The CampHacker Podcast

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2021/06/recruitment-begins-nowWas staffing a pain for you this year? Let’s get ahead of this beast for next summer!The global pandemic has hit our industry hard in so many ways, but one of them that we didn’t really expect was how hesitant our youth and young adults who have traditionally served every summer at camp would be about joining us for another season. And whether that was because they were a bit more risk-averse, or maybe they’ve just seen the financial benefits more desirable. Either way, what we need to take away from this is just how intentional we need to be about recruiting staff. What better time to start than when you have staff at camp NOW?Chris, Gabz, and Travis are joined by returning guest Neva Baltzell to share how thinking about recruitment now will not just benefit next year, but will have a profound impact on your current staff team.-Rate and Review the CampHacker Show (thanks, eh?)-Tool of the Week – Make Yourself a Better Camp DirectorTravis: BarKeeper’s Friend - https://amzn.to/3hpCewANeva: UNO Flip, Monopoly Deal, Monopoly BidGabz: NotionChris: Black Boys Documentary-Your Hosts:Chris Hudson, Camp Director - Camp HighlightGabrielle Raill, Camp Director - Camp OuareauTravis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp ProNeva Baltzell, Residential Manager at Florida United Methodist Children's Home-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

Kate Taylor, Camp Director at the historic Camp YMCA Kanawana, joins for an honest discussion on summer self-care for camp directors. She emphasizes the need for boundaries and managing stress to serve staff better. The concept of 'brain play' is introduced for fostering creativity amidst chaos. Taylor shares how pets can lighten the camp atmosphere, along with amusing anecdotes about a 'cursing circle' as a stress relief outlet. Practical tools and routines are highlighted to help directors prioritize their well-being while juggling responsibilities.

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2021/05/incentivizing-staff-beyond-the-paychequePay your staff more - AND - here are some other ways to appreciate and incentivize the camp experience.We should all be working to pay our staff more. Full stop.That being said, it may be impossible to pay staff for the sheer amount of joy, passion, blood, sweat and tears they put in to the work they do. So even WHEN we’re able to pay staff more, we should be doing everything we can to show staff how much we appreciate them and how valuable the camp experience is.Chris, Travis and Joe are joined by Go Camp Pro contributor Darby Dame to share their best practices on how to incentivize staff beyond just how we pay them.-How do you show staff they are valued? Let us know in the comments!-Tool of the Week – Make Yourself a Better Camp DirectorTravis: The Book with No Pictures - BJ Novak https://amzn.to/3wZbF6ZJoe: zip ties - organizations secret weapon - https://youtu.be/fhIts8zhn_A | The Art of Possibility by Rosamund Stone Zanderand Benjamin Zander https://amzn.to/2PXElwBDarby: HotJar websiteChris: Run of the mill Laminating Machine https://amzn.to/3e57kGF-Your Hosts:Chris Hudson, Camp Director - Camp HighlightTravis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp ProJoe Richards, Executive Director - Pearce WilliamsDarby Dame, Director of Marketing and Communications - Camp High Rocks-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/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/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/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/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/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/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/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/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://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/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/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/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/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/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