Camp Code - Leadership & Staff Training Podcast for Camp Directors

This engaging discussion dives into the critical role of middle management in the camp community. It emphasizes nurturing leadership skills and creating supportive environments for staff training. A unique approach using Lego is introduced to inspire creativity and engagement among team members. The hosts explore the importance of dedicated spaces for managers to rejuvenate and reflect, highlighting techniques that enhance team dynamics. With practical tools and playful strategies, the episode showcases how passion can transform camp leadership.

Discover innovative strategies for training middle management in camp settings. Emphasizing trust, communication, and empowering leadership, the discussion reveals how to cultivate commitment among staff. Learn about 'stay interviews' to enhance employee retention and engagement. Key insights into creating end-of-season reports are shared, highlighting their role in future planning and staff development. This conversation is packed with actionable ideas for fostering a culture of support and growth within camp operations.

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/camp-code/training-middle-mgmt-pt1Training Middle Management Part 1Middle managers are at the heart of any camp, driving everything from bottom-line performance to culture to development of future staff. Because of their unique position, research shows that developing middle managers can improve your entire organization’s health and set a positive tone in your culture.  But how do we develop and train them well?  Let’s talk about it.-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-Middle managers face a constant barrage of opposing agendas. Therefore, your middle managers must be skilled at leading up, leading down, and leading across. Take the time to teach your staff about the importance of connection. Teach middle management about servant leadership. You are not “above” you are “below” providing care for your people. -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/

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!Find links and full show notes at: https://gocamp.pro/campcode/improving-initiative-in-staffImproving Initiative in StaffCan you teach your staff to take initiative? Is it even something they can learn or are you just born with it or without it? One of the stressors for Directors we hear most often is the lack of initiative some of their staff seem to have.  It can become a big frustration so let’s discuss how we tackle a lack of initiative in 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 Ruby-Saying responses such as “thank you for bringing that up!” and “thank you for asking that!” when staff ask us questions or bring up concerns, let them know that we appreciate them reflecting on whatever is going on. Most importantly, it helps demonstrate that we appreciate feedback/questions in our culture. As long as it feels genuine, your enthusiasm to teach and responses will encourage others to do the same. -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/

Discover how to spark creativity in camp staff as they transition from a digital to an in-person setting. Explore playful activities and training techniques designed to reconnect them with their imaginative sides. Learn about bridging generational gaps to foster genuine connections with campers. The hosts share innovative ideas to integrate nostalgia into training, enhancing staff engagement. Plus, uncover strategies for creating an empowering environment that promotes creativity and spontaneity in real-world camp experiences.

Exploring how to build a positive camp culture, the hosts discuss practical strategies for staff engagement and retention. They suggest asking staff to identify signs of a toxic workplace and addressing these concerns collaboratively. Using LEGO as a metaphor, they emphasize the importance of teamwork and individuality. Daily check-ins on toxic behaviors foster a nurturing environment. Leadership's role in creating accountability and a supportive atmosphere is highlighted, encouraging open communication for a thriving camp experience.

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/campcode/staff-retention-post-pandemic-worldStaff Retention in a Post Pandemic WorldThe Camp Code hosts recognize that the camp world is changing, rapidly, and in some cases, drastically.  The way we used to do things just won’t cut it anymore. Over the years and now more than ever, hiring and keeping staff has become an issue that so many of us struggle with.  Join us today while we discuss:  Staff Retention in a So-Called Post Pandemic World-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 GabrielleImagine being in a spot where your staff training sessions have been planned and leaders have been given the time to prep for the session they are leading. The day has come and a new team member is a bit concerned over the session not being ready and wants to have some extra time to finish their session.-To help enable your staff to be more prepared and set expectations, why not set a goal for your staff to preemptively create instructional videos on their session. These videos do three things: -Help your staff develop the muscle memory they need to present material in person.Influences your staff to create powerpoints that can be used in their instructional videos.Allows you to start developing a staff training library with a collections of sessions that your staff can refer to or watch in the event that they miss a session.-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/

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/campcode/how-to-best-set-up-international-staff-for-trainingHow to Best Set Up International Staff for TrainingSummer camp training and staff recruitment is becoming more and more crucial for our success every single summer. One avenue we haven’t discussed yet, is the importance of international staff.So many camps are lucky enough to have international folks as part of their staff community.  Today we invite Bethany Wright, an international staff member that worked for Camp Walden this past summer. Bethany is here to share some of her best ideas to find, train, and support our international hires.-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 Bethany WrightDon’t forget to check in with all of your staff members after the campers arrive. Summer camp staff and leaders go through so much during training to prep for the summer and once the kids arrive to camp, we often flip and focus solely on the children. -Normally in that first week of camp, it’s crucial to check in with your staff in either smaller groups or in a staff meeting. Checking in during that first week of camp allows you to close the loop on staff training, shows that as leaders you care about the wellbeing of your staff and then allows you to focus on the summer. -Special Guest:Bethany Wright, International Camp Staff & Summer Camp Blogger-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/

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/campcode/what-do-we-do-now-2022This was the most unpredictable summer ever. Where do we go from here?In our first episode of Season 10, we heard all about Gabz’s summer at Camp Ouareau. We heard a lot from her about a few key issues this summer: dealing with COVID 19, the mental health of our staff, campers and, of course, the other staffing concerns that came because of the first two issues.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-What Do We Do Now?“Beneath every behavior there is a feeling. Beneath each feeling is a need. When we meet that  need, rather than focus on the behavior, then we begin to deal with the cause, not the symptom.” -Ashleigh WarnerTake some time to review some of the behaviors from your staff this summer that you found challenging. Sit down with your leadership team and write down examples of those behaviors that made you pause, reflect or lose sleep. After you have got your list, try to but yourself in the shoes of the people who had those behaviors and reflect on what those people may have been feeling at the time.. Make another list of the feelings you explored. Finally, have a discussion with your leadership team around behaviors. It’s easier to talk about behaviors when you recognize what your staff may have needed in those moments. Focus on the causes, not the symptoms. -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/

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/campcode/not-perfect-summerLet’s normalize talking about our challenges - we have to be in this togetherToday on Camp Code, we take a trip into the mind of Gabrielle, hearing all about her camp season, the many challenges and frustrations she experienced, and the ways in which she pivoted to finish her summer on a positive note.  Listen to what she has to say and know you are not alone.-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 RaillIf you can start now, build the professional relationships you need to help support you, do it! Year over year, your own mental health, physical health will change. As leaders, there are times that you will push yourself to the limits, so surround yourself around staff that have your back and support you.-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/