Episodes
-
Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!
Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2024/05/start-camp-2025
If we were starting a summer camp from scratch, hereâs what we can do!200 episodes and over 14 years, the CampHacker Podcast has been around literally so long that we actually canât find the first few episodes (seriously, if you find them, holler!).
After 200+ hours (thatâs 1.5 weeks, people!), itâs time to put our money where our mouths areâŠhypothetically at least.
In this episode, Travis and Chris take their collective camp and education experience, alongside the realities of running summer camps today, and put it together to share how they would build and launch Camp Hudson (get it, Hudson + Allison?).
From site ownership (hint, they wouldnât), to who they serve (hint, start local), to marketing (hint, often and BIG), this episode covers a lot of ground.
Join us in this hopeful and intentional thought experiment as a send-off for the summer of 2024.
Thanks for the season, friends!
-
Tool of the Week - Make Yourself a Better Camp DirectorChris - Game - Once Upon a Time - https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/1234/once-upon-time-storytelling-card-game Travis - Finch app - https://app.befinch.com/share/TRJDYour HostsTravis 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 sponsor!UltraCamp
Imagine 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/camphacker
-
Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!
Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2024/05/camp-pro-adhd
You can be a camp professional and have ADHD - there are lots of us out there!You probably wouldnât be surprised to know that as we have gotten more comfortable talking about exceptionalities, disabilities or diversabilities, the rate of diagnoses for those exceptionalities, disabilities or diversabilities has gone up.
More and more people (kids, teens and adults are like) are discovering how their brains work best and are starting to understand their potential when the spaces that they are in work in their favour.
As with most things - the camp industry, by and large, is catching up on making sure that their spaces are using Universal Design Principals when thinking about how they create the day-to-day of staff training and summer camp.
Travis and Chris are joined by Lisa Drennan, founder of MERGE Diverse Abilities Inclusion Consulting and an absolute PRO when it comes to making spaces more inclusive for kids, teens, young adults and adults who identify as neurodivergent.
-
Tool of the Week - Make Yourself a Better Camp DirectorChris - The Book of Virtues - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25774.The_Book_of_Virtues Travis - ConqueRing Fidget Ring -https://myconquering.com/ New Canva - Meet the NEW Canva | Canva Create 2024 UpdatesâšLisa - https://thearcofmass.org/toolkit-organization/ Your HostsTravis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp ProChris Hudson, Camp Consultant and Director - Camp HighlightLisa Drennan, Founder of MERGE Diverse Abilities Inclusion Consulting-
Rate and Review the CampHacker Show
(Thank you!)
-
Thanks to our sponsor!UltraCamp
Imagine 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/camphacker
-
Episodes manquant?
-
Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!
https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2024/05/camp-2035
How are you doing at pushing past the overwhelm and considering the big picture?If youâre reading this on release (mid-May) - it may feel impossible to get out of the weeds and think about the future.
Thatâs fair - and - in order for our industry, and even our camps to make it the next 10 years, we need to consider the challenges that weâre going to face and the opportunities weâll discover along the way.
Thank goodness for people like Stephane (and Travis - itâs not him who writes these show-notes, so heâs not being an arrogant jerk by mentioning himself) to help us zoom out and think of the big picture.
In this episode, Travis and Stephane use their combined experience to share what camps and camp leaders will need to do to ensure they not only survive until 2035, but to thrive along the way.
-
Tool of the Week - Make Yourself a Better Camp DirectorStephane - 5 Dysfunctions of a Team - Patrick LencioniTravis - High-Quality Post-Its + Sharpie + Big Wall Brainstorming-
Your HostsTravis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp ProStephane Richard, Owner and Lead Consultant, Stephane Richard Consulting-
Rate and Review the CampHacker Show
(Thank you!)
-
Thanks to our sponsor!UltraCamp
Imagine 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/camphacker
-
Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!
Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2024/04/13-tips-for-new-camp-pros
New and new-ish Camp Directors, this one is for you. Kick some butt this summer.There are a TON of full-time camp professionals that have entered the industry post-COVID.
For those of us that have been around for a while, we know how incredibly difficult the first few years of the job are. Youâre figuring out what this level of responsibility means for you and your team and with problems emerging, it can really feel like a whack-a-mole type of situation.
So - Travis asked fellow camp podcasters to combine their joint 200+ years of full-time directing to distill their best pieces of advice for people just like you.
Youâve got these 13 (and many more) people behind you - so get out there and do what you do!
Weâre grateful to the following people for sharing their tips:
-
Your Hosts - In order of âappearanceâ:Travis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp ProAllison Krabill, Executive Director - The Summer Camp SocietyRuby Compton, Chief Exploration Officer & Host - Camp Code PodcastCole Kelly, Owner/Director - Camp Weequahic, Podcast Host - Campfire ConversationsSam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor - Crystal Lake Park District, Podcast Host - The Day Camp PodDavid Sherry, President - The Sherry Group, LLC, Podcast Host - The Sherry Group PodcastDr. Mandi Baker, Researcher, Professor & Consultant, Podcast Host - The PuddingJack Schott, Founder/Owner - The Summer Camp Society, Host - The Summer Camp Society PodcastMatt Wilfrid, Executive Producer - Go Camp Pro, Podcast Host - First Class CounselorsAbigail Stuart, Director of Operations - Doxazo Ministries, Go Camp Pro ContributorAndy Pritikin, Owner - Liberty Lake Day Camp, Podcast Host - The Day Camp PodEtienne Lefebvre, Director of IT Service Management, Podcast Editor - Camp Code PodcastBeth Allison, Founder - Go Camp Pro, Podcast Host - Camp Code Podcast-
Rate and Review the CampHacker Show
(Thank you!)-
Thanks to our sponsor!UltraCamp
Imagine 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/camphacker
-
Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!
Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2024/04/what-they-dont-get
What is one thing you learned working at camp that surprises people when you talk about?The fact that people donât understand what we do full-time is not just and âusâ problem - itâs a problem for our entire industry.
Itâs annoying as all heck - yes.
And.
It could be the reason why youâre under-enrolled and understaffed.
One of the biggest issues facing our industry is our reputation. We are consistently fighting against Hollywood stereotypes and the notion that camp is a luxury item for privileged kids or glorified child-care.
We - meaning consultants, associations, directors, staff, etc. - need to do a better job articulating what camp does for itâs leaders and the types of people that it creates.
If we donât, how do we expect families and staff to value the experience enough to trust us with their kids or their summer employment?
Do these show notes sound like weâre up on a soap-box? Well just wait for the episode!
Tune in to get a (kind) earful from Travis and Chris!-
Tool of the Week â Make Yourself a Better Camp DirectorChris - Notion.soTravis - https://deckofbrilliance.com/Your Hosts:Travis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp ProChris Hudson, Camp Consultant and Director - Camp Highlight -
Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!
Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2024/03/choice-based
Elective-based, choice-based, whatever you call it, it just may be the future of camper programs.We welcome back one of our original hosts, Dan Weir and welcome back Jack Schott from The Summer Camp Society (and TSCS Podcast!) to unpack all things choice-based programming.
Youâll hear:
How do we actually define choice-based programmingWhy was this model so radical 10(ish) years agoWhat are the benefits of giving campers more ownership over their camp experienceHow does a choice-based model tie into equity, intentionality and positive social development (yes, we go deep in this one!)-
Tool of the Week â Make Yourself a Better Camp DirectorChris - Argh! Pirate Ship!Travis - ear filter - Flare Calmer - đšđŠ https://amzn.to/3VI3MkW đșđžhttps://amzn.to/3VDWOgWJack - https://www.allinpodcast.co/ or https://getaway.house/Dan - Wireless-
Your Hosts:Travis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp ProChris Hudson, Camp Consultant and Director - Camp HighlightJack Schott, Co-Founder - The Summer Camp SocietyDan Weir, Sr. Consultant - immersive1st - Day Camp Community-
Rate and Review the CampHacker Show
(Thank you!)
-
Thanks to our sponsor!UltraCamp
Imagine 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/camphacker
-
Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!
Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2024/03/our-advice-to-new-staff
What are the most important things staff need to know to be successful this summer?Right now (March), camp directors everywhere are starting to think about staff trainingâŠor, intending to do so at least.
There are a trillion things that we want to teach staff and it would be literally impossible to pack it all in during training and even harder to decide on which one is the most important.
This episode, Travis and Chris put themselves in the shoes of camp directors the day before the kids arrive at camp. If this was the only advice they could give to camp staff - what would it be?
Unsurprisingly, they couldnât narrow it down to one each, but itâs all great.
Please pass this on to your camp staff! The keeners will thank you!
-
Tool of the Week â Make Yourself a Better Camp DirectorChris - http://makeplayingcards.com
Travis - Talknotes https://talknotes.io/app
-
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!UltraCamp
Imagine 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/camphacker
Camptivities
Why 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
-
Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!
Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/the-pudding/gen-z
Unlocking the Potential of Gen-Z at Summer CampStaffing continues to be one of the biggest thorns in the paws of our industry. Itâs a challenge that isnât likely to go away soon, so what can we do to ride this wave, rather than just letting it crash into us?
Travis and Mandi dig into this topic and share how an approach of curiosity is a Camp Proâs best tool when working with this generation of camp staff.
In this episode, we cover:
What do we need to know about this generation of camp staff? How will their worldview shape how they view their role this summer?How can we show this generation why the summer camp experience is not just worthwhile, but incredibly desirable?How we can help staff understand that camp is one of the best training grounds around for almost all future careersIs it possible to screen for the potential of great staff members? What can we do to identify the staff who are going to be super successful this summer?-
Your Hosts:Dr. Mandi Baker, Researcher - Summer Camp, Outdoor Recreation, Sociology and Hospitality/Tourism - [email protected] Travis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp Pro - [email protected]-
Thanks to our sponsors!The American Camp Association - Illinois
The American Camp Association of Illinois is made up of nearly 289,000 members, volunteers, campers, families, and professionals who believe in the power of camp. We work to disrupt the effects of poverty by providing fundamental services for children and families, and learning opportunities for camp professionals. Learn more about ACA Illinois by visiting acail.org.
Camptivities
You know the impact you want camp to make in a childâs life. But figuring out the day-to-day details can be overwhelming. Let Camptivities help you make that impact by streamlining the creation of your camp activity schedules. Schedule a demo at camptivities.com.
-
Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!
Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/the-pudding/power-between-people
With great power comesâŠwell, you know the rest.We all know that even in the sunshine and butterflies that is summer camp, there is evil lurking about. An evil that affects people and communities from all over. It has a name, too.
Are you ready?
Power.
Okay, maybe a bit dramatic, but itâs something nonetheless that we need to talk about when it comes to the microcosm that is summer camp.
On this episode, Mandi and Travis discuss how the power structures of the summer camp world have consequential effects on not just the employees, but the entire culture and program.
Youâll hear about:
How power is an ever-present entity, how everyone has it (to an extent) and how dynamic it can beThe risk of harm that can be inherent in the systems that even the most well-intentioned camp leaders can createHow the different spaces, and the unspoken rules of those spaces create a power-filled environmentHow camp directors can be aware of these systems of power and consider the good, the bad and the ugly in them-
Your Hosts:Dr. Mandi Baker, Researcher - Summer Camp, Outdoor Recreation, Sociology and Hospitality/Tourism - [email protected] Travis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp Pro - [email protected]-
Thanks to our sponsors!The American Camp Association - Illinois
The American Camp Association of Illinois is made up of nearly 289,000 members, volunteers, campers, families, and professionals who believe in the power of camp. We work to disrupt the effects of poverty by providing fundamental services for children and families, and learning opportunities for camp professionals. Learn more about ACA Illinois by visiting acail.org.
Camptivities
You know the impact you want camp to make in a childâs life. But figuring out the day-to-day details can be overwhelming. Let Camptivities help you make that impact by streamlining the creation of your camp activity schedules. Schedule a demo at camptivities.com.
-
Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!
Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2024/02/retain-staff
The number one recruiting tactic? You got it - retaining!As the summer creeps closer, the staffing woes of the industry rear itâs ugly head again.
Wouldnât it be great if staffing wasnât the thing that stole your focus from creating the best program you know you could be? Well, itâs a long road, but one of the biggest shortcuts on that road is retaining last summerâs staff!
And, how do you do that? Well, because this is a Go Camp Pro podcast, you know we have to talk about being intentional in your strategy. How do you be intentional? Well, weâre here to help with that, too!
In this episode, Chris and Travis go deep into the very nature of intentionality and how that can apply as you look to retain your best staff.
-
Tool of the Week â Make Yourself a Better Camp DirectorChris - Big Dumb Cup: https://www.stanley1913.com/collections/tumblers
Be aware of lead in the bottom of the mugTravis - Beeper App https://refer.beeper.com/XYMr2p
-
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!UltraCamp
Imagine 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/camphacker
Camptivities
Why 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
-
Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!
Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2024/01/camps-and-ai
Is AI going to ruin the summer camp industry?AI really proliferated right before we all went to camp in 2023.
Some of us started playing with it, but over the summer, while we were living in our âunpluggedâ utopia, many parts of the world began to change without us.
Now that weâre back, directors and industry partners are readily using AI, but in our haste to catch up, have we taken a second to consider the bigger picture?
No shame if you havenât yet. Youâre busy, and thatâs why weâre here!
We welcome back EmJ and Jack from The Summer Camp Society Podcast to help guide Camp Pros on unpacking this important discussion.
-
Tool of the Week â Make Yourself a Better Camp DirectorChris - Beanie w Headlamp (đșđž - https://amzn.to/47reRJJ, đšđŠ - https://amzn.to/3NRlnm0)Travis - Emergency - Neil Strauss (đšđŠ - https://amzn.to/3H61PGv, đșđž - https://bookshop.org/a/84130/9780060898779)Jack - How to run great meetings - How to Run Effective Meetings | Matt Mochary | The Tim Ferriss Show podcastEmJ - Giant Postits - 4 x 6 (đșđž https://amzn.to/3H9dTai, đšđŠ - https://amzn.to/3H8ISmJ)-
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!UltraCamp
Imagine 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/camphacker
Camptivities
Why 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
-
Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!
Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/the-pudding/good-for-everyone
Just BEING at camp is a good thing - the science proves it!We intuitively know that camp is a good thing.
We can tell a million heart-filled stories about how camp changes lives.
But as you all know, the proof is certainly in the pudding - so for the discerning camp pros (or camp families we are trying to convince to come to camp!) this episode will be a great place to start!
Dr. Mandi Baker and Travis unpack some of the major findings over the last few years of research when it comes to the benefits of the summer camp experience for everyone involved.
Youâll hear about:
Why being in nature is a foundational part of the benefits of the camp experienceThe psychosocial benefits of positive community and relationshipsHow camp develops physical literacy and a healthy relationship to riskHow camps are a developmental relationship super-chargerWhere to get your hands on this research-
Links and Resources:UPLOADS - The Understanding and Preventing Led Outdoor Accidents Data Systems (UPLOADS) Project
-
Your Hosts:Dr. Mandi Baker, Researcher - Summer Camp, Outdoor Recreation, Sociology and Hospitality/Tourism - [email protected] Travis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp Pro - [email protected]-
Thanks to our sponsors!The American Camp Association - Illinois
The American Camp Association of Illinois is made up of nearly 289,000 members, volunteers, campers, families, and professionals who believe in the power of camp. We work to disrupt the effects of poverty by providing fundamental services for children and families, and learning opportunities for camp professionals. Learn more about ACA Illinois by visiting acail.org.
Camptivities
You know the impact you want camp to make in a childâs life. But figuring out the day-to-day details can be overwhelming. Let Camptivities help you make that impact by streamlining the creation of your camp activity schedules. Schedule a demo at camptivities.com.
-
Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!
Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2024/01/climate-changeRecycling programs and talking nature education programs are only step 1.When we talked about climate change and camp 10 years ago, the conversation usually was about how we can be a bit more sustainable, how to teach campers about nature appreciation and maybe looking at recycling a little bit closer.
Thatâs not what this conversation is about.
We need to seriously consider how the climate emergency is going to fundamentally impact many of our programs. Power availability, infrastructure, air quality, the sheer ability to go outside - as some would say - the very essence of camp is on the line here. Maybe not for us, but surely for the next generation at our camps.
Chris and Travis are joined by Danny Sudman from Green Camps, an organization that empowers camps to reduce their environmental impact and inspire the next generation of eco-leaders.
This isnât just a âdoom and gloomâ episode (although, thereâs certainly some of that), the team brings solutions and inspiration to help camps feel inspired to think about this in a serious way.
-
Tool of the Week â Make Yourself a Better Camp DirectorChris - Windproof Waterproof Rechargeable Lighter (đșđž - https://amzn.to/3S9bhPG, đšđŠ https://amzn.to/423B3IR)Travis - Warheads for Panic Attacks - https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/health-wellness/2023/12/01/tiktok-warheads-trend-panic-attack-experts/71754898007/Danny - Energy and Water Efficiency Checklist for Camps and Retreats https://www.greencamps.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/ES_Checklist_Camps_Green-Camps-co-brand.pdf-
Your Hosts:Travis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp ProChris Hudson, Camp Consultant and Director - Camp HighlightDanny Sudman, Founder & Executive Director - Green Camps-
Rate and Review the CampHacker Show
(Thank you!)
-
Thanks to our sponsors!UltraCamp
Imagine 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/camphacker
Camptivities
Why 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
-
Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!
Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2023/12/giving-up-on-dei
Where did the momentum go?We believe that summer camp should be an accessible place where individuals feel welcome and included for the unique and wonderful things they bring to the community.
Right?
While many camps would say that they believe this - but if they honestly look in the mirror, would their commitment to DEI be the same as it was in 2020?
While DEI may not be in the headlines as much these days (which, isnât good on itâs own) - camps that truly believe that camp should be for every child and staff member, need to keep their foot on the gas.
Chris, Travis and Gabz join to share what they have been hearing from the industry, why DEI initiatives are still essential, and how we can get back at it.
-
Tool of the Week â Make Yourself a Better Camp DirectorGabz - Highlighter Pen - staff gift during exam timeChris - The Hundredâs Years War on PalestineTravis - Bottle Brush-
Your Hosts:Travis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp ProChris Hudson, Camp Consultant and Director - Camp HighlightGabrielle Raill, Camp Director - Camp Ouareau-
Rate and Review the CampHacker Show
(Thank you!)
-
Thanks to our sponsors!UltraCamp
Imagine 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/camphacker
Camptivities
Why 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
-
Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!
Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/the-pudding/being-in-nature
And are we thinking about ânatureâ too specifically?Being in nature is good for us - we know this intuitively.
But did you know that science backs this up?
It is proven, beyond doubt, that being in nature decreases anxiety, decreases rumination, and alleviates low mood.
Dr. Mandi Baker and Travis unpack some of the major findings over the last few years of research when it comes to being outdoors and its effect on the individual.
Youâll hear about:
The scientifically proven physical and emotional benefits of being in natureWhy getting into nature is especially critical in this day and ageHow our bodies process emotions and how nature can be a way to shortcut that processingHow can camp professionals explain the benefits and the research to camp families-
Your Hosts:Dr. Mandi Baker, Researcher - Summer Camp, Outdoor Recreation, Sociology and Hospitality/Tourism - [email protected] Travis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp Pro - [email protected]-
Thanks to our sponsors!The American Camp Association - Illinois
The American Camp Association of Illinois is made up of nearly 289,000 members, volunteers, campers, families, and professionals who believe in the power of camp. We work to disrupt the effects of poverty by providing fundamental services for children and families, and learning opportunities for camp professionals. Learn more about ACA Illinois by visiting acail.org.
Camptivities
You know the impact you want camp to make in a childâs life. But figuring out the day-to-day details can be overwhelming. Let Camptivities help you make that impact by streamlining the creation of your camp activity schedules. Schedule a demo at camptivities.com.
-
Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!
Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2023/12/demographics-tcsc
Are you being thoughtful about how a changing demographic will affect your camp?Whether you are a camp with a wait-list, or youâre hoping for a few more âbums in bunksâ, something that we need to seriously be thinking about is the potential to serve a the demographic in the world. And, this isnât just in a âbe better at DEIâ 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, itâs an opportunity to not only bring in new campers, but to bring in new investments into your programs and facilities.
But - it doesnât come easily.
Luckily, youâve 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 â 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 Abdaalâs 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!UltraCamp
Imagine 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/camphacker
Camptivities
Why 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
-
Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!
Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2023/11/no-tech
Is the âno technologyâ policy at your camp compatible with the campers of today?âNo technology at campâ is a sacred part of many of our summer camp cultures. The value of unplugging. Being âin the momentâ. âBeing realâ are all things plastered all over our website and marketing materials.
Is this the right way? Or is it just the way thatâŠwait for itâŠweâve always done it.
The answer definitely isnât 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 â 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!UltraCamp
Imagine 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/camphacker
Camptivities
Why 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
-
Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!
Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2023/11/parent-coms-2023
How 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 andâŠmaybe less hellish future of communication with parents.
-
Tool of the Week â Make Yourself a Better Camp Director
Chris - 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!UltraCamp
Imagine 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/camphacker
Camptivities
Why 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
-
Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!
Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2023/11/camp-magic
How do you measure magic?Every camp professional, whether new or seasoned, knows what we mean when we say âcamp magicâ.
For most of us, we think of camp magic as this ethereal, indescribable, ever-present part of camp. This âmagicâ 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 âinsiders-onlyâ concept.
Youâll hear about:
What does camp âbeing a bubbleâ have to do with camp magic?How are the people at camp integral to creating that magic?What elements go into creating this âworld apartâ?At what point does âcamp magicâ become âcamp cult?âHow to support camp staff while theyâre living and working in the âbubbleâ-
Your Hosts:Dr. Mandi Baker, Researcher - Summer Camp, Outdoor Recreation, Sociology and Hospitality/Tourism - [email protected] Travis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp Pro - [email protected] -
Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!
Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2023/11/small-systems
It doesnât 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 â 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!UltraCamp
Imagine 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/camphacker
Camptivities
Why 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
- Montre plus
