Multiple Memorable Moments Mandatory - CampHacker #145

It’s going to happen. Here’s how to fire with compassion and dignity.

We, as camp pros are all about stories.

Stories about moments where we know that kids lives were changed.

Where do those stories come from?

There are so many intentional things that go into creating the type of environment where those moments flourish. Great camp pros know how to cultivate these type of moments, but it’s always great for a refresher.

That’s why Gabz Chris, Joe and Travis are here to unpack some of their most memorable moments and the things that lead up to them.

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What are some memorable moments from camp that come to mind? What went in to making them happen? Let us know in the comments!

SNACK of the Week – Because why not?

Travis: Bourbon Barrel Aged Maple Syrup on Ice Cream

Joe: Wasabi Peanuts

Gabz: Bengal Spice Tea

Chris: Honey Nut Cheerios and Chocolate Chips - Straight Up

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UltraCamp

Wouldn’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

When You Have No Choice but to FIRE Someone - With Rachel Kent - CampHacker #144

It’s going to happen. Here’s how to fire with compassion and dignity.

This is another thing that’s just “part of the job”.

Firing someone is especially hard in a place that’s so connected with people’s emotions.

Often, when someone is fired at camp, it’s not usually because they have anything against us, or even about camp. They’ve usually just made a choice that is against policy, or they aren’t at the level we need them to be.

Travis, Joe and Chris are joined by Rachel Kent, camp pro and co-host of the podcast, Beyond Camp to discuss how they let staff go and do it with a great amount of tact and compassion.

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What do you do when you have to let people go? Let us know in the comments!

Tool of the Week – Make Yourself a Better Camp Director

Travis: Get Together: How to build a community with your people - https://amzn.to/3rWSHLg

Joe: UST Survival Playing Cards - https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B01F393TYQ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 & Pro Knot Outdoor Knot Cards - https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/0922273227/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 

Rachel Kent: Visual Timer app

Chris: Sneaky Cards - https://sneakycards.com/

Your Hosts:

Thanks to our sponsor!

UltraCamp

Wouldn’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

What to Do When it ALL Happens At Once - CampHacker #143

You know…when the chocolate pudding really hits the fan.

We don’t wish it on you. But at some point in your camp career it’s going to happen.

Something will go wrong and you’ll say to yourself “crap, that’s not good”.

Then you’ll get an urgent walkie call and you’ll say, “seriously?”

Then, the power will go out, and you’ll be standing there in the dark saying to yourself, “well. damn. I’m really in it now”.

You can prepare as much as you want, but there’s no way to prevent the dreaded domino of disaster. However, by hearing about how other camp pros made it through these hard times, you can at least rest assured that you can do it. You can get through the tidal wave of trouble relatively unscathed.

Join Chris, Gabz, Travis and Joe as they share their perfect storms and the swim strokes that got them to the other side.

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When it really hits the fan. What do you do? Let us know in the comments!

Tool of the Week – Make Yourself a Better Camp Director

Travis: Genesys RPG Dice - https://amzn.to/3sNwzD6

Joe: A Library Card. Period. Full Stop.  Go get a library card and learn how to use it online.

Gabz: https://www.anylist.com/

Chris: Gather.town

Your Hosts:

Thanks to our sponsor!

UltraCamp

Wouldn’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

Getting Stuck & Unstuck - CampHacker #142

Never ever ever ever ever ever say “We’ve always done it this way” again.

How often do you feel stuck in a rut?

Becuase of this year, because of the work, because of the stress, there are always reasons to get stuck, but being a true Camp Maverick means that you’re quick to recognize those moments, and quick to being the process of “unstucking” yourself.

Chris, Gabz, Travis and Joe have felt this many times in their camping careers. They join together to share their favourite strategies and biggest learning moments when it comes to getting stuck, and unstuck.

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What do you do when you’re stuck? Let us know in the comments!

Tool of the Week – Make Yourself a Better Camp Director

Travis: Yaktrax Pro Traction Cleats for Walking, Jogging, or Hiking on Snow and Ice, X-Large

Joe: The Align Right™ Sleeping Pillow - The Pillow that fits your head, not your bed. https://alignright.com/products/sleeping-pillow

Gabz: Blue Light Blocking Glasses

Chris: https://hootsuite.com/

Your Hosts:

Thanks to our sponsor!

UltraCamp

Wouldn’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