Camp Code - Leadership & Staff Training Podcast for Camp Directors

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!Find full show notes and links at: https://www.gocamp.pro/campcode/summerhealthchecklist2025Camp Health Essentials: Expert Tips for a Safe SummerIn this episode of Camp Code, hosts Gabrielle and Beth speak with Dr. Amy Greer, an infectious disease expert, about maintaining a healthy camp environment. They discuss key health risks such as COVID-19, measles, and whooping cough, and the importance of vaccination, hand hygiene, and outdoor activities. Practical tips for dealing with sick campers, the relevance of proper air quality and public health protocols, and busting myths about hand sanitizer and virus evolution are also covered. This episode offers invaluable insights for camp leaders to ensure the safety and well-being of their campers and staff.We hope you love this episode of Camp Code! If you do, please consider subscribing to the show, and leaving us a rating in your Podcast app. It’s SO easy, just head to https://ratethispodcast.com/campcode-Best Practice for Leadership TrainingFrom AmyAs we continue to look for ways to improve health and safety at camp, it's important to consider not just infectious diseases, but also broader environmental factors that can impact the well-being of both kids and staff. One resource that might be new and valuable to you is the Canadian Partnership for Children's Health and Environment.Their website, HealthyEnvironmentForKids.ca, offers a wealth of information on air quality risks — including the impact of wildfire smoke and air pollution. These are increasingly relevant concerns, especially in outdoor camp settings.Whether you're preparing for the season or updating your safety protocols, this site provides practical, research-based guidance to help you create a healthier environment for everyone at camp. It's definitely worth a visit.-Special Guest: Amy Greer,  Infectious Disease Epidemiologist and Professor at Trent University  - https://www.amygreer.caYour Hosts:Beth Allison, Camp Consultant - Go Camp ProGabrielle Raill, Camp Director - Camp Ouareau-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 ultracampmanagemnent.com/campcode.BowlineHQCamp Leaders: Win back your time to what matters most, your campers. Bowline's comprehensive accounting, back-office solutions, and tech-enabled team free up your staff to focus on your mission. Visit bowlinehq.com to learn more and book a free 2-hour financial diagnostic. 

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!Find full show notes and links at: https://www.gocamp.pro/campcode/creating-safer-braver-spacesInclusive Leadership at Camp: Insights from Simone GambleIn this episode of Camp Code, hosts Gabrielle and Beth sit down with Simone Gamble from OAAARS to discuss creating safer spaces for BIPOC communities through intersectional, anti-oppressive lenses. Simone shares the importance of using play as a tool for justice education, the impact of the Kids Already program, and how camps can implement these practices to build inclusive and supportive environments. Simone's insights offer camp professionals a chance to reflect on their identities and approaches, encouraging ethical allyship and transformative change within camp culture.We hope you love this episode of Camp Code! If you do, please consider subscribing to the show, and leaving us a rating in your Podcast app. It’s SO easy, just head to https://ratethispodcast.com/campcode-Best Practice for Leadership TrainingFrom SimoneIn conversations about supporting young people, a common fear is "getting it wrong." But making mistakes is part of the process. The speaker shares that their journey began with the fear of saying the wrong thing—but instead of holding back, that fear became a catalyst to take action. The message is clear: young people aren't expecting perfection; they're looking for honesty, effort, and growth. The worst mistake is doing nothing at all. Now more than ever, we need to create safe spaces for youth to talk openly about the world around them, especially on topics once considered taboo. If we don’t start these crucial conversations now, we risk missing the chance entirely. The time for action—and for trying, even imperfectly—is now.-Special Guest: Simone Gamble, Founder - OAAARSYour Hosts:Beth Allison, Camp Consultant - Go Camp ProGabrielle Raill, Camp Director - Camp Ouareau-Thanks to our sponsors…BowlineHQCamp Leaders: Win back your time to what matters most, your campers. Bowline's comprehensive accounting, back-office solutions, and tech-enabled team free up your staff to focus on your mission. Visit bowlinehq.com to learn more and book a free 2-hour financial diagnostic. 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 ultracampmanagemnent.com/campcode.

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!Find full show notes and links at: https://www.gocamp.pro/campcode/12-things-you-should-be-focused-on-as-the-camp-season-approachesPreparing for Camp Season: Key Focus Areas for SuccessAs the much-anticipated camp season draws closer, it's essential for camp leaders to shift their focus onto key areas that ensure a successful and enriching experience for everyone involved. In the latest episode of Camp Code, Beth and Gabrielle share their top recommendations catering to staff, campers, and personal preparations for camp leaders.We hope you love this episode of Camp Code! If you do, please consider subscribing to the show, and leaving us a rating in your Podcast app. It’s SO easy, just head to https://ratethispodcast.com/campcode-Best Practice for Leadership TrainingFrom GabrielleOne of the most valuable decisions I’ve made in my career was volunteering with both my provincial and national camp associations. While I recognize that volunteering is a privilege not everyone can afford, it became a powerful investment in my professional development and helped me build a strong, supportive network.I want to encourage camp professionals—especially those who are newer to the field—not to hesitate in reaching out to your state, provincial, or national associations. It’s easy to feel like your camp is “too small” or your question “too basic,” but these organizations are here for you—not just in crisis, but for learning, guidance, and everyday questions.Whether you're worried about finances, curious about emerging health concerns, or simply feeling unsure, your association is a resource. Think of it like a staff member coming to you for help—it’s not a burden, it’s an opportunity for meaningful support and growth. Associations welcome those conversations with the same enthusiasm.You don’t have to navigate challenges alone. Reach out. Ask questions. Build connections. You belong in this community, and your association is excited to walk alongside you.-Your Hosts:Beth Allison, Camp Consultant - Go Camp ProGabrielle Raill, Camp Director - Camp Ouareau-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 ultracampmanagemnent.com/campcode.BowlineHQCamp Leaders: Win back your time to what matters most, your campers. Bowline's comprehensive accounting, back-office solutions, and tech-enabled team free up your staff to focus on your mission. Visit bowlinehq.com to learn more and book a free 2-hour financial diagnostic. 

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!Find full show notes and links at: https://www.camphacker.tv/camp-code/engaging-multigenerational-staff-during-trainingA Great Episode From The Archives!Beth and Gabz are still in full-on conference season wrap up so we'll be back with a new episode in two weeks.In the meantime, here's a "Camp Code Classic!" - our most downloaded episode.Enjoy!Multigenerational staff may not be applicable to your camp today, but it absolutely will happen at some point, and what better time to have this in the back of your mind as summer camps eagerly way and adjust to many new guidelines being put in place as the worldwide pandemic continues. Multigenerational staff means that some younger staff may still live at home, not be used to doing laundry, or that their summer at camp may be their first job. At the same time, the older staff probably have car payments, or a mortgage or is used to going to bed at an earlier time than 18-year-olds. Additionally, there is a physical layer to an older generation staff where they may not be able to crawl on the ground, or have other limitations. In Ruby’s experience, she asked herself during any game “can rock paper scissors resolve this” and in most cases, the answer is yes and most people at any age can play rock paper scissors, so it is a great alternative to something like crawling under someone’s legs in freeze tag. As we wrap our season, we hope all you leaders are ready for what summer brings us. We all know camp will be different this summer, but camp is still at heart, summer camp leaders. For everyone who has tuned in to this season, have a great summer and we look forward to more conversations in the fall. -Leadership Training Best PracticeFrom Gabrielle RaillEven though this best practice is from Gabrielle, it was Ruby that brought it up on another podcast. When you are designing camp training for the summer, bring your leadership in on the conversation. Send your leadership team an outline of the staff training and some of the decisions behind what you want to keep and what you want to change. Open the dialogue with your leadership team to see how decisions are made. -Your Hosts:Gabrielle Raill, Camp Director - Camp OuareauBeth Allison, Camp Consultant - CampHacker.tvRuby Compton, Chief Exploration Officer - Ruby Outdoors

Explore the art of developing leadership skills in campers through innovative strategies. Discover how celebrating mistakes can lead to personal growth. Learn the power of creative group projects that foster teamwork and problem-solving. Hear about mentorship opportunities and the importance of empowering campers with choices. The conversation emphasizes creating a supportive camp culture, where both staff and campers thrive together, enriching the overall camp experience with essential life skills.

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!Find full show notes and links at: https://www.gocamp.pro/campcode/technology-and-social-media-in-camp-leadershipTech & Camp Leadership: Maximizing Tools Without Losing FocusIn this Camp Code episode, our hosts dive into the impact of technology and social media on camp leadership. They explore whether technology has been beneficial, how it has changed the game, and the best ways to utilize these tools effectively. Joining the conversation is Travis Allison, co-founder of GoCamp.pro, who shares valuable insights on managing staff communication, engaging with parents, and teaching campers about responsible technology use. This episode emphasizes the importance of using emails over social media, creating comprehensive resources like a parent hub, and leveraging AI for better communication. Tune in for practical tips and thoughtful discussion on making technology work for your camp.-We hope you love this episode of Camp Code! If you do, please consider subscribing to the show, and leaving us a rating in your Podcast app. It’s SO easy, just head to https://ratethispodcast.com/campcode-Best Practice for Leadership TrainingFrom TravisOne of the most important things camp professionals can do is recognize the true value of their time. Too often, directors and leadership staff take on tasks that seem necessary or cost-effective in the moment but, in reality, pull them away from higher-impact work. Whether it’s managing social media, designing a website, plowing snow, or covering lifeguard shifts, these tasks may feel productive—but are they really the best use of your time?A simple way to assess this is by determining how much your time costs the organization. When you break down your salary into an hourly rate, you start to see your work through a different lens. That perspective can be a game-changer when deciding where to focus your efforts. If you wouldn’t pay someone that hourly rate to complete a low-return task, why should the camp pay for your time to do it?By recognizing the true value of your time, you can make more informed decisions about what to take on and what to delegate. It’s not just about working harder—it’s about working smarter to ensure your efforts bring the greatest benefit to your camp and its mission.Resource:Click the link to access the GoCamp.Pro USELetter Special Guest:Travis Allison, Co-Founder - Go Camp Pro-Your Hosts:Beth Allison, Camp Consultant - Go Camp ProGabrielle Raill, Camp Director - Camp Ouareau-Thanks to our sponsors…BowlineHQCamp Leaders: Win back your time to what matters most, your campers. Bowline's comprehensive accounting, back-office solutions, and tech-enabled team free up your staff to focus on your mission. Visit bowlinehq.com to learn more and book a free 2-hour financial diagnostic. 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

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!Find full show notes and links at: https://www.gocamp.pro/campcode/best-ways-to-deal-with-conflict-between-campers-and-staffNavigating Camper-Staff Conflicts: Building Relationships & Win-Win SolutionsIn this Camp Code episode, Our hosts recognize that our industry is all about relationships. We're people. We're learning to live in community five days a week or around the clock. Today, we're diving into the best ways to deal with conflict between campers and staff. Because even in the happiest of places, summer camp, conflict between these two groups can still exist.And we need to do our best to leave both sides with win win solutions and practice. With important life skills.-We hope you love this episode of Camp Code! If you do, please consider subscribing to the show, and leaving us a rating in your Podcast app. It’s SO easy, just head to https://ratethispodcast.com/campcode-Best Practice for Leadership TrainingFrom Gabrielle One of the most overlooked aspects of camp leadership is ensuring staff are equipped to handle unexpected situations, especially when traveling in camp vehicles. A simple but game-changing investment is a portable battery pack jumperthat allows staff to restart a vehicle without needing another car.Technology has advanced significantly, and these compact, easy-to-use devices can be a lifesaver when a vehicle’s battery dies unexpectedly; whether from a forgotten interior light or other minor issues. Some even come with built-in air compressors for inflating tires.For camps that rely on transportation, having these tools in every camp vehicle ensures quick solutions, reduces stress, and keeps staff and campers safe. A small investment in preparedness can prevent big disruptions and provide peace of mind for everyone on the road.Your Hosts:Beth Allison, Camp Consultant - Go Camp ProGabrielle Raill, Camp Director - Camp Ouareau-Thanks to our sponsors…BowlineHQCamp Leaders: Win back your time to what matters most, your campers. Bowline's comprehensive accounting, back-office solutions, and tech-enabled team free up your staff to focus on your mission. Visit bowlinehq.com to learn more and book a free 2-hour financial diagnostic. 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 ultracampmanagemnent.com/campcode.

In this engaging conversation, Chris Rehs-Dupin, co-founder of TCAMP, shares his expertise on creating inclusive summer camp environments for LGBTQIA+ campers. He emphasizes the critical role of scenario-based training in enhancing staff preparedness, stressing the use of realistic scenarios to develop problem-solving skills. Chris discusses effective methods like incorporating skits and debriefing sessions to reinforce learning. He also highlights the need to choose non-traumatic scenarios, ensuring a safe space for staff to learn and grow while avoiding emotional overwhelm.

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!Find full show notes and links at: https://www.gocamp.pro/campcode/moreultracamp-summer-camp-employment-studyHiring Trends and Challenges in Summer Camps: More Results from Ultracamp!In this episode of Camp Code, Donnie Keel from UltraCamp shares findings from the Summer Camp Employment Study, offering valuable insights on hiring, training, and retaining camp staff. The discussion covers student mindsets towards summer employment, the importance of word-of-mouth recruitment, and effective hiring practices, such as reducing application barriers and maintaining constant communication with potential hires. The episode also emphasizes the role of positive experiences and addressing financial compensation concerns to attract quality staff. The hosts highlight the importance of parental influence in recruitment and suggest strategies like resume workshops to enhance staff development and appeal to parents.-Editorial Note:Ultracamp, who conducted the survey discussed in this episode, is a sponsor of this podcast. Our commitment is to provide you with insightful and helpful content, regardless of sponsorship.-We hope you love this episode of Camp Code! If you do, please consider subscribing to the show, and leaving us a rating in your Podcast app. It’s SO easy, just head to https://ratethispodcast.com/campcode-Best Practice for Leadership TrainingFrom Gabrielle At the end of every summer, we host a resume and cover letter workshop for our staff, helping them translate their camp experience into professional skills. This 1-2 hour session offers templates, practical guidance, and advice on framing their summer accomplishments in a way employers outside the camp world can understand. It’s a simple but impactful way to prepare our counselors and staff for future opportunities.We also promote the workshop to families during camper drop-offs, and the response is overwhelmingly positive. Parents love seeing us invest in their kids’ professional development, and it adds value to the overall camp experience. For our staff, the workshop not only builds confidence but also strengthens their connection to camp, increasing the likelihood of their return next year.This initiative has been a win-win for everyone. If you’re part of a camp or similar organization, consider hosting a post-season career workshop. It’s a small effort that leaves a lasting impact.Special Guest: Donnie Keele, Media and Learning Lead at UltracampYour Hosts:Beth Allison, Camp Consultant - Go Camp ProGabrielle Raill, Camp Director - Camp OuareauThanks to our sponsors…BowlineHQCamp Leaders: Win back your time to what matters most, your campers. Bowline's comprehensive accounting, back-office solutions, and tech-enabled team free up your staff to focus on your mission. Visit bowlinehq.com to learn more and book a free 2-hour financial diagnostic. 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

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!Find full show notes and links at: https://www.gocamp.pro/campcode/criticalroleofaccountabilityBuilding Stronger Teams Through Accountability at Camp!In this episode of Camp Code, hosted by the GoCamp.Pro team, Gabz and Beth discuss the critical role of accountability in summer camp settings. Highlighting its impact on trust, productivity, and performance, they delve into practical methods for instilling accountability among staff. They stress the importance of clear expectations, consistent feedback, role modeling, and staff empowerment. They also touch upon the need for creating a culture of reflection, celebrating success, and fostering a problem-solving mindset among young camp leaders. With valuable insights and real-life examples, this episode is a comprehensive guide to embedding accountability within camp leadership training.-We hope you love this episode of Camp Code! If you do, please consider subscribing to the show, and leaving us a rating in your Podcast app. It’s SO easy, just head to https://ratethispodcast.com/campcode-Best Practice for Leadership TrainingFrom Beth Supporting staff through goal setting during check-ins shows you care about their personal and professional growth. By encouraging them to set short- and long-term goals and revisiting these throughout the season, you help them stay focused and motivated. Taking the time to discuss not just their goals but the steps they’re taking to achieve them fosters a sense of accountability that feels personal, not just a job requirement. This process empowers them to reflect on what they want, while your encouragement and recognition of their progress inspire confidence and pride. With clear expectations, open communication, and a culture of celebration, you create a supportive environment where staff feel valued and connected, making camp an even more rewarding experience for everyone.-Your Hosts:Beth Allison, Camp Consultant - Go Camp ProGabrielle Raill, Camp Director - Camp Ouareau-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 ultracampmanagemnent.com/campcode.BowlineHQCamp Leaders: Win back your time to what matters most, your campers. Bowline's comprehensive accounting, back-office solutions, and tech-enabled team free up your staff to focus on your mission. Visit bowlinehq.com to learn more and book a free 2-hour financial diagnostic.