Camp Ahead

Send us a textFind full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/campahead/key-s1-takeawaysCritical Learnings for the Next Era of Camp: Camp Ahead Season One FinaleAs Season One of Camp Ahead draws to a close, join Joe, KJ, and Jess as they distill the essential learnings and actionable strategies discussed throughout the series. Equip yourself with the key takeaways you need to navigate the evolving landscape of the summer camp industry and build a future-ready camp. Don't miss the final insights and a special thank you to our listeners!Tune in for great tips on creating an “evergreen” future planning process:01:56 Season Recap and Key Takeaways03:32 The Importance of Future Scenario Planning04:37 Tips for Effective Scenario Planning05:55 Embracing Optimism in Future Planning12:10 Engaging Stakeholders in Scenario Planning15:35 Imagining Big and Thinking Creatively20:51 The Power of Saying Yes25:04 Creating a Scenario Club25:32 Practical Tools for Scenario Planning-Our Hosts:Jess Elfring-Roberts - Executive Director, Episcopal Camps & Conference CentersJoe Richards - Executive Director, Pearce Williams Summer Camp and Retreat FacilityKJ Williams -  Camp Director, Phantom Lake YMCA Camp-Sponsor:A huge thanks to our sponsor for making this possible.Campify:Is creating your camp schedule a headache? Does it limit the experience of campers or staff? Campify is software that does the heavy lifting for you - taking care of group, elective, and specialist scheduling based on your custom scheduling rules.Interested in learning more? Visit campify.io/CampAhead to schedule a demo or create a free trial today.

Send us a textFind full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/campahead/culture-of-foresightDon't Let Your Future Plans Gather Dust: Revitalize Your Camp's Scenario PlanningIn this episode of Camp Ahead, Joe, Jess and KJ tackle the challenge of keeping scenario planning relevant and impactful. They discuss the importance of regular reviews, the power of visual aids, and practical techniques like the "100 Ways Something Can Change" exercise. The conversation also explores how to cultivate a culture of foresight, encourage curiosity, and engage staff at all levels in thinking about the future of camp. Whether you're an executive director or a program staff member, this episode offers valuable insights on preparing for the unexpected.Tune in for great tips on creating an “evergreen” future planning process:02:28 Keeping Visioning Exercises Fresh04:39 Visual Tools for Planning11:12 Engaging Stakeholders in Scenario Planning14:13 Creative Tools for Team Planning22:35 The Future of DEI Initiatives23:31 Engaging Campers in Future Planning26:23 Middle Management Turnover and Support35:02 Creating a Culture of Adaptability-Our Hosts:Jess Elfring-Roberts - Executive Director, Episcopal Camps & Conference CentersJoe Richards - Executive Director, Pearce Williams Summer Camp and Retreat FacilityKJ Williams -  Camp Director, Phantom Lake YMCA Camp-Sponsors:A huge thanks to our sponsors for making this possible.Campify:Is creating your camp schedule a headache? Does it limit the experience of campers or staff? Campify is software that does the heavy lifting for you - taking care of group, elective, and specialist scheduling based on your custom scheduling rules.Interested in learning more? Visit campify.io/CampAhead to schedule a demo or create a free trial today.

Send us a textFind full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/campahead/actionable-plans-and-contingency-strategiesTurning scenarios into useful strategiesJess, K.J. and Joe dig into creating actionable plans and contingency strategies for the future of summer camps. They discuss the importance of scenario planning, the relevance of community engagement, and the steps required to turn long-term visions into reality. The episode highlights the importance of adaptability, stakeholder involvement, and continual reassessment to ensure long-term success and relevance in the camp industry. Additionally, practical tips and examples are shared for implementing short-term actions and navigating potential challenges.Tune in for insights on planning for the future while staying rooted in community values.02:04 Running Scenarios and Making Plans05:02 Short-Term Action Plans and Feasibility08:11 Engaging Stakeholders and Community10:57 Adapting and Changing Plans16:48 Future Scenario Planning and Community Relevance35:44 Takeaways and Next Steps-Our Hosts:Jess Elfring-Roberts - Executive Director, Episcopal Camps & Conference CentersJoe Richards - Executive Director, Pearce Williams Summer Camp and Retreat FacilityKJ Williams -  Camp Director, Phantom Lake YMCA Camp-Sponsors:A huge thanks to our sponsors for making this possible.Campify:Is creating your camp schedule a headache? Does it limit the experience of campers or staff? Campify is software that does the heavy lifting for you - taking care of group, elective, and specialist scheduling based on your custom scheduling rules.Interested in learning more? Visit campify.io/CampAhead to schedule a demo or create a free trial today.

Send us a textFind full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/campahead/early-warning-signalsSignals of Change and Strategic FlexibilityIn this episode of Camp Ahead, we dive deep into the fascinating world of "Signals of Change" – those intriguing hints that something big might be brewing on the horizon. From mushroom furniture to shifting political landscapes, we explore how staying curious and aware can help camp professionals navigate an uncertain future. Join us as we discuss turning potential warning signs into exciting opportunities and ensuring camp remains a vital force in shaping the next generation.Tune in for insights on planning for the future while staying rooted in community values.01:42 Understanding Signals of Change04:46 The Importance of Awareness08:28 Financial Strategy and Future Planning09:36 Supporting Camp Professionals12:23 Adapting to Global Changes17:21 The Role of Camp in Personal Development33:24 Final Thoughts and Key Signals of Change37:50 Closing Remarks and Contact InformationEpisode Quotes:“Pronoia is the antidote for paranoia. It’s the understanding that the universe is fundamentally friendly. It’s a mode of training your senses and intellect so you’re able to perceive the fact that life always gives you exactly what you need, exactly when you need it.” Rob Brezsny“Except in extreme circumstances, happiness is mostly internal. One sets a ‘horizon line’ in one’s life and decides that everything above it is joy, everything below is grief. My horizon line is well placed to make sure that most of my landscape is happy.” Raymond Teller-Our Hosts:Jess Elfring-Roberts - Executive Director, Episcopal Camps & Conference CentersJoe Richards - Executive Director, Pearce Williams Summer Camp and Retreat FacilityKJ Williams -  Camp Director, Phantom Lake YMCA Camp-Sponsors:A huge thanks to our sponsors for making this possible.Campify:Is creating your camp schedule a headache? Does it limit the experience of campers or staff? Campify is software that does the heavy lifting for you - taking care of group, elective, and specialist scheduling based on your custom scheduling rules.Interested in learning more? Visit campify.io/CampAhead to schedule a demo or create a free trial today.

Send us a textFind full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/campahead/million-dollarsExploring the future doesn't always have to be grim business!Join KJ Williams, Joe Richards, and Jess Elfring Roberts in Episode 4 of Camp Ahead as they explore the futurology of the summer camp industry and analyze the implications of receiving a large donation. This episode dives into future scenario planning, the impact of a $500,000 annual donation, and how to prepare for such game-changing support. Discover strategies to align a camp's mission and vision, engage stakeholders, foster creativity, and handle both the positive and potential risks of substantial financial gifts. Tune in for insights on planning for the future while staying rooted in community values.01:47 Scenario Planning: Positive Scenarios02:38 Dreaming Big: Large Donations05:05 Analyzing the Impact of Consistent Donations08:56 Creative Ideas from Staff11:41 Budgetary Changes and Long-term Planning19:06 Proactive vs. Reactive Planning23:18 Aligning Team Values and Mission26:02 Fundraising and Storytelling32:06 Learning from Feedback38:15 Scenario Planning BenefitsEpisode Links:7 Steps Toward Becoming a Future-Ready Organization-Our Hosts:Jess Elfring-Roberts - Executive Director, Episcopal Camps & Conference CentersJoe Richards - Executive Director, Pearce Williams Summer Camp and Retreat FacilityKJ Williams -  Camp Director, Phantom Lake YMCA Camp-Sponsors:A huge thanks to our sponsors for making this possible.Campify:Is creating your camp schedule a headache? Does it limit the experience of campers or staff? Campify is software that does the heavy lifting for you - taking care of group, elective, and specialist scheduling based on your custom scheduling rules.Interested in learning more? Visit campify.io/CampAhead to schedule a demo or create a free trial today.

Send us a textFind full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/campahead/scenario-planning-101Exploring Camp Futures: Key Drivers and Scenario PlanningIn this episode of Camp Ahead, hosts Joe, Jess, and KJ  expand on the idea of scenario planning as an essential tool for thinking about the future. They discuss key drivers such as climate change, economics, demographics, technological advancements, and social shifts that can shape the next decade of summer camps. Through imaginative scenario planning, they aim to prepare the industry for both positive and challenging futures. Tune in as they explore the potential impacts of AI, climate mitigation, and more on the world of summer camps.01:46 Recap and Introduction to Scenario Planning05:33 Key Drivers for the Future of Camps: Economic and Staff Considerations07:55 Environmental and Technological Impacts on Camps15:09 Social Drivers and Equity in Future Camps20:33 Imagining Positive Futures: Pronoia vs. Paranoia25:36 The Impact of Camp and Nature26:04 Funding and Philanthropy in Camping29:31 The Value of Experiential Learning30:12 Community and Indigenous Relationships-Episode Links:The Book: Imaginable by Jane McGonigal:https://janemcgonigal.com/2021/12/17/imaginable-how-to-see-the-future-coming-and-feel-ready-for-anything-even-things-that-seem-impossible-today/https://poe.com/UOScenarioCreatorhttps://urgentoptimists.org/-Our Hosts:Jess Elfring-Roberts - Executive Director, Episcopal Camps & Conference CentersJoe Richards - Executive Director, Pearce Williams Summer Camp and Retreat FacilityKJ Williams -  Camp Director, Phantom Lake YMCA Camp-Sponsors:A huge thanks to our sponsors for making this possible.Campify:Is creating your camp schedule a headache? Does it limit the experience of campers or staff? Campify is software that does the heavy lifting for you - taking care of group, elective, and specialist scheduling based on your custom scheduling rules.Interested in learning more? Visit campify.io/CampAhead to schedule a demo or create a free trial today.

Send us a textFind full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/campahead/exploring-diverse-scenariosExploring Diverse Scenarios for the Future of Summer Camps | Camp AheadIn this episode of Camp Ahead, hosts Joe, Jess, and KJ put their scenario planning skills to the test as they discuss diverse future scenarios related to organizational mergers, technology, and mental health, exemplifying the need for camp professionals to be prepared for various possible futures. Along the way you’ll hear some great tips on the benefits of being transparent, intentional and innovative in navigating your current uncertainties to set yourself up for success in the future. Tune in to explore imaginative and strategic approaches to ensure the resilience and success of your camp.01:40 Developing Diverse Scenarios02:53 Exploring Scenario Planning04:50 The Role of AI in Scenario Planning06:41 Mental Health and Medication Scenarios07:01 Technology Failures and Camp Operations19:27 Stakeholders and Decision Making33:24 Embracing Change: Overcoming Resistance37:48 Scenario Planning: Best, Worst, and Wild Card Cases40:04 Camp Merger Scenario: Challenges and Opportunities-Episode Links:The Book: Imaginable by  Jane McGonigal:https://janemcgonigal.com/2021/12/17/imaginable-how-to-see-the-future-coming-and-feel-ready-for-anything-even-things-that-seem-impossible-today/https://poe.com/UOScenarioCreatorhttps://urgentoptimists.org/-Our Hosts:Jess Elfring-Roberts - Executive Director, Episcopal Camps & Conference CentersJoe Richards - Executive Director, Pearce Williams Summer Camp and Retreat FacilityKJ Williams -  Camp Director, Phantom Lake YMCA Camp-Sponsors:A huge thanks to our sponsors for making this possible.Campify:Is creating your camp schedule a headache? Does it limit the experience of campers or staff? Campify is software that does the heavy lifting for you - taking care of group, elective, and specialist scheduling based on your custom scheduling rules.Interested in learning more? Visit campify.io/CampAhead to schedule a demo or create a free trial today.

Discover the intriguing concept of mental time travel as the hosts explore proactive planning for the summer camp industry. They contemplate future scenarios linked to climate change and demographic shifts, encouraging a thoughtful approach to challenges. Personal anecdotes from the pandemic highlight the importance of adaptability and collaboration. The conversation dives into sustainable practices for waste management, emphasizing how camps can stay resilient and inclusive while fostering community connections.