

Camp Code - Leadership & Staff Training Podcast for Camp Directors
Go Camp Pro & Beth Allison, Gabrielle Raill, Ruby Compton
Camp Code helps resilient camp leaders hire, keep, and train staff better. Each episode gives practical tips that solve real problems and build strong teams. Our hosts understand camp staff and share useful ideas that work in everyday camp life. You’ll learn ways to make camps more welcoming, help staff feel confident, and prepare your team for anything. Find simple advice for recruiting, training, and supporting your camp staff from trusted experts. Listen to Camp Code and discover how to build a resilient camp staff where everyone feels like they belong and can grow. Featuring 3 of the top trainers in the summer camp industry: Beth Allison, Gabrielle Raill and Ruby Compton, Go Camp Pro is pleased to present Camp Code.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Apr 2, 2024 • 49min
Twenty Years of Staff Training - What We’ve Learned - with Chris Rehs-Dupin and Al Murray - Part 1 - Camp Code #138
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.

18 snips
Mar 19, 2024 • 37min
Sneaking in the Basics During Training - Camp Code #137
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.

Mar 5, 2024 • 60min
Are Staff Actually Different Than They Used to Be? - with Kim Aycock - Camp Code #136
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.

21 snips
Feb 20, 2024 • 44min
How to Help our Staff With Stress - Camp Code #135
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.

7 snips
Feb 6, 2024 • 31min
9 Sentences You Want Your Staff to Say - Camp Code #134
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.

14 snips
Jan 23, 2024 • 36min
Key Skills We Need To Work on In 2024 - Camp Code #133
Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!Find full show notes and links at: https://www.camphacker.tv/camp-code/key-skills-2024Here is what we need to focus on to make the upcoming summer the best it can be!Talking with Camp Pros at Conferences this Fall, we’ve noticed a lot of similar issues folks are dealing with. Join us as we discuss key skills that require our focus for a positive and successful 2024 camp season.- 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 and inspired by Kelly SchunaVulnerability is a powerful tool that we should all learn to harness and today we want to share thoughts on how we believe vulnerability can be used to repair relationships. As leaders, there are going to be times where we need to have hard conversations AND there will be times where we screw up having those conversations. When we go back to that person to reconcile, there are three phrases that you can use to demonstrate vulnerability: I didn’t like how I handled that. So… that wasn’t my best work.Here’s what I wish I would have said.Teach these phrases to your staff. It demonstrates reflection in our work and demonstrating vulnerability allows us to recover from our mistakes with ease.-Your 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.

Jan 9, 2024 • 36min
What We Learned at the Women in Camp Summit - Camp Code #132
Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!Find full show notes and links at: https://www.camphacker.tv/camp-code/womenincampsummit2023-What We Learned at the Women in Camp SummitWhen camp pros gather, it is always extraordinary. We just had the pleasure of attending the Women in Camp Summit and it was truly amazing! Join us for the stories and the lessons learned from sessions, village time, connecting, networking, and playing together.- 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 Ruby-Lifeguard training at camp is weather dependent. Yet, as camp leaders, we depend on our staff to obtain the right training and certifications to ensure our camp programs run throughout the summer. Inclement weather is going to happen, leverage your resources to ensure your lifeguards are trained. Local community centres or hotels may have availability throughout the day that you could rent in the event of bad weather. Pool availability and your capability to rent them is going to help to ensure that your camp’s lifeguard training and schedule stays a float! **BONUS**We were once again reminded this year at the Women in Camp Summit that some folks are just going to come early to help. As camp professionals, it’s always important to keep a list of tasks that need to take place. We’re all camp people and we’re always willing to help, always keep that in mind. -Your 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.

11 snips
Dec 26, 2023 • 41min
Unintentional Teachable Moments - Camp Code #131
Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!Find full show notes and links at: https://www.camphacker.tv/camp-code/unintentional-teachable-moments-2023Unintentional Teachable MomentsAs Camp professionals, we are always looking to improve, be intentional with all our training and programming, and to see the big picture. There are moments that happen at camp every now and then, however, that teach us that we missed something. We need to be open to these every-day little experiences so that we can continue to take the best care of our people. Join us for the stories and the lessons learned.- 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 Gabz-Sometimes life events will come up that prevents your staff from attending portions or all of staff training! Your staff knows themselves best and it is your role to support them. In today’s example, Gabz had a staff member who remained in isolation during staff training and recognized that to help them prepare for the first days at camp, they should write down the daily schedule on old t-shirts so they could easily look at their own shirt to recognize what’s coming next throughout the day! -Your 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.

Dec 12, 2023 • 35min
What Ruby Learned This Summer - Camp Code #130
Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!Find full show notes and links at: https://www.camphacker.tv/camp-code/what-ruby-learned-this-summerWhat Ruby Learned This Summer-Life is all about unchartered territory and trying new things. Join us as we dissect Ruby’s summer camp adventures and find out what she learned about not only the industry but also herself. The gang’s all back together for this podcast and we’re excited to glean all we can from Ruby’s summer exploits.- 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 Ruby-Take a few of your stuff and run them through the first week or so of your CIT program. It gives your staff the opportunity to learn the roots of that particular camp. A CIT program in general has a guide to lead senior campers to the next step in becoming staff at camp therefore, training is ultimately rooted throughout the sessions. It does create an odd dynamic at times between staff and camper so camp leaders do have to take the time to understand the implications for their camp. For Ruby, it was a genius experience to take part in staff training and then have the new staff take part in the start of the CIT session to apply what they learned at training. -Your 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.

8 snips
Nov 28, 2023 • 41min
Volunteer Training Management - with Matt Wilfrid - Camp Code #129
Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!Find full show notes and links at: https://www.camphacker.tv/camp-code/volunteer-training-management-with-matt-wilfridVolunteer Training Management - with Matt Wilfrid-In this podcast episode with guest Matt Wilfrid, we spotlight Campfire Circle, an Ontario-based organization supporting families and children facing serious illnesses. Campfire Circle’s extraordinary volunteer program, led by volunteers aged 19 to 90, is central to their success. These volunteers contribute their time and skills to diverse roles, from the Toronto office to community programs and overnight camps, totaling over 135,000 hours of support. The organization’s training and ongoing support are tailored to each volunteer’s unique needs. Campfire Circle’s volunteer program is a shining example of the transformative power of community-driven, intrinsic motivation.- 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 Matt Wilfrid-Take advantage of offsite events during staff training. Ideas can include mini golf or hiking, as long as its offsite to break the cycle that takes place off camp. What’s even better is going to these offsite events with intention. In Matt’s example, before they left for minigolf, they had their staff divide into four categories based on skill. Allow your staff to put themselves into their own group to allow them to set their own expectations going into the event. Put intention into your offsites to help include all your staff.Special Guest:Matt Wilfrid, Summer Camp Professional, Executive Producer and Consultant at Go Camp Pro-Your 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.


