The CampHacker Podcast

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2023/11/parent-coms-2023How confident are you that your camp parents will read and act on your emails?Getting your information to parents. The most necessary and maybe one of the most difficult parts of the job.Even though the communication landscape is constantly shifting, what remains the same is that you have important information that parents need. So - adapting is once again - the name of the game!Chris and Travis get together and talk about the hellish present and…maybe less hellish future of communication with parents.-Tool of the Week – Make Yourself a Better Camp DirectorChris - An earpiece for your walkie-talkie! Total James Bond!Travis - Photo sorting and AI editing: https://aftershoot.com/downloads/-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

Delve into the concept of 'camp magic' and the idea of a camp environment creating a sense of escapism. Explore the impact of the 'camp bubble' on information flow. Discuss the challenges of explaining 'camp magic' and communicating the value of camps. Learn how to contact Mandy and join 'prickly pickles' discussions.

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2023/11/small-systemsIt doesn’t take as much as you think to set yourself up for long-term efficacy.Travis is joined by Dr. Lydia Hughes Evans to discuss systems of project management, personal efficacy and organizational development that any camp pro can pick up and start using today.-Tool of the Week – Make Yourself a Better Camp DirectorBack next episode!-Your Hosts:Travis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp ProDr. Lydia Hughes-Evans, CEO, Author and Speaker-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

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2023/10/decoding-researchWhat is research, and what can it be for camp pros?We need to start here. Before we get into how to use research to empower our marketing and recruiting efforts, we need to unpack the basics of research.So, whether you’re a research buff or not, this episode is meant to get everyone on the same page before we really dig deep.You’ll hear about:What are the basics of research and the process behind it that we need to know?How do we know who the right people to talk to when selecting candidates for qualitative research?Why it’s important that we ask kids and gain their insights in the research processWhy it’s important to consider the context when the research was conducted.How do you find research on camp? How do you know what is worth reading?Pro-tip: Use Google Scholar - https://scholar.google.ca/ Pro-pro-tip - just email the researcher and they may just give you a copy!-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.proFree 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

Kyrah Altman, summer camp alumni, joins the hosts to discuss the art of setting boundaries and helping staff do the same. They emphasize the importance of setting and honoring boundaries for personal growth and relationships. They also highlight the challenges of teaching young people about navigating disagreements and the significance of self-care. The podcast includes book recommendations, TV show comparisons, and opportunities for engagement.

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2023/08/the-intersection-of-camp-and-researchDid you know that the positive experience of summer camp is a proven fact?Yes. It is!In this new mini-series from Go Camp Pro, join Dr. Mandi Baker and Travis Allison to focus in on prominent and emerging research in the summer camp world.This episode will set up the rest of the season so tune in and get excited!You’ll hear about:How Mandi found her passion for camp and where the research part of her journey came to beWhere should we be starting our discussions when it comes to research and camp?How do we navigate the research that’s already out there?What topics will we cover in this mini-series?-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.proFree 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/2023/06/30-tools-What will you be putting your brain to keep you focused this summer?Well folks, if you’re reading this in June - you’re in it now!Us, too! As we wrap up this season to take our focus to the summer, we want to leave you with a wickedly practical one.Producer Matt and Dan Weir join Travis, Chris, Gabz and Joe to share the tools that will keep them focused, happy and thriving this summer.For the links to all the tools, find the show notes at:https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2023/06/30-tools-Your Hosts:Travis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp ProChris Hudson, Camp Consultant and Director - Camp HighlightJoe Richards, Executive Director - Pearce WilliamsGabrielle Raill, Camp Director - Camp OuareauDan Weir - Senior Consultant - Immersive1st-Rate and Review the CampHacker Show(Thank you!)-Thanks to our sponsor!UltraCampWouldn’t it be refreshing if your registration software gave you MORE time? With UltraCamp, you can track attendance, manage staff applications, streamline registration, and much more. Get back the time you need to focus on what is really important: CAMP! Find out more at summercampsoftware.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/2023/05/alumni-community-Do you wish your camp had the benefits of an engaged alumni community?It’s a gift to have a group of people that intimately “get” what your camp is all about.And, alumni can be like getting a gym membership or Ikea furniture as a gift. Ultimately useful, but a crap-ton of work to get there.Once you’ve got it going, alumni can be an excellent and cost-effective source of staff support, mentorship, maintenance, marketing, board guidance, fundraising and more!So how do you get to the useful point.The CampHacker team is here, and specifically, you need to listen to what Gabz has to say in this episode. Camp Ouareau has put in the work to not just open their doors wide to alumni, but to specifically direct them to a place that is available to them either as a supporter of camp, or someone who just wants to enjoy the nostalgia.(Chris, Joe and Travis all have incredible points, too, of course!)-Tool of the Week – Make Yourself a Better Camp DirectorChris - https://www.itspronouncedmetrosexual.com/. Gabz -A question to ask within a team that could benefit from being seen and building trust. “From working with your teammate what would you say their leadership style is?Joe - Directors Cupboard Supply Closet - things camp will need that you will just “have”Travis - https://www.youtube.com/@Cercle-Your Hosts:Travis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp ProChris Hudson, Camp Consultant and Director - Camp HighlightJoe Richards, Executive Director - Pearce WilliamsGabrielle Raill, Camp Director - Camp Ouareau-Rate and Review the CampHacker Show(Thank you!)-Thanks to our sponsor!UltraCampWouldn’t it be refreshing if your registration software gave you MORE time? With UltraCamp, you can track attendance, manage staff applications, streamline registration, and much more. Get back the time you need to focus on what is really important: CAMP! Find out more at summercampsoftware.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/2023/05/new-career-new-campWhat would we do if we were starting at a completely new to us summer camp?We’re so grateful to have one of our founding CampHacker hosts Dan Weir join us this episode. Welcome back, Dan!To support the vast number of new camp directors, Dan, Chris, Joe and Travis engage in a thought exercise to put take all the knowledge they have now and plopped themselves in a new camp.This isn’t just an episode for newbies! Having this “newbie” mindset will consistently keep you nimble to the changing landscape of the industry and open to change.Also, want some help getting there? You should consider a consultant.Dan, Chris and Travis are great assets for your camp. Check out the host links below.-Tool of the Week – Make Yourself a Better Camp DirectorChris - Todoist - Get your act together!Dan - Nervous Energy: Harness the Power of Your Anxiety https://bookshop.org/a/84130/9781250241214Joe - Retevis Radio/Walkie-talkie - https://www.retevis.com/Travis - Chipdrop - get free wood chips https://getchipdrop.com/-Your Hosts:Travis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp ProChris Hudson, Camp Consultant and Director - Camp HighlightJoe Richards, Executive Director - Pearce WilliamsGabrielle Raill, Camp Director - Camp OuareauDan Weir - Senior Consultant - Immersive1st-Rate and Review the CampHacker Show(Thank you!)-Thanks to our sponsor!UltraCampWouldn’t it be refreshing if your registration software gave you MORE time? With UltraCamp, you can track attendance, manage staff applications, streamline registration, and much more. Get back the time you need to focus on what is really important: CAMP! Find out more at summercampsoftware.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

The discussion dives into the complexities of setting personal boundaries for camp staff, emphasizing the balance between well-being and operational needs. The hosts explore how to navigate discomfort in camp environments while prioritizing safety and emotional growth. They offer insights on fostering open communication about triggers and developing emotional self-regulation strategies. Additionally, innovative management tools are presented to reduce admin tasks, enabling staff to focus more on their core mission with campers.