The CampHacker Podcast

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2022/11/mightiest-mess-ups-None of us are perfect. Come celebrate, and learn from our mistakes!We’ve all been there - so why not be there, together?The positive way to frame mistakes is of course, “these were just learning experiences”, but it sure doesn’t feel like that in the moment.We all process mistakes that we make differently. Some people hold onto it. Some immediately move to problem-solving but the true camp pros out there know how to own the suck, not repeat it and set others up for success.We’re grateful for the vulnerability that Gabz, Travis, Chris and Joe show in this episode by sharing about the small…and not so small screw-ups in their camping careers.Come commiserate with us in this episode!-Tool of the Week – Make Yourself a Better Camp DirectorChris: Take a trip, get outta your comfort zone!Gabz: The Future Of Writing… Jarvis aiTravis: Gauntlet Community Open Gaming WeekendJoe: Bar Keepers Friend - Cookware Powder Cleanser and Polish https://amzn.to/343ilasYour 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!CamptivitiesScheduling is the backbone of every camper’s experience, but when there’s a staffing change, it’s almost impossible to fill that role with someone who knows all of the nuisance a schedule takes. Come check Camptivities out; specifically designed for camps by camp people. Find out more at camptivities.comUltraCampWouldn’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/2022/10/debriefing-2022-Our summers may have been different, but the common thread is that our industry will never be the same again.If we ever needed something to teach us the lesson that “camp, like it was in 2019 isn’t coming back” the summer of 2022 was it.Holy moly folks.We hope that you’re doing okay.We know that not everyone is in the same boat, and who knows, maybe 2022 was your best summer yet (if it was…will you come on the Podcast and tell us about it?). But we all have to collectively shake our damn heads and realize that things have changed.PEOPLE, WE’RE THE PEOPLE THAT GAG WHEN SOMEONE SAYS “THIS IS THE WAY WE’VE ALWAYS DONE IT”.Too dramatic? Maybe. Or maybe not.This summer 2022 debrief episode with Travis, Chris, Gabz and Joe gets a little bit spicy - but it’s for good reason. We need to keep asking questions, pushing each other and digging in on what our campers, families and staff need as we keep this industry alive.-Tool of the Week – Make Yourself a Better Camp DirectorChris - You are Here - Thich Nhat HanhGabz - camp craft that actually looks good - Gnomes!Joe - CO2 Monitor Portable - https://aranet.com/products/aranet4/Travis - NotePD - https://notepd.com/invite/Travishttps://notepd.com/challenge/things-that-the-summer-camp-industry-needs-to-consider-for-a-sustainable-future-o01ei-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!CamptivitiesScheduling is the backbone of every camper’s experience, but when there’s a staffing change, it’s almost impossible to fill that role with someone who knows all of the nuisance a schedule takes. Come check Camptivities out; specifically designed for camps by camp people. Find out more at camptivities.comUltraCampWouldn’t it be refreshing if your registration soFree 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/2022/06/why-society-doesnt-value-campWe NEED to tell our story.Coming out of this major phase of the pandemic is our industry’s biggest chance to prove our value. Period.We need to do everything we can to show the world that camp is more than a place with games, songs and friends. But how do we do that when there are still so many incorrect stereotypes about what we do?Travis, Joe and Chris share how they, along with many other pros are flipping the narrative and how YOU (yes you!) can get involved.-Tool of the Week – Make Yourself a Better Camp DirectorChris: Buy a ChromebookJoe: Urgent Optimist - Mighty Network Group - see book - Imaginable - Institute for the FutureTravis:  Gestimer for Mac-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: 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/2022/05/calling-camp-homeBecause what other “home” comes with a Gaga pit and 20+ dining hall tables?We know you’ve heard it. “Camp is my home away from home!” - some camps even go as far as saying “welcome home!” to everyone that drives up the camp road.Why does that happen?What is it about the summer camp experience that causes something in our brains that says “I’m home”.And what happens for the people that it doesn’t?Chris, Gabz, Joe and Travis get together for a great philosophical chat about what we do, and can do more of, to make that “home” experience for truly everyone that enters our program.-Tool of the Week – Make Yourself a Better Camp DirectorChris: Codenames https://amzn.to/3xuf8gC, online codenamesGabz: Monday.com - Online Collaboration ToolJoe: Super MEGA Lucky Box - Board Game for all - and you can play soloTravis: Libro.fm   https://libro.fm/referral?rf_code=lfm210064-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 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/2022/05/sending-campers-home-intentionIt may not happen often, but when you, unfortunately, have to send a camper home, you need to get it right.One of the unfortunate realities of being a camp professional is that it’s likely that eventually, a camper is going to have to go home early.Whether it’s because of a medical reason, or a behavioural one, a camper going home is never easy. It can send shockwaves not only to them and their parents/caregivers but to your entire camp community.That’s why it’s important that you don’t leave the “going home” process to chance and instincts.It’s a good thing that Kate Taylor has dropped in to share her stories and best practices with Travis, Joe and Chris! Tune in!-Tool of the Week – Make Yourself a Better Camp DirectorChris: Inclusive Conversations by Mary-Frances WintersJoe:  Creative Market - Free Downloads each weekKate: Avacado Freshness HackTravis: From Stressed to Resilient - Dr G - https://amzn.to/3tx25Z6-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 OuareauKate Taylor, Camp Director, Camp Kanawana at The YMCAs of Québec-Rate and Review the CampHacker Show-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 applFree 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/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/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/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,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/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 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/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 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/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/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