The CampHacker Podcast

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2022/04/9-tips-new-familiesHow to make campers & families feel like insiders -  before they even get to camp!After a few years away from a regular summer, we likely have more new families than ever.One of the biggest “shake off the rust” things that we need to remember is how we welcome and prepare new families for their, or their camper’s first time at camp.Joe, Travis and Gabz get together and share their best practices  for helping new families feel like they already have a place at camp, before they even set foot on the property!-Tool of the Week – Make Yourself a Better Camp DirectorGabz: Bio Soap:  https://savonneriediligences.ca/enJoe: https://hibid.com | https://bidspotter.com Travis: Retract-a-bit - https://amzn.to/3CNW7X8-Do you read the show notes? Let us know - click the following link to receive 10% off a lifetime subscription of Go Camp Pro's 5-Minute Fridays. (psst. Even if you don't buy anything, clicking this link will still help!)(click here - https://bit.ly/pod-notes-discount)-Your Hosts:Travis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp ProChris Hudson, Camp Director - Camp HighlightJoe Richards, Executive Director - Pearce WilliamsGabrielle Raill, Camp Director - Camp Ouareau-Rate and Review the CampHacker Show(Thank you!)-Thanks to our sponsors!Crazy CreekCrazy Creek Products has been perfecting Just Sit There for campers and staff alike since 1987.  Mention this ad when you email or call in and receive 10% off your entire order and free single-colour logo on your Crazy Creek’s!  No tool is more vital at camp than a Crazy Creek!  Call 800-446-3446 or email Chelsea  chill@crazycreek.com to guarantee your chairs for the 2022 season!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/camphacker

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2022/04/honest-staffing-conversationThere’s still time to be proactive. For this summer, and the ones to come.Here we go. The camp season is on its way and while we’re so desperately ready to be back, we have to face the reality that the camp industry, like many others, is facing a real staffing crisis.Whether it’s pay, whether it’s work-load or whether it’s COVID, we need to be more intentional than ever about how we recruit, hire, and retain great staff.The whole team is here to talk not just about where they’re at, but what decisions they are making to ensure that the staffing culture (and numbers) is strong for years to come.-Tool of the Week – Make Yourself a Better Camp DirectorChris: Trello   iftf.orgGabz: Silent Fidget ToysJoe:  Imaginable: How to See the Future Coming and Feel Ready for Anything—Even Things That Seem Impossible Today - Jane McGonigal https://amzn.to/3iIOKXtTravis: Magnetic Charging Cable 6-Pack -Do you read the show notes? Let us know - click the following link to receive 10% off a lifetime subscription of Go Camp Pro's 5-Minute Fridays. (psst. Even if you don't buy anything, clicking this link will still help!)(click here - https://bit.ly/pod-notes-discount)-Your Hosts:Travis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp ProChris Hudson, Camp Director - Camp HighlightJoe Richards, Executive Director - Pearce WilliamsGabrielle Raill, Camp Director - Camp Ouareau-Thanks to our sponsors!Crazy CreekCrazy Creek Products has been perfecting Just Sit There for campers and staff alike since 1987.  Mention this ad when you email or call in and receive 10% off your entire order and free single-colour logo on your Crazy Creek’s!  No tool is more vital at camp than a Crazy Creek!  Call 800-446-3446 or email Chelsea  chill@crazycreek.com to guarantee your chairs for the 2022 season!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/camphacker

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2022/02/succession-planningThe year after you leave camp, how will it be doing? How does that reflect on your succession planning?What’s the plan?Seriously. When you, or another senior staff leaves… Who will pick up where you/they left off?Where are the procedures?What are the most important parts of the culture?Who knows the wifi password?Yes, even that last one. We’ve said it multiple times on the CampHacker Podcast so this shouldn’t be shocking…but…YOU AREN’T GOING TO BE THE DIRECTOR SOMEDAY!So how prepared are you?Have no fear, the CampHacker gang is here! Travis, Gabz, Chris (welcome back, Chris!) and Joe are ready to share the ways that they think about succession planning every day at camp.-Bonus Links!Because you read the show notes - and that’s pretty neat!Joe’s “Your Future at Camp” Activity - Instructions for Folding-Tool of the Week – Make Yourself a Better Camp DirectorChris: Thanks for the FeedbackGabz: Spike: Making emails simplerJoe: Sugru Travis: Google Photos screen - Google Next Hub https://store.google.com/product/nest_hub_2nd_gen?hl=en-GB-Your Hosts:Travis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp ProChris Hudson, Camp Director - Camp HighlightJoe Richards, Executive Director - Pearce WilliamsGabrielle Raill, Camp Director - Camp Ouareau-Thanks to our sponsors!Crazy CreekCrazy Creek Products has been perfecting Just Sit There for campers and staff alike since 1987.  Mention this ad when you email or call in and receive 10% off your entire order and free single-colour logo on your Crazy Creek’s!  No tool is more vital at camp than a Crazy Creek!  Call 800-446-3446 or email Chelsea  chill@crazycreek.com to guarantee your chairs for the 2022 season!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/camphacker

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2022/02/our-best-life-advice-for-staffWe don’t just raise staff to be great camp employees, we try to help set them up for success for the rest of their life.Camp has this beautiful, strange and messy blurring effect on the work/life relationship between bosses and employees. It’s tough for a lot of reasons, but we’re going to talk about one of the best parts of it on this episode.One of the inevitabilities of being a camp director is that simply because we’re leaders, people will look to us. What we’re able to do with that relationship is powerful.Whatever we pass on, whether it’s how to change a tire, or how to determine your next life steps, we know that it can have a profound effect.The gang’s all here and they’re full of the advice that they regularly give - and the advice they wish they got!-Tool of the Week – Make Yourself a Better Camp DirectorChris: Eat Breakfast!Gabz: Multi Timer AppJoe: Art - (https://www.saatchiart.com/ as an example for discovery)- things that make you happy.  Things that make you think.  Things that make you remember.  Things that speak to youTravis: https://www.fastcompany.com/90714184/use-old-phone-as-security-camera-Do you read the show notes? Let us know - click the following link to receive 10% off a lifetime subscription of Go Camp Pro's 5-Minute Fridays. (psst. Even if you don't buy anything, clicking this link will still help!)(click here - https://bit.ly/pod-notes-discount)-Your Hosts:Travis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp ProChris Hudson, Camp Director - Camp HighlightJoe Richards, Executive Director - Pearce WilliamsGabrielle Raill, Camp Director - Camp Ouareau-Rate and Review the CampHacker Show(Thank you!)-Thanks to our sponsors!Crazy CreekCrazy Creek Products has been perfecting Just Sit There for campers and staff alike since 1987.  Mention this ad when you email or call in and receive 10% off your entire order and free single-colour logo on your Crazy Creek’s!  No tool is more vital at camp than a Crazy Creek!  Call 800-446-3446 or email Chelsea  chill@crazycreek.com to guarantee your chairs for the 2022 season!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/camphacker

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2022/02/the-next-100-daysWhen it’s crunch time, you need to make sure all systems are GO. Here are the 10 most vital tips to make the most of the summer camp home stretch.Not only did we get some great feedback on our last episode with Ari and Abi, they realized that as they were preparing for their upcoming summers, they were relying on some tried and true strategies that their years in the “camp ops” world has taught them.Like the incredibly generous camp pros that they are, they are back on the CampHacker podcast to share these tips with Travis and all our listeners.Welcome back, Ari and Abi!-Tool of the Week – Make Yourself a Better Camp DirectorAri: Adam Grant’s InstagramAbbie: Gozen - newsletterTravis:The UpRooter (thanks, Ruby)-Do you read the show notes? Let us know - click the following link to receive 10% off a lifetime subscription of Go Camp Pro's 5-Minute Fridays. (psst. Even if you don't buy anything, clicking this link will still help!)(click here - https://bit.ly/pod-notes-discount)-Your Hosts:Travis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp ProAbigail Stuart, Director of Operations - Doxazo MinistriesAri Polsky, Program Manager, Client Services - JCamp 180 (a program of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation)-Thanks to our sponsors!Crazy CreekCrazy Creek Products has been perfecting Just Sit There for campers and staff alike since 1987.  Mention this ad when you email or call in and receive 10% off your entire order and free single-colour logo on your Crazy Creek’s!  No tool is more vital at camp than a Crazy Creek!  Call 800-446-3446 or email Chelsea  chill@crazycreek.com to guarantee your chairs for the 2022 season!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/camphacker

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2022/02/building-trust-with-parentsRegaining and building trust is one of our top post-pandemic priorities.We know, we know. You have a million other “post-pandemic priorities”, but this is one you can’t let slip!After 2 years of a pandemic that had us in a consistent tornado of fear AND for some, 2 years of no camp, we have some trust to build with families! But, like many things about the pandemic, there’s a silver lining here.2022 is your opportunity to completely revamp your communication and family onboarding strategy. It’s time to bust out all of the stops - but where to start?Gabz, Travis and Joe are joined by camp pro and Beyond Camp podcaster Rachel Kent to give you some of their best trust-building philosophies and strategies that you can implement RIGHT NOW.-Tool of the Week – Make Yourself a Better Camp DirectorTravis: Ulanzi Cute Cube Lite https://amzn.to/3mVmiUS | TinyCam (Android) for Keeping Wyze Cams on a portable screen http://tinycammonitor.com/Gabz: Vegan Treats for EveryoneJoe: 100 Questions Conversation Toolkit Rachel: Coffee Subscription - https://www.muskokaroastery.com/-Do you read the show notes? Let us know - click the following link to receive 10% off a lifetime subscription of Go Camp Pro's 5-Minute Fridays. (psst. Even if you don't buy anything, clicking this link will still help!)(click here - https://bit.ly/pod-notes-discount)-Your Hosts:Travis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp ProJoe Richards, Executive Director - Pearce WilliamsGabrielle Raill, Camp Director - Camp OuareauRachel Kent, Coordinator, Outdoor Experiences - Girl Guides of Canada, Ontario CouncilRate 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/camphacker

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2022/01/how-can-we-be-more-motivatedCheck-in with yourself. What do you need? Here’s how to make it happen.Motivation isn’t innate. There are times that, for whatever reason, we need a boost.Either it’s a project that we find difficult, or we aren’t getting the support or rest we need, or any number of things that can get us feeling down and distracted.It happens to everyone, including Joe, Travis and Gabz! So when it happens to you, and them, this episode is dedicated to what you can do to dig yourself out. Tune in to hear our host’s favourite motivation and relaxation strategies to get them back on the horse. We hope it helps!-Tool of the Week – Make Yourself a Better Camp DirectorTravis: Google Pixel Buds Series-AGabz: Thronmax Mic Joe: Multcloud | Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life-Do you read the show notes? Let us know - click the following link to receive 10% off a lifetime subscription of Go Camp Pro's 5-Minute Fridays. (psst. Even if you don't buy anything, clicking this link will still help!)(click here - https://bit.ly/pod-notes-discount)-Your Hosts:Travis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp ProJoe Richards, Executive Director - Pearce WilliamsGabrielle Raill, Camp Director - Camp OuareauRate and Review the CampHacker Show-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/camphacker

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2021/01/marketing-when-you-dont-want-toIt’s not about selling people on camp. It’s about telling your stories.Do you like every single part of being a camp director? Come on, be honest.There’s something that is every camp director’s kryptonite - something that you KNOW you need to do, and you probably do it, but just the thought of it makes you feel gross.For many directors out there, marketing is that thing.Social media, newsletters, podcasts, word of mouth, ads…yeesh. If it doesn’t come natural to you, it’s hard, but there’s hope.This episode will take you through all of the emotions through our hosts for today. Travis, the marketing expert, Gabz the enthusiastic marketing camp director, and Chris…on the opposite end of that spectrum. Give this great conversation a listen.And it’s not just the mushy stuff, there are a lot of great practical tips, so get excited!-Links from this show:Find them at https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2021/01/marketing-when-you-dont-want-to-Tool of the Week – Make Yourself a Better Camp DirectorTravis: Zapp Padd https://powerbx.com/discount/GoCampGabz: Multi Device Keyboard Logitech K380 https://amzn.to/32sk7RrChris: Spot It (https://amzn.to/3nKxGnj) - And the story behind Spot-It-Do you read the show notes? Let us know - click the following link to receive 10% off a lifetime subscription of Go Camp Pro's 5-Minute Fridays. (psst. Even if you don't buy anything, clicking this link will still help!)(click here - https://bit.ly/pod-notes-discount)-Your Hosts:Travis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp ProChris Hudson, Camp Director - Camp HighlightGabrielle 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/camphacker

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2021/12/operations-directorIt’s time for Camp Directors to stop trying to do everything. Invest in operations.Ari Polsky, the smartie that he is, posed this question in the COVID-19 + Camp Slack last June:“Based off the texts I have received from a few camp colleagues, and the current setup work I am doing I have some thoughts/questions:Are we (as a field) investing enough in operations and systems staff?How are we looking to cultivate/train/improve/retain people who keep the trains running on time?I am talking about the people who can rattle of database queries in their sleep and solve any operations, logistics, camp chessboard problems. It seems like in this time it’s, especially in need.”The conversation sparked from there and it was clear this was something we needed to zoom in on.Join Travis, Ari and Abigail Stuart (3/5 of The Brief Newsletter Team!) as they share what their roles have looked like as operational directors and why every camp should consider investing in the position.-Tool of the Week – Make Yourself a Better Camp DirectorTravis - Dawn Powerwash - https://amzn.to/3C4EwrJAbi - iGen by Jean Twenge - https://amzn.to/30pQ6kpAri - Bring Your Human to Work: 10 Surefire Ways to Design a Workplace That Is Good for People, Great for Business, and Just Might Change the World by Erica Kesman https://amzn.to/3C9VPHQMilk Crate https://amzn.to/3F56aqwMiss Excel on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/miss.excel/-Do you read the show notes? Let us know - click the following link to receive 10% off a lifetime subscription of Go Camp Pro's 5-Minute Fridays. (psst. Even if you don't buy anything, clicking this link will still help!)(click here - https://bit.ly/pod-notes-discount)-Your Hosts:Travis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp ProAbigail Stuart, Director of Operations - Doxazo MinistriesAri Polsky, Marketing, Fundraising and Data Analysis Consultant, AriPolsky.com-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/camphacker

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2021/12/all-tow-2021Cue the trombone music, it's ALL TOOLS ALL THE TIME!Back by popular demand, back again is our annual All TOWs show!This year, a focus on gifts for camp directors that promote positive mental health.Chris, Gabz, Travis and Joe all share…2 tools that positively affect your mental health2 books you read JUST FOR FUN2 gifts you’d recommend for every camp directorThere are WAY too many links for these tools to put in these show notes - check them out here: https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2021/12/all-tow-2021-Do you read the show notes? Let us know - click the following link to receive 10% off a lifetime subscription of Go Camp Pro's 5-Minute Fridays. (psst. Even if you don't buy anything, clicking this link will still help!)(click here - https://bit.ly/pod-notes-discount)-Your Hosts:Travis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp ProChris Hudson, Camp 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/camphacker