Can (Should) Camp Directors Have Fun? - with Ariella Skoczylas - CampHacker #208

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Is 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 with the joy of making a difference. We talk about where we find our own fun in the camp experience, from planning and leading to those spontaneous moments of connection. We also discuss how to communicate the realities of the job to young staff, making sure they understand the balance between fun and responsibility.

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Tool of the Week - Make Yourself a Better Camp Director

  • Travis -  Lego Bontanicals 

  • Chris - Behind the Overlay

  • Ariella Skoczylas - The Carrot Principle

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UltraCamp

Remember what sparked your passion for camp? UltraCamp knows it’s about the people, not the paperwork. That’s why they built a platform to simplify your camp management. Learn more at ultracampmanagement.com/camphacker

Camptivities

Activity schedules are the backbone of every camper’s experience. If there’s a staffing change, it’s really hard to find a person that knows your camp and the nuance your schedule takes. Come check out Camptivities to learn more about our scheduling tools,  designed for camps by camp people. Find out more at camptivities.com

So You Want to Hire a Camp Director... - with Esther Eisenhard & Dan Weir - CampHacker #207

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Expectations vs. Reality: The Camp Director Job Market

Join 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 practical tips on hiring superstars for your camp.

Hear more about:

  • 02:06 Guest Introductions

  • 02:34 Dan Weir's Day Camp Community

  • 04:08 Esther's Camp Journey

  • 07:25 The Importance of Candidate Experience

  • 09:30 Challenges in Camp Recruitment

  • 14:11 The Reality of Camp Director Expectations

  • 20:35 Compensation and Living Arrangements

  • 26:09 The Need for Industry Change

  • 32:51 Salary and Job Expectations

  • 34:31 Incentives and Bonuses

  • 37:53 Streamlining the Interview Process

  • 39:57 Professionalizing Camp Roles

  • 42:57 Effective Communication in Hiring

  • 45:43 Tool of the Week

  • 56:18 Current Job Openings and Final Thoughts

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Tool of the Week - Make Yourself a Better Camp Director

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Your Hosts

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Rate and Review the CampHacker Show

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Thanks to our sponsors!

UltraCamp

Remember what sparked your passion for camp? UltraCamp knows it’s about the people, not the paperwork. That’s why they built a platform to simplify your camp management. Learn more at ultracampmanagement.com/camphacker

Camptivities

Activity schedules are the backbone of every camper’s experience. If there’s a staffing change, it’s really hard to find a person that knows your camp and the nuance your schedule takes. Come check out Camptivities to learn more about our scheduling tools,  designed for camps by camp people. Find out more at camptivities.com

Noticing: An Essential Skill For Camp Pros - CampHacker #206

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Use 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. Additionally, they emphasize the necessity of noticing who is left out and the impact of thoughtful communication. Tune in for insightful strategies that can enhance your camp’s environment and overall experience.

Hear more about:

  • 01:59 Introducing Noticing Skills

  • 05:36 Challenging Traditions for Better Camps

  • 08:24 Empowering Staff to Notice

  • 17:24 Tips and Tricks for Noticing

  • 22:03 Common Camp Challenges and Solutions

  • 24:17 Hiring the Right Camp Counselors

  • 34:55 Effective Communication with Parents

  • 39:51 Tool of the Week

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Tool of the Week - Make Yourself a Better Camp Director

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Your Hosts

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Rate and Review the CampHacker Show

(Thank you!)

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Thanks to our sponsors!

UltraCamp

Remember what sparked your passion for camp? UltraCamp knows it’s about the people, not the paperwork. That’s why they built a platform to simplify your camp management. Learn more at ultracampmanagement.com/camphacker

Camptivities

Activity schedules are the backbone of every camper’s experience. If there’s a staffing change, it’s really hard to find a person that knows your camp and the nuance your schedule takes. Come check out Camptivities to learn more about our scheduling tools,  designed for camps by camp people. Find out more at camptivities.com

Gender Equity at Camp - with Gabrielle Raill - CampHacker #205

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Do you notice that gender equity is something we are better at talking about than doing?

In this episode, Travis and Chris welcome back Gabrielle Raill to explore the persistent issue of gender equity in camps. Chris leads a discussion on how camps often roll out the red carpet for male staff due to a shortage of male applicants, sometimes at the expense of gender equity. Gabz shares her experiences from all-girls camp, highlighting the implicit gender norms that surface even in such environments. The team examines the importance of addressing these disparities through intentional staff training and mission-driven leadership. The episode also includes practical tools and resources for camp professionals to incorporate gender equity into their daily operations.

Hear more about:

  • 00:00 Introduction to Gender Equity in Camps

  • 01:58 Chris's Observations on Gender Equity

  • 04:22 Gabrielle's Perspective on Gender Roles

  • 07:27 Challenges and Solutions in Gender Equity

  • 13:34 The Importance of Mission-Driven Gender Equity

  • 19:52 Promoting Gender Equity Through Staff Training

  • 20:34 The Complexity of Addressing Gender Equity

  • 24:25 The Importance of Clear Communication

  • 28:05 Microaggressions and Staff Training

  • 28:59 Safety and Inclusion as Non-Negotiables

  • 31:38 The Reality of Privilege and Resistance

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Tool of the Week - Make Yourself a Better Camp Director

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Your Hosts

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Rate and Review the CampHacker Show

(Thank you!)

-

Thanks to our sponsors!

UltraCamp

Remember what sparked your passion for camp? UltraCamp knows it’s about the people, not the paperwork. That’s why they built a platform to simplify your camp management. Learn more at ultracampmanagement.com/camphacker

Camptivities

Activity schedules are the backbone of every camper’s experience. If there’s a staffing change, it’s really hard to find a person that knows your camp and the nuance your schedule takes. Come check out Camptivities to learn more about our scheduling tools,  designed for camps by camp people. Find out more at camptivities.com