Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2023/12/demographics-tcscAre you being thoughtful about how a changing demographic will affect your camp?Whether you are a camp with a wait-list, or you’re hoping for a few more “bums in bunks”, something that we need to seriously be thinking about is the potential to serve a the demographic in the world. And, this isn’t just in a “be better at DEI” lens (although we should all be consistently trying to be better with our DEI practices). Communities are getting older, more racially diverse, more neuro-diverse, more accustomed to technology, privacy - the list is literally endless.For camps that are being thoughtful about this, it’s an opportunity to not only bring in new campers, but to bring in new investments into your programs and facilities. But - it doesn’t come easily.Luckily, you’ve got some incredible camp pros on your side. Travis and Chris are joined by Jack and EmJ from The Summer Camp Society Podcast to help guide Camp Pros on unpacking this vast discussion.-Tool of the Week – Make Yourself a Better Camp DirectorJack - https://jamboard.google.com/?pli=1 Mr. Pen- Dry Erase Board https://amzn.to/3SNTCxW - US - https://www.amazon.com/Mr-Erase-Board-Black-Marker/dp/B08L45NSRM?th=1 EmJ - Canva Magic Studio https://www.canva.com/magic-homeChris - Ali Abdaal’s Youtube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@aliabdaal Travis - https://getreadytosend.com/-Your Hosts:Travis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp ProChris Hudson, Camp Consultant and Director - Camp HighlightJack Schott, Co-Founder The Summer Camp SocietyEmJ Juszczyk, TSCS Podcast Producer and Programs Director at Project Kindred-Rate and Review the CampHacker Show(Thank you!)-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 ultracampmanagement.com/camphackerCamptivitiesWhy spend hours on your schedules, only to find mistakes and missed activities for your campers! Let Camptivities do the heavy lifting and help you create the best schedules yet, without the mistakes, and in less time. Come check out Camptivities; specifically designed for camps by camp people. Find out more at camptivities.com

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2023/11/no-techIs the “no technology” policy at your camp compatible with the campers of today?“No technology at camp” is a sacred part of many of our summer camp cultures. The value of unplugging. Being “in the moment”. “Being real” are all things plastered all over our website and marketing materials.Is this the right way? Or is it just the way that…wait for it…we’ve always done it.The answer definitely isn’t clear - but Travis and Chris wade into the murky deeps of the techno-sphere and how camps can more intentionally think about technology at their camp.-Tool of the Week – Make Yourself a Better Camp DirectorChris - JBL Clip 3 Mini Bluetooth SpeakerTravis - OLIGHT I1R 2 PRO - Can: https://amzn.to/3QRBuRk  US: https://amzn.to/3SLHE87 & - https://www.reddit.com/r/summercamp/-Your Hosts:Travis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp ProChris Hudson, Camp Consultant and Director - Camp Highlight-Rate and Review the CampHacker Show(Thank you!)-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 ultracampmanagement.com/camphackerCamptivitiesWhy spend hours on your schedules, only to find mistakes and missed activities for your campers! Let Camptivities do the heavy lifting and help you create the best schedules yet, without the mistakes, and in less time. Come check out Camptivities; specifically designed for camps by camp people. Find out more at camptivities.com

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2023/11/parent-coms-2023How confident are you that your camp parents will read and act on your emails?Getting your information to parents. The most necessary and maybe one of the most difficult parts of the job.Even though the communication landscape is constantly shifting, what remains the same is that you have important information that parents need. So - adapting is once again - the name of the game!Chris and Travis get together and talk about the hellish present and…maybe less hellish future of communication with parents.-Tool of the Week – Make Yourself a Better Camp DirectorChris - An earpiece for your walkie-talkie! Total James Bond!Travis - Photo sorting and AI editing: https://aftershoot.com/downloads/-Your Hosts:Travis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp ProChris Hudson, Camp Consultant and Director - Camp Highlight-Rate and Review the CampHacker Show(Thank you!)-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 ultracampmanagement.com/camphackerCamptivitiesWhy spend hours on your schedules, only to find mistakes and missed activities for your campers! Let Camptivities do the heavy lifting and help you create the best schedules yet, without the mistakes, and in less time. Come check out Camptivities; specifically designed for camps by camp people. Find out more at camptivities.com

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2023/11/camp-magicHow do you measure magic?Every camp professional, whether new or seasoned, knows what we mean when we say “camp magic”.For most of us, we think of camp magic as this ethereal, indescribable, ever-present part of camp. This “magic” is what many of us feel sets camp apart from everywhere else.To a camp researcher, this camp magic is something that is actually definable.Tune in to this episode to hear Travis and Mandi unpack their vast experience living and researching this “insiders-only” concept.You’ll hear about:What does camp “being a bubble” have to do with camp magic?How are the people at camp integral to creating that magic?What elements go into creating this “world apart”?At what point does “camp magic” become “camp cult?”How to support camp staff while they’re living and working in the “bubble”-Your Hosts:Dr. Mandi Baker, Researcher - Summer Camp, Outdoor Recreation, Sociology and Hospitality/Tourism - getlamped@gmail.com Travis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp Pro - travis@gocamp.pro

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2023/11/small-systemsIt doesn’t take as much as you think to set yourself up for long-term efficacy.Travis is joined by Dr. Lydia Hughes Evans to discuss systems of project management, personal efficacy and organizational development that any camp pro can pick up and start using today.-Tool of the Week – Make Yourself a Better Camp DirectorBack next episode!-Your Hosts:Travis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp ProDr. Lydia Hughes-Evans, CEO, Author and Speaker-Rate and Review the CampHacker Show(Thank you!)-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 ultracampmanagement.com/camphackerCamptivitiesWhy spend hours on your schedules, only to find mistakes and missed activities for your campers! Let Camptivities do the heavy lifting and help you create the best schedules yet, without the mistakes, and in less time. Come check out Camptivities; specifically designed for camps by camp people. Find out more at camptivities.com

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2023/10/decoding-researchWhat is research, and what can it be for camp pros?We need to start here. Before we get into how to use research to empower our marketing and recruiting efforts, we need to unpack the basics of research.So, whether you’re a research buff or not, this episode is meant to get everyone on the same page before we really dig deep.You’ll hear about:What are the basics of research and the process behind it that we need to know?How do we know who the right people to talk to when selecting candidates for qualitative research?Why it’s important that we ask kids and gain their insights in the research processWhy it’s important to consider the context when the research was conducted.How do you find research on camp? How do you know what is worth reading?Pro-tip: Use Google Scholar - https://scholar.google.ca/ Pro-pro-tip - just email the researcher and they may just give you a copy!-Your Hosts:Dr. Mandi Baker, Researcher - Summer Camp, Outdoor Recreation, Sociology and Hospitality/Tourism - getlamped@gmail.com Travis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp Pro - travis@gocamp.pro

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2023/10/setting-and-honoring-boundaries-We are good at so many things as camp pros. Boundaries, writ-large, is not one of those things.We are excited to kick off this, the 13th season of CampHacker with an episode that will especially resonate with those coming off of a wild summer.We are grateful to our guest Kyrah Altman for not only suggesting the topic but for agreeing to come on the show! Kyrah is a summer camp alumni and is the co-founder, CEO and President of Let's Empower, Advocate, and Do (LEAD).Kyrah Chris and Travis break down the art of setting boundaries and helping your staff do the same.Welcome back!-Tool of the Week – Make Yourself a Better Camp DirectorChris - The Big Idea Book SeriesKyrah - Resurgence Burnout Recovery Journal - LinkTravis - Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara - (🇺🇸 link) (🇨🇦 link)-Your Hosts:Travis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp ProChris Hudson, Camp Consultant and Director - Camp HighlightKyrah Altman, Co-founder, CEO and President of Let's Empower, Advocate, and Do (LEAD)-Rate and Review the CampHacker Show(Thank you!)-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 ultracampmanagement.com/camphackerCamptivitiesWhy spend hours on your schedules, only to find mistakes and missed activities for your campers! Let Camptivities do the heavy lifting and help you create the best schedules yet, without the mistakes, and in less time. Come check out Camptivities; specifically designed for camps by camp people. Find out more at camptivities.com

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2023/08/the-intersection-of-camp-and-researchDid you know that the positive experience of summer camp is a proven fact?Yes. It is!In this new mini-series from Go Camp Pro, join Dr. Mandi Baker and Travis Allison to focus in on prominent and emerging research in the summer camp world.This episode will set up the rest of the season so tune in and get excited!You’ll hear about:How Mandi found her passion for camp and where the research part of her journey came to beWhere should we be starting our discussions when it comes to research and camp?How do we navigate the research that’s already out there?What topics will we cover in this mini-series?-Your Hosts:Dr. Mandi Baker, Researcher - Summer Camp, Outdoor Recreation, Sociology and Hospitality/Tourism - getlamped@gmail.com Travis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp Pro - travis@gocamp.pro

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2023/06/30-tools-What will you be putting your brain to keep you focused this summer?Well folks, if you’re reading this in June - you’re in it now!Us, too! As we wrap up this season to take our focus to the summer, we want to leave you with a wickedly practical one.Producer Matt and Dan Weir join Travis, Chris, Gabz and Joe to share the tools that will keep them focused, happy and thriving this summer.For the links to all the tools, find the show notes at:https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2023/06/30-tools-Your Hosts:Travis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp ProChris Hudson, Camp Consultant and Director - Camp HighlightJoe Richards, Executive Director - Pearce WilliamsGabrielle Raill, Camp Director - Camp OuareauDan Weir - Senior Consultant - Immersive1st-Rate and Review the CampHacker Show(Thank you!)-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 summercampsoftware.com/camphacker

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2023/05/alumni-community-Do you wish your camp had the benefits of an engaged alumni community?It’s a gift to have a group of people that intimately “get” what your camp is all about.And, alumni can be like getting a gym membership or Ikea furniture as a gift. Ultimately useful, but a crap-ton of work to get there.Once you’ve got it going, alumni can be an excellent and cost-effective source of staff support, mentorship, maintenance, marketing, board guidance, fundraising and more!So how do you get to the useful point.The CampHacker team is here, and specifically, you need to listen to what Gabz has to say in this episode. Camp Ouareau has put in the work to not just open their doors wide to alumni, but to specifically direct them to a place that is available to them either as a supporter of camp, or someone who just wants to enjoy the nostalgia.(Chris, Joe and Travis all have incredible points, too, of course!)-Tool of the Week – Make Yourself a Better Camp DirectorChris - https://www.itspronouncedmetrosexual.com/. Gabz -A question to ask within a team that could benefit from being seen and building trust. “From working with your teammate what would you say their leadership style is?Joe - Directors Cupboard Supply Closet - things camp will need that you will just “have”Travis - https://www.youtube.com/@Cercle-Your Hosts:Travis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp ProChris Hudson, Camp Consultant and Director - Camp HighlightJoe Richards, Executive Director - Pearce WilliamsGabrielle Raill, Camp Director - Camp Ouareau-Rate and Review the CampHacker Show(Thank you!)-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 summercampsoftware.com/camphacker

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2023/05/new-career-new-campWhat would we do if we were starting at a completely new to us summer camp?We’re so grateful to have one of our founding CampHacker hosts Dan Weir join us this episode. Welcome back, Dan!To support the vast number of new camp directors, Dan, Chris, Joe and Travis engage in a thought exercise to put take all the knowledge they have now and plopped themselves in a new camp.This isn’t just an episode for newbies! Having this “newbie” mindset will consistently keep you nimble to the changing landscape of the industry and open to change.Also, want some help getting there? You should consider a consultant.Dan, Chris and Travis are great assets for your camp. Check out the host links below.-Tool of the Week – Make Yourself a Better Camp DirectorChris - Todoist - Get your act together!Dan - Nervous Energy: Harness the Power of Your Anxiety https://bookshop.org/a/84130/9781250241214Joe - Retevis Radio/Walkie-talkie - https://www.retevis.com/Travis - Chipdrop - get free wood chips https://getchipdrop.com/-Your Hosts:Travis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp ProChris Hudson, Camp Consultant and Director - Camp HighlightJoe Richards, Executive Director - Pearce WilliamsGabrielle Raill, Camp Director - Camp OuareauDan Weir - Senior Consultant - Immersive1st-Rate and Review the CampHacker Show(Thank you!)-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 summercampsoftware.com/camphacker

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2023/04/staff-and-boundariesHow much do we really need to accommodate this generation of camp staff?Okay, that header is a little misleading.Don’t mistake this podcast for one big “okay boomer” rant. This conversation about summer staff and meeting them where they are at (to an extent) is an important one.If “triggering” a staff member is something you’re worried about. Or staff feeling overwhelmed is something you’re bracing yourself for this summer, this is the episode for you.Chris, Gabz, Joe and Travis are here to challenge you (and your staff) to think differently when it comes to helping staff set healthy and realistic emotional boundaries. -Tool of the Week – Make Yourself a Better Camp DirectorChris - Give your mind a breakGabz - Cueheat Waist heating belt https://amzn.to/3YUOqbmJoe - Point Salad Card GameTravis - Love and Logic-Your Hosts:Travis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp ProChris Hudson, Camp Consultant and Director - Camp HighlightJoe Richards, Executive Director - Pearce WilliamsGabrielle Raill, Camp Director - Camp Ouareau-Rate and Review the CampHacker Show(Thank you!)-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 summercampsoftware.com/camphacker

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2023/04/partnering-with-parents-in-2023It's time to adapt to post-pandemic parents!We need to adapt a whole lot as camp directors.On the checklist of “things we need to re-assess every 5 or so years”, parents are certainly on that list.As the majority of our camper parents start to shift toward the majority being millennials, we need to re-think how we are meeting them where they are at. Systems of communication, expectation-building, community-building and trust are all things that we have control over in this special relationship, and one that we need to pay attention to.Joining the regular panel is returning guest Jolly Corley, a camp pro and parent partner expert to weigh in on re-evaluating this post-pandemic group.-Tool of the Week – Make Yourself a Better Camp DirectorChris - Thompson Tees - Chris’ favGabz - Loop Ear Plugs - EngageJoe - Book - The Coddling of the American Mind: How Good Intentions and Bad Ideas Are Setting Up a Generation for FailureTravis - Hunt, Gather, Parent: What Ancient Cultures Can Teach Us about the Lost Art of Raising Happy, Helpful Little Humans - Michaeleen Doucleff https://bookshop.org/a/84130/9781982149680Jolly - Fabulous habit app https://apps.apple.com/us/app/fabulous-daily-habit-tracker/id1203637303https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=co.thefabulous.app&gl=us-Your Hosts:Travis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp ProChris Hudson, Camp Consultant and Director - Camp HighlightJoe Richards, Executive Director - Pearce WilliamsGabrielle Raill, Camp Director - Camp OuareauJolly Corley - Camp Director and Trainer - www.jollycorley.com-Rate and Review the CampHacker Show(Thank you!)-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 summercampsoftware.com/camphacker

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2023/03/setting-summer-staff-up-for-success-If the success of your camp is your responsibility, then the success of your staff is your responsibility.The idea that our summer staff need to be set up for success is one of those ideas that is intuitive, yet extremely difficult to get right.Couple that with a seismic shift in the psychology and expectations of this generation of staff and the “correct path” to properly coaching and nurturing this generation of staff is going to be more important than ever. Whether this episode is an affirmation of your staffing philosophy, or you’re feeling the strain of this gen of staff, Chris, Gabz and Travis are here to give you practical advice on how to increase the impact of this essential staffing mindset. -Tool of the Week – Make Yourself a Better Camp DirectorChris - Artisans of Spendent ValeGabz - Multi colour variety pack zip tiesTravis - Faster Than Normal - Peter Shankman https://bookshop.org/a/84130/9780143131229-Your Hosts:Travis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp ProChris Hudson, Camp Consultant and Director - Camp HighlightJoe Richards, Executive Director - Pearce WilliamsGabrielle Raill, Camp Director - Camp Ouareau-Rate and Review the CampHacker Show(Thank you!)-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 summercampsoftware.com/camphacker

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2023/03/camp-program-of-the-future-10 years from now, are you going to be proud of the program decisions that you made today?Last episode, we unpacked the types of programs that we think it’s time to say goodbye to.And because we all know how annoying it is to have people only give you problems and not solutions, that’s where this one comes in.Travis, Gabz and Chris are here to talk about not only the specific programs that they are excited to see in the future, but the intentionality that will need to go into them.Because it’s really hard to know what the world is going to look like 10 years ago. We’re recording this in 2023 and think about how different the world was in 2013! A smartphone, 4 major social media platforms and a pandemic later, and we could have never seen what was coming.Whether technology majorly changes or not, we know that it’s “people before programs” so making sure we have the right people and right philosophies around social-emotional learning is what’s going to really move the needle.-Tool of the Week – Make Yourself a Better Camp DirectorChris - Get yourself a foam rollerGabz - Finch: Self Care Widget PetJoe - FUNdoing Fridays - Chris CalvertTravis - 5-Minute Fridays - Liz’s AI How To to make marketing writing better, Chris & Alyssa’s work on making a place for Neuro Divergent staff, Michael, Jorgi - all GCP-Your Hosts:Travis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp ProChris Hudson, Camp Director - Camp HighlightJoe Richards, Executive Director - Pearce WilliamsGabrielle Raill, Camp Director - Camp Ouareau-Rate and Review the CampHacker Show(Thank you!)-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 summercampsoftware.com/camphacker

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2023/02/camp-programs-let-goShould They Stay or Should They Go Now?Being a culture of change is essential for any camp that wants to be around for a long time.True camp pros know this, live this and breathe this, but even the best of the best can fall prey to the “way we’ve always done it”-itus.Camp programs.Sometimes, camp programs like our rituals, opening/closing ceremonies, activity areas, camp-wide events gain this “sacred” status that we hold onto for simply the idea of it.Consider this episode your wake-up call.Chris, Joe, Gabz and Travis put their heads together to call out and call in camp programs and rituals that they think need a good hard look at.As a preview - Chris is going to make you think differently about Color War.-Tool of the Week – Make Yourself a Better Camp DirectorChris - Laptop Stand https://amzn.to/4022hy2Gabz - Image Colorizer https://imagecolorizer.com/Joe - Sullivans 36"x59" Gridded Cutting Mat for Home Hobby Table - Jo Ann FabricsTravis - Shade: trees, cooling stations, deep porches, picnic shelters-Your Hosts:Travis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp ProChris Hudson, Camp Director - Camp HighlightJoe Richards, Executive Director - Pearce WilliamsGabrielle Raill, Camp Director - Camp Ouareau-Rate and Review the CampHacker Show(Thank you!)-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 summercampsoftware.com/camphacker

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2023/02/motivation-morale-When it’s been a few months without staff or kids, how do you and your year-round team remind yourself why you do what you do?Please review us! - Click here!We tell our seasonal staff that a summer of camp is a marathon, not a sprint. But we know that we’re lying to them, right? Or at least relatively.Being a year-round camp pro is a marathon that lasts YEARS, with sprints embedded within it, just to keep us on our toes.With burnout being a hot topic for employees of every level, it’s important that we check in on each other. The whole gang’s here to share what they do day in and day out with themselves and their teams to stay connected with the “why” of their world.-Tool of the Week – Make Yourself a Better Camp DirectorChris - Not Just Play: Summer Camp and the Profession of Social WorkGabz - Rode Videomic ME for smartphones https://amzn.to/3iUgsnSJoe - Book - 100 Things We've Lost to the Internet - Pamela Paul Travis - Pixton -Your Hosts:Travis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp ProChris Hudson, Camp Director - Camp HighlightJoe Richards, Executive Director - Pearce WilliamsGabrielle Raill, Camp Director - Camp Ouareau-Rate and Review the CampHacker Show(Thank you!)-Thanks to our sponsors!CamptivitiesScheduling is the backbone of every camper’s experience, but when there’s a staffing change, it’s almost impossible to fill that role with someone who knows all of the nuisance a schedule takes. Come check Camptivities out; specifically designed for camps by camp people. Find out more at camptivities.comUltraCampWouldn’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 summercampsoftware.com/camphacker

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2023/01/physical-mental-wellness-It’s not the same staff as 2010, so why are we treating their wellness like they are?We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again - this is not the same staffing generation as it was pre-pandemic.We’re rebuilding so many of our principals and practices post-pandemic, so why not take a deep dive into how we can (and maybe can’t) better meet the mental and physical health needs of our staff team?It’s certainly not going to be easy. It will be tempting to go down the road of “well, we didn’t have it like this when I was a summer staff!?” - even when we know that’s not going to cut it anymore - but we owe it to this generation of staff to continue to make camp the kind of impactful place it was for us.Chris, Joe and Gabz are here to help. Listen in as each of these well-seasoned camp directors are being vulnerable and bold enough to be willing to go back to the drawing board in the name of meeting their camp staff where they are at.-Tool of the Week – Make Yourself a Better Camp DirectorChris - Bamboo Plant  https://www.thespruce.com/growing-lucky-bamboo-1902994 & Shutterfly - https://www.shutterfly.com/ Gabz - Coursera - https://www.coursera.orgJoe - Center Cam - https://thecentercam.com/ | PowerToys (Windows) https://apps.microsoft.com/store/detail/XP89DCGQ3K6VLD-Your Hosts:Travis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp ProChris Hudson, Camp Director - Camp HighlightJoe Richards, Executive Director - Pearce WilliamsGabrielle Raill, Camp Director - Camp Ouareau-Rate and Review the CampHacker Show(Thank you!)-Thanks to our sponsors!CamptivitiesScheduling is the backbone of every camper’s experience, but when there’s a staffing change, it’s almost impossible to fill that role with someone who knows all of the nuisance a schedule takes. Come check Camptivities out; specifically designed for camps by camp people. Find out more at camptivities.comUltraCampWouldn’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 summercampsoftware.com/camphacker

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2022/12/staff-from-scratch-This is definitely a “glass-half-full” type of situation…For better or for worse, it’s more than likely that we’ve all had to “start from scratch” at some point in the last 3 years.However, starting from scratch with your staff team? Now that is one spicy meatball.Our staff are the core of what we do. The experience they deliver is the one that kids remember, and parents decide to re-register their kids for.When you’re starting from scratch with staff, we almost have to set aside the program. It’s not the traditions, the zip line and the costumes that give kids a memorable experience, it’s that the staff can create a safe space for campers to build confidence and create connections.It’s an incredible opportunity to go back to the core of our mission and what makes a great camp staff in the context of our mission.And who better to join Chris, Joe, Travis and Gabz on the show than the one and only Michael Brandwein!-More from MichaelLive Online March 28 & 29, 2023Brandwein on Training: The Step-by-Step System for Planning & Presenting Your Best Staff Training EverEarly Bird Discounted Registration until Feb. 15https://acai.wildapricot.org/event-5064766-Live Online May 13, 2023Brandwein on Super Staff SuperVision: The Quick Course on Outstanding Skills to Coach, Motivate, & Bring Out the Best in StaffEarly Bird Discounted Registration until April 1https://acai.wildapricot.org/event-5064659-Tool of the Week – Make Yourself a Better Camp DirectorFind the TOWs at  https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2022/12/staff-from-scratch-Your Hosts:Travis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp ProChris Hudson, Camp Director - Camp HighlightJoe Richards, Executive Director - Pearce WilliamsGabrielle Raill, Camp Director - Camp OuareauMichael Brandwein, Speaker, Trainer and Author - https://www.michaelbrandwein.com/store-Thanks to our sponsors!CamptivitiesScheduling is the backbone of every camper’s experience, but when there’s a staffing change, it’s almost impossible to fill that role with someone who knows all of the nuisance a schedule takes. Come check Camptivities out; specifically designed for camps by camp people. Find out more at camptivities.comUltraCampWouldn’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 summercampsoftware.com/camphacker

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2022/12/all-tows-Our favourite annual traditional…you know…besides camp!Look what’s back, back again, all TOWs back, tell a friend!Your good friends Chris, Gabz, Travis and Joe all share different “tools” that make their lives better in the categories…2 tools that positively affect your mental health2 books you read JUST FOR FUN2 gifts you’d recommend for every camp directorFind all of the TOWs and links at https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2022/12/all-tows -Your Hosts:Travis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp ProChris Hudson, Camp Director - Camp HighlightJoe Richards, Executive Director - Pearce WilliamsGabrielle Raill, Camp Director - Camp Ouareau-Rate and Review the CampHacker Show(Thank you!)-Thanks to our sponsors!CamptivitiesScheduling is the backbone of every camper’s experience, but when there’s a staffing change, it’s almost impossible to fill that role with someone who knows all of the nuisance a schedule takes. Come check Camptivities out; specifically designed for camps by camp people. Find out more at camptivities.comUltraCampWouldn’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 summercampsoftware.com/camphacker