Shows
The CampHacker PodcastModern “Operations” at your Camp - with Peter Elbaum and Rachel Kent - CampHacker #216Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2025/opsFrom Paperwork to People: The “Ops” Deep Dive EpisodeAre you truly taking the operational side of camp seriously enough? If you're like many camp leaders, the answer is probably "not yet." This episode of the CampHacker Podcast dives deep into the often-undiscussed world of camp operations. Join hosts Travis Allison, Chris Hudson, and Rachel Kent, along with special guest Peter Elbaum from Camp Graystone, as they share insights, prac...2025-05-2945 minThe CampHacker PodcastThe State of DEI and Camp in 2025 - with Simone Gamble and Rachel Kent - CampHacker #215Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2025/dei-camp-2025Is Summer Camp Inherently Racist? A Frank Discussion on DEI in the Camp IndustryThis week on the CampHacker Podcast, Travis Allison gets straight to the point with Chris Hudson, Rachel Kent, and Simone Gamble: Is summer camp inherently racist? They dig into the history of camping and how it's wrestled with being truly open and welcoming to everyone. The group doesn't shy away from the industry's past and looks closely...2025-05-1546 minThe CampHacker PodcastThe Power of Performance in Every Camp - with Carolyn Daniels and Theo Lencicki - CampHacker #214Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2025/power-of-performanceUnlocking Hidden Potential: What All Camps Can Learn From the Magic of Performing Arts CampsWhat's the secret sauce of performing arts camps? Host Travis Allison chats with Chris Hudson, Carolyn Daniels (Meridan YMCA), and Theo Lencicki (Camp Broadway) to uncover the surprising lessons that all camps can use.Discover how embracing elements of theater, music, and dance builds community, fosters leadership, boosts confidence, and creates safe spaces for...2025-05-0144 minThe CampHacker PodcastBecoming a Modern Mentor - with Michael Garcia - CampHacker #213Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2025/modern-mentorWhat does it take to be a great mentor in the camp industry?This week on CampHacker, hosts Travis Allison, Chris Hudson, and guest Michael Garcia (author of "Becoming a Modern Mentor") dive into the essential elements of effective mentorship. They share personal stories of impactful mentors, discuss strategies for setting boundaries, and explore how to empower staff to reach their full potential. Learn how to move beyond "voluntold" management and...2025-04-1755 minThe CampHacker PodcastCustomer Service is Culture - with Heather Withrow - CampHacker #212Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2025/culture-customerMastering Camp Culture: From Disney Magic to Tea-Kettle Secrets!Dive into the latest episode of the CampHacker Podcast, where Travis Allison, Chris Hudson, and Heather Withrow unravel the secrets behind creating a vibrant and intentional camp culture. From the enchanting influences of Disney to the practical magic of a 'nurse mobile' during check-ins, this episode is packed with quirky insights and savvy advice. Learn why first impressions matter, how to win...2025-04-0348 minThe CampHacker PodcastStop Avoiding Talking to Parents - with Ruby Compton and Joanna Warren Smith - CampHacker #211Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2025/talk-to-parentsSave the dodging and weaving for wide-game, not for avoiding camp parents!On this episode of CampHacker, Travis and Chris are joined by Ruby Compton, and Joanna Warren Smith to really dig into the importance of communicating with camp parents. They discuss the common issue of camps avoiding communication with parents and emphasize the importance of timely, meaningful responses to build trust and ensure camper safety. The conversation highlights the need...2025-03-2044 minThe CampHacker PodcastSpicy Wings, Spicy Questions - Live from OCA Connects 2025 - CampHacker #210Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2025/spicy-questionsAre these questions about the camp industry too hot to handle?In this special live recording from OCA Connects 2025, Travis is joined by Go Camp Pro podcast hosts Howie Grossinger (The Camp Owners Podcast), Rachel Kent (Beyond Camp), and Matt Wilfrid (First Class Counselors) on a panel discussion like no other.The group answered spicy questions while eating progressively hotter wings - much to the delight of the audience...2025-03-0653 minThe CampHacker PodcastConfessions of a Camp Pro with ADHD - with Kelie Cook and Shauna Guglielmo - CampHacker #209Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2025/adhdIs Summer Camp the Right Profession for Someone with ADHD?"I thought it was just me." This is the sentiment shared by many camp professionals with ADHD. On this episode of Camp Hacker, Travis, Kelie, and Shauna open up about their personal experiences with ADHD, sharing the struggles, the "aha" moments, and the unique strengths that come with neurodiversity. They discuss the challenges of masking, the importance of self-advocacy, and the...2025-02-1950 minThe CampHacker PodcastCan Camp Directors Have Fun? - with Ariella Skoczylas - CampHacker #208Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2025/no-funIs it even possible to have fun while being a camp director?This week on CampHacker, we're tackling a big question: Should camp directors have fun? It might seem obvious, but we dig deeper than just surface-level enjoyment. We explore what "fun" really means in the context of the demanding world of summer camp. Our guest, Ariella Skoczylas, joins Travis and Chris to share her insights on balancing the hard work...2025-02-1238 minThe CampHacker PodcastSo You Want to Hire a Camp Director... - with Esther Eisenhard & Dan Weir - CampHacker #207Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2025/hire-directorExpectations vs. Reality: The Camp Director Job MarketJoin Travis Allison, Chris Hudson, Dan Weir, and Esther Eisenhard for another fantastic episode of the CampHacker podcast! This episode dives into key challenges and emerging trends in recruiting and retaining camp staff. Learn about tools and strategies to manage camp operations more effectively, improve the candidate experience, and set up your camp for success. Plus, find out about specific job openings and...2025-01-161h 00The CampHacker PodcastNoticing: An Essential Skill For Camp Pros - CampHacker #206Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2024/noticingUse noticing to build a culture of inclusivity and intention.In this episode of the CampHacker podcast, Travis and Chris discuss the vital skill of 'noticing' at camp. The duo share how camp leaders can foster awareness among staff and campers, ensuring dynamic and inclusive programs. They share practical tips, including the importance of diverse staff hiring, continuous feedback, and re-evaluating programs based on the feedback that comes from your “noticing” data...2024-12-1943 minThe CampHacker PodcastPreparing For Digital Detox - with Max Claman - CampHacker #203Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2024/digital-detoxAre we doing our staff and campers a disservice by not better managing the expectations around their phone time at camp?Travis and Chris sit down with Max Claman to chat about effective digital detox and the psychological impacts of removing screens. They also discuss the role of AI in streamlining operations and provide practical tips for integrating technology while preserving the authentic camp experience. Packed with valuable insights and real-world examples, this...2024-11-0743 minThe CampHacker PodcastCamps and AI: Fall 2024 - CampHacker #202Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2024/ai-fall-2024The State of AI and Camps: Fall 2024In this episode of the CampHacker podcast, Travis and Chris explore the revolutionary impact of artificial intelligence on summer camp management. They dive into AI's role in streamlining operations, automating tasks, and enhancing staff training and parent communication. Discover specific tools like Perplexity, ChatGPT, and Notebook LM, which improve efficiency while addressing privacy concerns. Learn how AI can transform everything from scheduling and communication to monetization...2024-10-2448 minThe CampHacker PodcastAre We Over-Programming Our Camps? - CampHacker #201Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2024/over-programmed Are camps so packed with activities that it's actually detrimental? In this episode of the CampHacker podcast, hosts Travis Allison and Chris Hudson discuss the concept of overprogramming at camps, questioning if an abundance of scheduled activities could be detrimental. With insights from camp consultants, they explore balancing structured and unstructured time, considering the interests of children, parents, and staff. They also discuss generational changes in camp staff and touch on post-pandemic effects on...2024-10-1045 minThe CampHacker PodcastChris and Travis Start a Camp in 2025 - CampHacker #200Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2024/05/start-camp-2025If we were starting a summer camp from scratch, here’s what we can do!200 episodes and over 14 years, the CampHacker Podcast has been around literally so long that we actually can’t find the first few episodes (seriously, if you find them, holler!).After 200+ hours (that’s 1.5 weeks, people!), it’s time to put our money where our mouths are…hypothetically at least.In this episode, Travis and...2024-06-0647 minThe CampHacker PodcastSupporting A Camp Director with ADHD (it might be you!) - with Lisa Drennan - CampHacker #199Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2024/05/camp-pro-adhdYou can be a camp professional and have ADHD - there are lots of us out there!You probably wouldn’t 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 ar...2024-05-3054 minThe CampHacker PodcastHow Will We Make It to Summer 2035? - with Stephane Richard - CampHacker #198Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2024/05/camp-2035How are you doing at pushing past the overwhelm and considering the big picture?If you’re reading this on release (mid-May) - it may feel impossible to get out of the weeds and think about the future.That’s 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 we’re going to face and the opportunities we’ll discover...2024-05-2350 minThe CampHacker Podcast13 Industry Experts, 13 Tips for New Camp Directors - CampHacker #197Have 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-prosNew 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. You’re figuring out what this level of responsibility means for you and your team and wi...2024-05-1222 minThe CampHacker PodcastThe Value of Camper-Choice Programs - with Dan Weir and Jack Schott - CampHacker #195Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2024/03/choice-basedElective-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.You’ll hear:How do we actually define choice-based programmingWhy was this model so radical 10(ish) years agoWhat are the benefits of giving campers mo...2024-03-2852 minThe CampHacker PodcastOur Best Advice to New Camp Staff - CampHacker #194Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2024/03/our-advice-to-new-staffWhat 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 training…or, 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 wh...2024-03-1440 minThe CampHacker PodcastHow to Intentionally Retain Staff - CampHacker #193Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2024/02/retain-staffThe number one recruiting tactic? You got it - retaining!As the summer creeps closer, the staffing woes of the industry rear it’s ugly head again.Wouldn’t it be great if staffing wasn’t the thing that stole your focus from creating the best program you know you could be? Well, it’s a long road, but one of the biggest shortcuts on that road is retaining last sum...2024-02-0853 minThe CampHacker PodcastThe Effects of AI on the Camp Industry - CampHacker #192Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2024/01/camps-and-aiIs 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 “unplugged” utopia, many parts of the world began to change without us. Now that we’re back, directors and industry partners are readily using AI, but in our...2024-01-2549 minThe CampHacker PodcastCamps and the Climate Emergency - CampHacker #191Have 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.That’s not what this conversation is about.We need to seriously consider how the cl...2024-01-1144 minThe CampHacker PodcastAre Camps Giving Up on DEI? - CampHacker #190Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2023/12/giving-up-on-deiWhere 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...2023-12-2851 minThe CampHacker PodcastPreparing For a Massive Demographic Change at Camp - with The Summer Camp Society Podcast - CampHacker #189Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!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...2023-12-0552 minThe CampHacker PodcastIs Our Thinking About Technology at Camp Outdated? - CampHacker #188Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!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...2023-11-3042 minThe CampHacker PodcastParent Communications in 2023 - CampHacker #187Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!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!...2023-11-1649 minThe CampHacker PodcastSmall Systems, Big Impact - with with Dr. Lydia Hughes Evans - CampHacker #186Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!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!-Y...2023-11-0226 minThe CampHacker PodcastSetting and Honoring Boundaries - with Kyrah Altman - CampHacker #185Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!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...2023-10-1945 minThe CampHacker Podcast36 Tools to Thrive This Summer - CampHacker #184Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!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 shar...2023-06-0157 minThe CampHacker PodcastThe Power of Your Alumni Community - CampHacker #183Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!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 a...2023-05-1839 minThe CampHacker PodcastNew Career or New Camp - Our Best Advice - with Dan Weir - CampHacker #182Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!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...2023-05-0750 minThe CampHacker PodcastSummer Staff and Reasonable Boundaries - CampHacker #181Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!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 braci...2023-04-2042 minThe CampHacker PodcastPartnering with Parents in 2023 - with Jolly Corley - CampHacker #180Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!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...2023-04-0647 minThe CampHacker PodcastSetting Summer Staff up for Success - CampHacker #179Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!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...2023-03-2343 minThe CampHacker PodcastCamp Programs of the Future - CampHacker #178Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!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 t...2023-03-1045 minThe CampHacker PodcastWhat Programs Are We Ready To Say Goodbye To? - CampHacker #177Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!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/closin...2023-02-2343 minThe CampHacker PodcastMotivation and Morale in the Off-Season - CampHacker #176Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!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...2023-02-1045 minThe CampHacker PodcastCaring for Staff's Physical and Mental Wellness - CampHacker #175Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!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...2023-01-2645 minThe CampHacker PodcastBuild a Staff You Love...from Scratch - with Michael Brandwein - CampHacker #174Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!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...2022-12-291h 15The CampHacker PodcastThe 2022 All Tool of the Week Episode! - CampHacker #173Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!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...2022-12-1944 minThe CampHacker PodcastHow JCamp180 is Supporting Jewish Camps Across North America - CampHacker #172Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2022/12/jcamp180-is-supporting-jewish-camps-A vision for the future of summer camp support.What would it look like if organizations outside your camp understood the community-building power of summer camp?We know that camp builds connections that last forever, but telling that story to people outside of the camp world can be tricky - and it’s even more tricky to find outside financial resources to support the community mi...2022-12-0341 minThe CampHacker PodcastGet Ready for Next Summer Now (but don't do it alone!) - CampHacker #171Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2022/11/next-summer-not-alone-It’s time to start thinking forward - buty make sure you’re not thinking alone!Shake off that rust.Last summer is over. It’s behind us.Yes, there are lingering emotions, program things to wrap up and reports to write, but it’s time to move on. With some relative certainty about what the summer of 2023 is going to look like after the...2022-11-1741 minThe CampHacker PodcastMy Mightiest Mess-Ups - CampHacker #170Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2022/11/mightiest-mess-ups-None of us are perfect. Come celebrate, and learn from our mistakes!We’ve all been there - so why not be there, together?The positive way to frame mistakes is of course, “these were just learning experiences”, but it sure doesn’t feel like that in the moment.We all process mistakes that we make differently. Some people hold onto it. Some immediately move to probl...2022-11-0358 minThe CampHacker PodcastWhy Society Doesn't Value Camp (and What We Can Do About It!) - CampHacker #168Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2022/06/why-society-doesnt-value-campWe NEED to tell our story.Coming out of this major phase of the pandemic is our industry’s biggest chance to prove our value. Period.We need to do everything we can to show the world that camp is more than a place with games, songs and friends. But how do we do that when there are still so many incorrect stereotypes about what we...2022-06-0242 minThe CampHacker PodcastWhat Does It Mean To Call Camp "Home"? - CampHacker #167Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2022/05/calling-camp-homeBecause what other “home” comes with a Gaga pit and 20+ dining hall tables?We know you’ve heard it. “Camp is my home away from home!” - some camps even go as far as saying “welcome home!” to everyone that drives up the camp road.Why does that happen?What is it about the summer camp experience that causes something in our brains that says “I’m home”.And w...2022-05-1947 minThe CampHacker PodcastSending Campers Home (With Intention) - CampHacker #166Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2022/05/sending-campers-home-intentionIt may not happen often, but when you, unfortunately, have to send a camper home, you need to get it right.One of the unfortunate realities of being a camp professional is that it’s likely that eventually, a camper is going to have to go home early.Whether it’s because of a medical reason, or a behavioural one, a camper going home is never easy. It can send...2022-05-0547 minThe CampHacker Podcast9 Things New Families Need to Know - CampHacker #165Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2022/04/9-tips-new-familiesHow to make campers & families feel like insiders - before they even get to camp!After a few years away from a regular summer, we likely have more new families than ever.One of the biggest “shake off the rust” things that we need to remember is how we welcome and prepare new families for their, or their camper’s first time at camp.Joe, Travis and Gabz get togethe...2022-04-2146 minThe CampHacker PodcastSuccession Planning - CampHacker #163Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2022/02/succession-planningThe year after you leave camp, how will it be doing? How does that reflect on your succession planning?What’s the plan?Seriously. When you, or another senior staff leaves… Who will pick up where you/they left off?Where are the procedures?What are the most important parts of the culture?Who knows the wifi password?Yes, even t...2022-03-2447 minThe CampHacker PodcastOur Best Life Advice for Young Staff - CampHacker #162Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2022/02/our-best-life-advice-for-staffWe don’t just raise staff to be great camp employees, we try to help set them up for success for the rest of their life.Camp has this beautiful, strange and messy blurring effect on the work/life relationship between bosses and employees. It’s tough for a lot of reasons, but we’re going to talk about one of the best parts of it on this episode.One of the in...2022-03-1053 minThe CampHacker PodcastMake the Most of the Next 100 Days - with Abigail Stuart and Ari Polsky - CampHacker #161Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2022/02/the-next-100-daysWhen it’s crunch time, you need to make sure all systems are GO. Here are the 10 most vital tips to make the most of the summer camp home stretch.Not only did we get some great feedback on our last episode with Ari and Abi, they realized that as they were preparing for their upcoming summers, they were relying on some tried and true strategies that their years in the “camp ops”...2022-02-2439 minThe CampHacker PodcastBuilding Trust with Parents - with Rachel Kent - CampHacker #160Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2022/02/building-trust-with-parentsRegaining and building trust is one of our top post-pandemic priorities.We know, we know. You have a million other “post-pandemic priorities”, but this is one you can’t let slip!After 2 years of a pandemic that had us in a consistent tornado of fear AND for some, 2 years of no camp, we have some trust to build with families! But, like many things about the pandemic, there’s a silver lining h...2022-02-1044 minThe CampHacker PodcastHow Can We Be More Motivated, Efficient, Productive & Relaxed? - CampHacker #159Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2022/01/how-can-we-be-more-motivatedCheck-in with yourself. What do you need? Here’s how to make it happen.Motivation isn’t innate. There are times that, for whatever reason, we need a boost.Either it’s a project that we find difficult, or we aren’t getting the support or rest we need, or any number of things that can get us feeling down and distracted.It happens to everyone, including Joe, Travis and Gabz...2022-01-2744 minThe CampHacker PodcastMarketing When You REALLY Don't Want To - CampHacker #158Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2021/01/marketing-when-you-dont-want-toIt’s not about selling people on camp. It’s about telling your stories.Do you like every single part of being a camp director? Come on, be honest.There’s something that is every camp director’s kryptonite - something that you KNOW you need to do, and you probably do it, but just the thought of it makes you feel gross.For many directors out there, marketing is that...2022-01-1353 minThe CampHacker PodcastThe Value of a Great Operations Director - with Abigail Stuart and Ari Polsky - CampHacker #157Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2021/12/operations-directorIt’s time for Camp Directors to stop trying to do everything. Invest in operations.Ari Polsky, the smartie that he is, posed this question in the COVID-19 + Camp Slack last June:“Based off the texts I have received from a few camp colleagues, and the current setup work I am doing I have some thoughts/questions:Are we (as a field) investing enough in operations and systems staff?How are...2021-12-3040 minThe CampHacker PodcastThe 2021 All Tool of the Week Episode! - CampHacker #156Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2021/12/all-tow-2021Cue the trombone music, it's ALL TOOLS ALL THE TIME!Back by popular demand, back again is our annual All TOWs show!This year, a focus on gifts for camp directors that promote positive mental health.Chris, Gabz, Travis and Joe all share…2 tools that positively affect your mental health2 books you read JUST FOR FUN2 gifts you’d recommend for every camp directorThere are WAY too...2021-12-1641 minThe CampHacker PodcastHow to Be a Better Delegator - CampHacker #155Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2021/12/be-a-better-delegatorWho’s the best delegator you’ve ever met?The working title of this episode is “delegate like your life depends on it”.A bit dramatic? Yes. Kind of true? Also yes!If you can’t delegate - if everything at camp needs to run by you before it happens - if you need to facilitate every hard conversation - then you (and your camp) may not last very long.2021-12-0247 minThe CampHacker PodcastDo This RIGHT NOW to Make Next Summer Awesome - CampHacker #154Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2021/11/do-this-right-nowDon’t just make it survivable, make it AWESOME.We’re releasing this podcast at the time where the previous summer is still “going” and next summer isn’t quite “coming” yet.However, if you haven’t run since 2019, the summer of 2022 feels like it’s coming fast and furious.This is the time for deep thinking, planning and rest. It’s possible to make policy revisions on the fly, but it’s better...2021-11-1839 minThe CampHacker PodcastThe Type of Staff You NEED At Your Camp - CampHacker #153Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2021/11/these-are-the-staff-you-needNo more warm-body syndrome. Hire great staff and make it work with the number you have.This isn’t the first Go Camp Pro Podcast about staffing, and it certainly won’t be the last.This year all of our shows are going to cover many topics on staffing - where to find them, how to interview them, how to keep them, etc.But when you get down to it...2021-11-0443 min