, they explore balancing structured and unstructured time, considering the interests of children, parents, and staff. They also discuss generational changes in camp staff and touch on post-pandemic effects on camp programming.The Impact of COVID on Camp StructurePros and Cons of Free PlayParental Concerns About Free-PlayBalancing Structure and Free Time for KidsUnderstanding Children's Needs and PreferencesTool of the Week - Make Yourself a Better Camp DirectorChris -  Radical Candor by Kim Scott - https://www.radicalcandor.com/ Travis - Hoverair X1 - drone - https://hoverair.com/ 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!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.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/2024/05/start-camp-2025If we were starting a summer camp from scratch, here’s what we can do!200 episodes and over 14 years, the CampHacker Podcast has been around literally so long that we actually can’t find the first few episodes (seriously, if you find them, holler!).After 200+ hours (that’s 1.5 weeks, people!), it’s time to put our money where our mouths are…hypothetically at least.In this episode, Travis and Chris take their collective camp and education experience, alongside the realities of running summer camps today, and put it together to share how they would build and launch Camp Hudson (get it, Hudson + Allison?).From site ownership (hint, they wouldn’t), to who they serve (hint, start local), to marketing (hint, often and BIG), this episode covers a lot of ground.Join us in this hopeful and intentional thought experiment as a send-off for the summer of 2024.Thanks for the season, friends!-Tool of the Week - Make Yourself a Better Camp DirectorChris - Game - Once Upon a Time - https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/1234/once-upon-time-storytelling-card-game Travis - Finch app - https://app.befinch.com/share/TRJDYour 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 sponsor!UltraCampImagine camp registration software that actually gives you MORE time for what you love - CAMP! With UltraCamp, you can effortlessly track attendance, manage staff, streamline registration, and more. Explore now at ultracampmanagement.com/camphackerFree 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

Camp director Lisa Drennan discusses the importance of creating inclusive environments for camp professionals with ADHD. Topics include embracing diversity, utilizing universal design principles, clear communication, and fostering connections. Tool recommendations include The Book of Virtues and The Conquering Fidget Ring.

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2024/05/camp-2035How are you doing at pushing past the overwhelm and considering the big picture?If you’re reading this on release (mid-May) - it may feel impossible to get out of the weeds and think about the future.That’s fair - and - in order for our industry, and even our camps to make it the next 10 years, we need to consider the challenges that we’re going to face and the opportunities we’ll discover along the way.Thank goodness for people like Stephane (and Travis - it’s not him who writes these show-notes, so he’s not being an arrogant jerk by mentioning himself) to help us zoom out and think of the big picture.In this episode, Travis and Stephane use their combined experience to share what camps and camp leaders will need to do to ensure they not only survive until 2035, but to thrive along the way.-Tool of the Week - Make Yourself a Better Camp DirectorStephane - 5 Dysfunctions of a Team - Patrick LencioniTravis - High-Quality Post-Its + Sharpie + Big Wall Brainstorming-Your HostsTravis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp ProStephane Richard, Owner and Lead Consultant, Stephane Richard Consulting-Rate and Review the CampHacker Show(Thank you!)-Thanks to our sponsor!UltraCampImagine camp registration software that actually gives you MORE time for what you love - CAMP! With UltraCamp, you can effortlessly track attendance, manage staff, streamline registration, and more. Explore now at ultracampmanagement.com/camphackerFree 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/2024/04/13-tips-for-new-camp-prosNew and new-ish Camp Directors, this one is for you. Kick some butt this summer.There are a TON of full-time camp professionals that have entered the industry post-COVID.For those of us that have been around for a while, we know how incredibly difficult the first few years of the job are. You’re figuring out what this level of responsibility means for you and your team and with problems emerging, it can really feel like a whack-a-mole type of situation.So - Travis asked fellow camp podcasters to combine their joint 200+ years of full-time directing to distill their best pieces of advice for people just like you.You’ve got these 13 (and many more) people behind you - so get out there and do what you do!We’re grateful to the following people for sharing their tips:-Your Hosts - In order of “appearance”:Travis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp ProAllison Krabill, Executive Director - The Summer Camp SocietyRuby Compton, Chief Exploration Officer & Host - Camp Code PodcastCole Kelly, Owner/Director - Camp Weequahic, Podcast Host - Campfire ConversationsSam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor - Crystal Lake Park District, Podcast Host - The Day Camp PodDavid Sherry, President - The Sherry Group, LLC, Podcast Host - The Sherry Group PodcastDr. Mandi Baker, Researcher, Professor & Consultant, Podcast Host - The PuddingJack Schott, Founder/Owner - The Summer Camp Society, Host - The Summer Camp Society PodcastMatt Wilfrid, Executive Producer - Go Camp Pro, Podcast Host - First Class CounselorsAbigail Stuart, Director of Operations - Doxazo Ministries, Go Camp Pro ContributorAndy Pritikin, Owner - Liberty Lake Day Camp, Podcast Host - The Day Camp PodEtienne Lefebvre, Director of IT Service Management, Podcast Editor - Camp Code PodcastBeth Allison, Founder - Go Camp Pro, Podcast Host - Camp Code Podcast-Rate and Review the CampHacker Show(Thank you!)-Thanks to our sponsor!UltraCampImagine camp registration software that actually gives you MORE time for what you love - CAMP! With UltraCamp, you can effortlessly track attendance, manage staff, streamline registration, and more. Explore now at ultracampmanagement.com/camphackerFree 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/2024/04/what-they-dont-getWhat is one thing you learned working at camp that surprises people when you talk about?The fact that people don’t understand what we do full-time is not just and “us” problem - it’s a problem for our entire industry.It’s annoying as all heck - yes.And.It could be the reason why you’re under-enrolled and understaffed.One of the biggest issues facing our industry is our reputation. We are consistently fighting against Hollywood stereotypes and the notion that camp is a luxury item for privileged kids or glorified child-care.We - meaning consultants, associations, directors, staff, etc. - need to do a better job articulating what camp does for it’s leaders and the types of people that it creates.If we don’t, how do we expect families and staff to value the experience enough to trust us with their kids or their summer employment?Do these show notes sound like we’re up on a soap-box? Well just wait for the episode!Tune in to get a (kind) earful from Travis and Chris!-Tool of the Week – Make Yourself a Better Camp DirectorChris - Notion.soTravis - https://deckofbrilliance.com/Your Hosts:Travis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - 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

Dan Weir and Jack Schott discuss the benefits of choice-based camper programs, emphasizing camper empowerment, equity, and social development. They explore the shift towards individualism, balancing group activities with individual choices, fostering deep friendships, and diverse job experiences. The podcast also covers noise reduction earplugs, tech podcasts, and modern shipping tools for camp yearbooks.

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2024/03/our-advice-to-new-staffWhat are the most important things staff need to know to be successful this summer?Right now (March), camp directors everywhere are starting to think about staff training…or, intending to do so at least.There are a trillion things that we want to teach staff and it would be literally impossible to pack it all in during training and even harder to decide on which one is the most important.This episode, Travis and Chris put themselves in the shoes of camp directors the day before the kids arrive at camp. If this was the only advice they could give to camp staff - what would it be?Unsurprisingly, they couldn’t narrow it down to one each, but it’s all great.Please pass this on to your camp staff! The keeners will thank you!-Tool of the Week – Make Yourself a Better Camp DirectorChris - http://makeplayingcards.com Travis - Talknotes https://talknotes.io/app -Your Hosts:Travis 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!UltraCampImagine camp registration software that actually gives you MORE time for what you love - CAMP! With UltraCamp, you can effortlessly track attendance, manage staff, streamline registration, and more. Explore now at ultracampmanagement.com/camphackerCamptivitiesWhy spend hours on your schedules, only to find mistakes and missed activities for your campers! Let Camptivities do the heavy lifting and help you create the best schedules yet, without the mistakes, and in less time. Come check out Camptivities; specifically designed for camps by camp people. Find out more 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