The CampHacker Podcast

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2021/05/parent-perspective-pik-my-kidSPONSORED CONTENT - Thanks to PikMyKid for their support!Every single camp has its own way of managing pick-up and drop-off and the great camps put a lot of time and intention into both processes.Remember, those two times may be the only physical impressions of your camp that parents get, so a well-polished process will win you big points in their books.In this interview pod, Travis sits down with Pat Bhava, the founder and CEO of PikMyKid, to share why he saw the need to bring pick-up and drop-off into the technological era, and how his software will leave a professional, polished impression with families.Please note - PikMyKid is a sponsor of Go Camp Pro. We’re grateful for their support.-Want to share your camp brand’s story? Advertise with Go Camp Pro.-Your Hosts:Travis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp ProPat Bhava, CEO & Founder - PikMyKidRate 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/2021/04/memorable-momentsIt’s going to happen. Here’s how to fire with compassion and dignity.We, as camp pros are all about stories.Stories about moments where we know that kids lives were changed. Where do those stories come from?There are so many intentional things that go into creating the type of environment where those moments flourish. Great camp pros know how to cultivate these type of moments, but it’s always great for a refresher.That’s why Gabz Chris, Joe and Travis are here to unpack some of their most memorable moments and the things that lead up to them.-What are some memorable moments from camp that come to mind? What went in to making them happen? Let us know in the comments!SNACK of the Week – Because why not?Travis: Bourbon Barrel Aged Maple Syrup on Ice CreamJoe: Wasabi PeanutsGabz: Bengal Spice TeaChris: Honey Nut Cheerios and Chocolate Chips - Straight Up-Your Hosts:Chris Hudson, Camp Director - Camp HighlightGabrielle Raill, Camp Director - Camp OuareauTravis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp ProJoe Richards, Executive Director - Pearce Williams-Rate 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/2021/04/fire-someoneIt’s going to happen. Here’s how to fire with compassion and dignity.This is another thing that’s just “part of the job”.Firing someone is especially hard in a place that’s so connected with people’s emotions.Often, when someone is fired at camp, it’s not usually because they have anything against us, or even about camp. They’ve usually just made a choice that is against policy, or they aren’t at the level we need them to be.Travis, Joe and Chris are joined by Rachel Kent, camp pro and co-host of the podcast, Beyond Camp to discuss how they let staff go and do it with a great amount of tact and compassion.-What do you do when you have to let people go? Let us know in the comments!-Tool of the Week – Make Yourself a Better Camp DirectorTravis: Get Together: How to build a community with your people - https://amzn.to/3rWSHLgJoe: UST Survival Playing Cards - https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B01F393TYQ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 & Pro Knot Outdoor Knot Cards - https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/0922273227/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Rachel Kent: Visual Timer appChris: Sneaky Cards - https://sneakycards.com/ -Your Hosts:Chris Hudson, Camp Director - Camp HighlightTravis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp ProJoe Richards, Executive Director - Pearce WilliamsRachel Kent, Coordinator, Member Risk - Girl Guides of Canada-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/2021/04/all-at-onceYou know…when the chocolate pudding really hits the fan.We don’t wish it on you. But at some point in your camp career, it’s going to happen.Something will go wrong and you’ll say to yourself “crap, that’s not good”.Then you’ll get an urgent walkie call and you’ll say, “seriously?”Then, the power will go out, and you’ll be standing there in the dark saying to yourself, “well. damn. I’m really in it now”.You can prepare as much as you want, but there’s no way to prevent the dreaded domino of disaster. However, by hearing about how other camp pros made it through these hard times, you can at least rest assured that you can do it. You can get through the tidal wave of trouble relatively unscathed.Join Chris, Gabz, Travis and Joe as they share their perfect storms and the swim strokes that got them to the other side.-When it really hits the fan. What do you do? Let us know in the comments!Tool of the Week – Make Yourself a Better Camp DirectorTravis: Genesys RPG Dice - https://amzn.to/3sNwzD6Joe: A Library Card. Period. Full Stop.  Go get a library card and learn how to use it online.Gabz: https://www.anylist.com/Chris: Gather.town-Your Hosts:Chris Hudson, Camp Director - Camp HighlightGabrielle Raill, Camp Director - Camp OuareauTravis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp ProJoe Richards, Executive Director - Pearce Williams-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://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/you-can-do-itA Love Letter for Camps Considering Running in 2021 - from Go Camp ProReview us on iTunes!If you’re able to run camp this summer, we want to make sure you know you can do it.This special Go Camp Pro Podcast is for camps out there who are on the fence about running this summer. We support each other in this industry and we believe that it’s on all of us to help each other succeed. Here’s one of our contributions.Chris Hudson from Camp Highlight - who did no run in 2020 sits down with Andy Pritikin from Liberty Lake and Kelly Espinosa from Kennolyn Camps, who did run in 2020. Tune in to hear about why camp is more important than ever and learn about Andy and Kelly’s fears, tears and cheers when it comes to running camp during a pandemic.We don’t know many things right now, but we know that kids will need camp this summer more than ever. They NEED you.We are in the business of changing children’s lives and they’ve never needed a life-changing moment more than this one.-YOUR HOSTS:Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day CampKelly Espinosa, Day Camp Director - Kennolyn CampsChris Hudson, Camp Director - Camp Highlight-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/2021/03/stuck-and-unstuckNever ever ever ever ever ever say “We’ve always done it this way” again.How often do you feel stuck in a rut?Becuase of this year, because of the work, because of the stress, there are always reasons to get stuck, but being a true Camp Maverick means that you’re quick to recognize those moments, and quick to being the process of “unstucking” yourself.Chris, Gabz, Travis and Joe have felt this many times in their camping careers. They join together to share their favourite strategies and biggest learning moments when it comes to getting stuck, and unstuck.-What do you do when you’re stuck? Let us know in the comments!-Tool of the Week – Make Yourself a Better Camp DirectorTravis: Yaktrax Pro Traction Cleats for Walking, Jogging, or Hiking on Snow and Ice, X-LargeJoe: The Align Right™ Sleeping Pillow - The Pillow that fits your head, not your bed. https://alignright.com/products/sleeping-pillowGabz: Blue Light Blocking GlassesChris: https://hootsuite.com/-Your Hosts:Chris Hudson, Camp Director - Camp HighlightGabrielle Raill, Camp Director - Camp OuareauTravis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp ProJoe Richards, Executive Director - Pearce WilliamsRate 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/2021/03/camp-director-careerThis episode is a loving punch in the gut.As we’ve said before, it’s our job as camp directors to think about the big things.And sometimes, those big things aren’t popular, or happy-go-lucky things, but that doesn’t make them any less important!Our podcast is no different. Back in April 2020, we broached the topic of “What if camp doesn’t run in 2020?”We can’t hide away from the hard things & this is a hard thing.As the COVID-19 pandemic rocks our industry for likely 2 (or more?) summers, will it be viable to be a full-time camp director?Join Chris, Gabz, Travis and Joe as they wade into these gross waters.It’s not all bad - trust us!-What do you think the camp industry will look like in 5 years? Let us know in the comments!-Tool of the Week – Make Yourself a Better Camp DirectorTravis: Libro.fm: audiobooks that support local, independent bookstores. Joe: TechSoup - https://www.techsoup.global/ (Aug 2011 last time) & Happy sock Twitter @yoyojoer Gabz: Fabulous - Daily Self Care AppChris: Humans by Brandon Stanton https://www.allbookstores.com/Humans-Stanton-Brandon/9781250114297Your Hosts:Chris Hudson, Camp Director - Camp HighlightGabrielle Raill, Camp Director - Camp OuareauTravis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp ProJoe Richards, Executive Director - Pearce Williams-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!CampHacker: Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2021/02/eye-of-eagle-2021Our job is to look forward. But when you feel like you don’t have time, allow the CampHacker crew to help!Have you heard the expression “in uncharted waters?”. Of course, you have.Well, right now, in February 2021, we’re in the uncharted river paddling towards the uncharted waterfall, which descends into the uncharted wading pool.Even for camps that ran last summer, the COVID-19 pandemic saga is far from over.Chris, Gabz, Travis and Joe are here to dig into the obvious, and the not-so-obvious things that directors should be thinking about with a few months of time to spare.This isn’t an easy conversation, but as directors, it’s our job to have them.What’s on your mind for 2021? Let us know in the comments!-Tool of the Week – Make Yourself a Better Camp DirectorTravis: Amazon Basics (or DeWalt - which ever is cheaper) Safety Goggles for All (including Glasses wearers) https://amzn.to/2LRELSuJoe: The Big Book of Maker Skills https://amzn.to/3nL92jtGabz: Rode VideoMicro https://amzn.to/2N5Bv6S or Shure mic for androids https://amzn.to/3nIp5hWChris: Amusing Ourselves To Death - Neil Postman https://amzn.to/2XHQrKk-Your Hosts:Chris Hudson, Camp Director - Camp HighlightGabrielle Raill, Camp Director - Camp OuareauTravis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp ProJoe Richards, Executive Director - Pearce Williams-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/2021/02/blm-at-campA follow-up conversation with the organizers of the Black Lives Matter at Summer Camp Movementhttps://blacklivesmatteratcamp.com/Summer camp is built on the idea of giving young people fuller lives through recreation, enrichment, and community. Our industry centers on the well-being of youth and was created to better their life outcomes, experiences, and personal growth. This is why we are camp professionals and why we believe in the power of camp.Therefore, it is a fundamental and necessary step for us to affirm that Black Lives Matter. As camps and camp professionals, this statement lies at the core of our identity and values within this industry.On the day of action for Black Lives Matter at Summer Camp, professionals affirmed that right here and right now, while we know our work is for all campers, staff, and families, we must focus on the ones calling for help. We must focus on the members of our broader community asking for and demanding change and justice. We must extend our hearts, our values, and the power of the experience we create to those who have been left behind.-Tool of the Week – Make Yourself a Better Camp DirectorTravis: Inbo Remote Meeting Cards https://www.inbo.ca/remotely-store Doug: America The Dream: https://americathedream.org/videos Lily: Rise Up Singing book. https://amzn.to/3mM561j Scott: Creative Quest https://amzn.to/3nIfNTP -Your Hosts:Doug Sutherland, Executive Director, Brantwood CampLily Mercogliano Easton, Camp Director, Camp Wa Wa SegoweaScott Arizala, Founder & Chairman of Camp Tall Tree, Consultant & TrainerTravis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp Pro-Rate and Review the CampHacker Show-Thanks to this episode’s 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 show notes and more at: https://www.camphacker.tv/podcast/2020/08/racism-in-recreationA repost of an important conversation around how to make the camp and recreation industries a more welcoming place for a wider range of people. In this special summer bonus episode, Travis is joined by Dr. Daniel Theriault to discuss racism, power and privilege in the recreation industry. Dr. Theriault and Travis dig into some of the work that’s needed to subvert these unhealthy systems within the rec and camp industry.It’s a great interview and we’re so grateful to Dr. Theriault for joining us.Some notes from this interview:Dr. Theriault proposes three things that all recreation professionals, camp professionals, and white people can do to start toWork to see power and privilege - the power systems that shape the way the world works (racism, classism, etc.).Take responsibility for our role in those systems.Take anti-racist actions.Drilling down into some specifics:Normalize the lack of comfort that will surely follow when we start to confront our involvement in systems power and privilegeRead what is painful - read and absorb information on the BIPOC history and experience so we are better equipped to serve our campers through that lens of understanding.Think about the media that we absorb and how BIPOC communities are represented in those shows and movies.Daniel and Travis come to some for the Summer Camp Industry as a whole:Be careful about the language we use and the messages it sense. For example, how might “Color War” be perceived in light of the racial conflict that has existed in communities over the last 200+ years.Look at policy - Who do we value? Who do we hire? Why do we hire them?Educate ourselves and others on the history of the land our camp is on and who occupied the land not just before the camp, but before settlement.Increasing representation of diverse staff at your camp. This can help your camp start to truly look like a camp where BIPOC campers can see themselves.First steps here include ensuring our pre-camp training includes topics of power, privilege and the contexts of racism.Building relationships of trust with community organizations, HBCUs and other places where you may look to hire BIPOC folks.Remember, these are bullet-points, not check-boxes. Undoing the systems of racism, power and privilege is going to be lifelong work.Thank you to those Camp Pros who are committed to continuing to do this continued work.-Links from this episodeDr. Theriault’s article: Vulnerable Teaching in Leisure Studies-Your Hosts:Travis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - CampHacker.TV, Founder at Go Camp ProDr. Daniel Theriault, Assistant Professor of Recreation Management at Appalachian State University - theriaultds@appstate.eduRate and Review the CampHacker Show(Thank you!)