Camp Code - Leadership & Staff Training Podcast for Camp Directors

Travis Allison, co-founder of GoCamp Pro, shares his innovative insights on leadership and communication in camp management. He introduces a structured approach to communication that tailors messages for various stakeholders, making it easier to digest and act upon. Travis also emphasizes the importance of breaking tasks into manageable steps, especially for those with ADHD. The discussion touches on prioritizing feedback, adapting to change, and utilizing tools like Goblin.tools to streamline project management and enhance collaboration in camp operations.

Explore effective strategies for onboarding staff with changes at camp, emphasizing strong leadership training. Discover how to engage your team through storytelling and honest feedback to build a supportive environment. Hear tips on the importance of muscle memory during staff training for skill retention. Learn about stocking essential supplies like Sharpies and tape, ensuring your team feels prepared and supported. The conversation highlights practical advice and the significance of community among camp leaders.

Explore the transformative power of reflection and self-evaluation after a busy camp season. Learn to assess past experiences and set intentional goals for growth. The 'stop, start, continue' exercise helps identify what to eliminate, what to initiate, and what to maintain for effective leadership. Discover the importance of gathering feedback to improve team dynamics and camp operations. This insightful discussion fosters a culture of continuous improvement and better experiences for campers and staff alike.

Reflecting on the summer of 2024, the hosts discuss the challenges and rewards faced by camp directors. They share successful strategies for managing staff cell phone use, like using identifiable communal devices. Personal growth and strong leadership communication emerged as crucial themes, emphasizing trust among staff. Positive changes in camp staff dynamics since the pandemic are explored, highlighting engagement in creativity and collaboration. Mental health and celebrating small victories are also key discussions, enhancing the overall camp experience.

Kim Aycock, an expert in teaching accountability, discusses the importance of instilling accountability in staff for organizational success. The podcast covers topics such as leadership training, fostering accountability in camp leadership, promoting transparency and responsibility among staff, using code words for positive culture reinforcement, and creative activities like kindness beads to promote accountability and community among camp staff.

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!Find full show notes and links at: https://www.gocamp.pro/campcode/20yearstrainingpt1Twenty years of staff training, wrapped up into a two part podcast series. This is part one! When you’ve been running staff training for decades, you have seen a lot, tried a lot, and, of course, learned a LOT.  Join us, and our special guests, Chris and Al from TQAMP as we share our best secrets, practical tips, and stories.  There are so many…we have 2 parts! For now, have a listen to part 1 and get ready for part 2 to release on April 16th!- 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 ChrisOne of the more important things you can do is to know what you are going to do first at staff training. Throughout the first hour or two of staff training, be extremely intentional to set the tone for your staff training. You can use these moments to have your staff reflect on their own nervousness and anxiety in a way that helps to build empathy with campers for their first couple of hours at camp. -Special Guest:Chris Rehs-Dupin, Co-Founder and Co-Executive Director at TQAMP Al Murray, Co-Founder and Co-Executive Directory at TQAMPYour Hosts:Beth Allison, Camp Consultant - Go Camp ProRuby Compton, Chief Exploration Officer - Ruby OutdoorsGabrielle Raill, Camp Director - Camp Ouareau-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 ultracampmanagement.com/campcode/Measure twice! Take your free Resilient Camp Blueprint Diagnostic at https://camp.mba/travis. Stop flying blind: Take your free Resilient Camp Blueprint Diagnostic at https://camp.mba/travis.

Special guest Kim Aycock shares insights on integrating essential skills training into busy camp schedules. Ideas include designated note takers, distributing print outs everywhere, and reinforcing learning through writing and sharing. Emphasizing the importance of mastering camp basics, the discussion also explores micro-learning methods, group reflections, and enhancing staff training through basic methods like videos with subtitles.

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!The world around us is changing, but have our staff changed over time? Listen in today to find out what are pros have to say! Find full show notes and links at: https://www.gocamp.pro/campcode/arestaffactuallydifferentWe often hear camp directors tell us that staff are so different than ever before?  Is this actually the case and, if so, what can we do about it.  Join Gabz, Beth, and our special guest Kim Aycock to hear our thoughts.-Best Practice for Leadership TrainingFrom Kim-Let’s find ways to introduce our staff to the reality of working at camp. If we could find ways to introduce our staff to camp, show them what camp looks like or feels like. Kim created a handout called A “sense” of camp for new or returning of staff, with a “scent” sticker of camp with a scratch and sniff sticker. A copy of this ides can be found here!-Special Guest:Kim Aycock, Camp Consultant, https://kimaycock.com/-Your Hosts:-Gabrielle Raill, Camp Director - Camp OuareauBeth Allison, Camp Consultant - GoCamp.ProRuby Compton, Chief Exploration Officer - Ruby OutdoorsMeasure twice! Take your free Resilient Camp Blueprint Diagnostic at https://camp.mba/travis. Stop flying blind: Take your free Resilient Camp Blueprint Diagnostic at https://camp.mba/travis.

Stress impacts camp staff significantly, necessitating effective coping strategies. Discussions include recognizing personal stressors like family issues and financial pressures. The importance of fostering well-being through regular check-ins and communication is highlighted. Strategies for identifying 'glimmers'—small moments of joy that combat anxiety—are introduced, promoting connection among staff. Ultimately, creating an environment focused on support and resilience benefits both campers and staff in navigating challenges together.

Learn about the essential nine phrases for camp staff to create a positive camp environment. Topics include effective communication, embracing mistakes, empowering staff, and the power of positive language. Special emphasis on promoting mindfulness, building resilience, fostering innovation, and creating a supportive environment for campers.