The CampHacker Podcast

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/camphacker

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/camphacker

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 Highlight

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.com

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/the-pudding/gen-zUnlocking the Potential of Gen-Z at Summer CampStaffing continues to be one of the biggest thorns in the paws of our industry. It’s a challenge that isn’t likely to go away soon, so what can we do to ride this wave, rather than just letting it crash into us?Travis and Mandi dig into this topic and share how an approach of curiosity is a Camp Pro’s best tool when working with this generation of camp staff.In this episode, we cover:What do we need to know about this generation of camp staff? How will their worldview shape how they view their role this summer?How can we show this generation why the summer camp experience is not just worthwhile, but incredibly desirable?How we can help staff understand that camp is one of the best training grounds around for almost all future careersIs it possible to screen for the potential of great staff members? What can we do to identify the staff who are going to be super successful this summer?-Your Hosts:Dr. Mandi Baker, Researcher - Summer Camp, Outdoor Recreation, Sociology and Hospitality/Tourism - getlamped@gmail.com Travis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp Pro - travis@gocamp.pro-Thanks to our sponsors!The American Camp Association - IllinoisThe American Camp Association of Illinois is made up of nearly 289,000 members, volunteers, campers, families, and professionals who believe in the power of camp. We work to disrupt the effects of poverty by providing fundamental services for children and families, and learning opportunities for camp professionals. Learn more about ACA Illinois by visiting acail.org.CamptivitiesYou know the impact you want camp to make in a child’s life. But figuring out the day-to-day details can be overwhelming. Let Camptivities help you make that impact by streamlining the creation of your camp activity schedules. Schedule a demo at camptivities.com.

Dive into the intricate power dynamics at summer camps, where leadership isn’t as straightforward as it seems. The discussion unveils how power is shared and how it influences camp culture and relationships. Explore the psychological effects of control, anxiety, and surveillance on behavior. Learn how physical spaces shape authority and self-perception among campers and staff. Gain insights on practical leadership strategies that prioritize communication and well-being, revealing the complexities of camp management.

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2024/02/retain-staffThe number one recruiting tactic? You got it - retaining!As the summer creeps closer, the staffing woes of the industry rear it’s ugly head again.Wouldn’t it be great if staffing wasn’t the thing that stole your focus from creating the best program you know you could be? Well, it’s a long road, but one of the biggest shortcuts on that road is retaining last summer’s staff!And, how do you do that? Well, because this is a Go Camp Pro podcast, you know we have to talk about being intentional in your strategy. How do you be intentional? Well, we’re here to help with that, too!In this episode, Chris and Travis go deep into the very nature of intentionality and how that can apply as you look to retain your best staff.-Tool of the Week – Make Yourself a Better Camp DirectorChris - Big Dumb Cup: https://www.stanley1913.com/collections/tumblersBe aware of lead in the bottom of the mugTravis - Beeper App https://refer.beeper.com/XYMr2p-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.com

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2024/01/camps-and-aiIs AI going to ruin the summer camp industry?AI really proliferated right before we all went to camp in 2023.Some of us started playing with it, but over the summer, while we were living in our “unplugged” utopia, many parts of the world began to change without us. Now that we’re back, directors and industry partners are readily using AI, but in our haste to catch up, have we taken a second to consider the bigger picture? No shame if you haven’t yet. You’re busy, and that’s why we’re here!We welcome back EmJ and Jack from The Summer Camp Society Podcast to help guide Camp Pros on unpacking this important discussion.-Tool of the Week – Make Yourself a Better Camp DirectorChris - Beanie w Headlamp (🇺🇸 - https://amzn.to/47reRJJ, 🇨🇦 - https://amzn.to/3NRlnm0)Travis - Emergency - Neil Strauss (🇨🇦 - https://amzn.to/3H61PGv, 🇺🇸 - https://bookshop.org/a/84130/9780060898779)Jack - How to run great meetings - How to Run Effective Meetings | Matt Mochary | The Tim Ferriss Show podcastEmJ - Giant Postits - 4 x 6 (🇺🇸 https://amzn.to/3H9dTai, 🇨🇦 - https://amzn.to/3H8ISmJ)-Your Hosts:Travis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp ProChris Hudson, Camp Consultant and Director - Camp HighlightJack Schott, Co-Founder The Summer Camp SocietyEmJ Juszczyk, TSCS Podcast Producer and Programs Director at Project Kindred-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.com

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/the-pudding/good-for-everyoneJust BEING at camp is a good thing - the science proves it!We intuitively know that camp is a good thing.We can tell a million heart-filled stories about how camp changes lives.But as you all know, the proof is certainly in the pudding - so for the discerning camp pros (or camp families we are trying to convince to come to camp!) this episode will be a great place to start!Dr. Mandi Baker and Travis unpack some of the major findings over the last few years of research when it comes to the benefits of the summer camp experience for everyone involved.You’ll hear about:Why being in nature is a foundational part of the benefits of the camp experienceThe psychosocial benefits of positive community and relationshipsHow camp develops physical literacy and a healthy relationship to riskHow camps are a developmental relationship super-chargerWhere to get your hands on this research-Links and Resources:UPLOADS - The Understanding and Preventing Led Outdoor Accidents Data Systems (UPLOADS) Project-Your Hosts:Dr. Mandi Baker, Researcher - Summer Camp, Outdoor Recreation, Sociology and Hospitality/Tourism - getlamped@gmail.com Travis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp Pro - travis@gocamp.pro-Thanks to our sponsors!The American Camp Association - IllinoisThe American Camp Association of Illinois is made up of nearly 289,000 members, volunteers, campers, families, and professionals who believe in the power of camp. We work to disrupt the effects of poverty by providing fundamental services for children and families, and learning opportunities for camp professionals. Learn more about ACA Illinois by visiting acail.org.CamptivitiesYou know the impact you want camp to make in a child’s life. But figuring out the day-to-day details can be overwhelming. Let Camptivities help you make that impact by streamlining the creation of your camp activity schedules. Schedule a demo at camptivities.com.