Debriefing 2022 and Seeking Patterns - CampHacker #169

Our summers may have been different, but the common thread is that our industry will never be the same again.

If we ever needed something to teach us the lesson that “camp, like it was in 2019 isn’t coming back” the summer of 2022 was it.

Holy moly folks.

We hope that you’re doing okay.

We know that not everyone is in the same boat, and who knows, maybe 2022 was your best summer yet (if it was…will you come on the Podcast and tell us about it?). But we all have to collectively shake our damn heads and realize that things have changed.

PEOPLE, WE’RE THE PEOPLE THAT GAG WHEN SOMEONE SAYS “THIS IS THE WAY WE’VE ALWAYS DONE IT”.

Too dramatic? Maybe. Or maybe not.

This summer 2022 debrief episode with Travis, Chris, Gabz and Joe gets a little bit spicy - but it’s for good reason. We need to keep asking questions, pushing each other and digging in on what our campers, families and staff need as we keep this industry alive.

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Tool of the Week – Make Yourself a Better Camp Director

Do you read the show notes? Let us know - click the following link to receive 10% off a lifetime subscription of Go Camp Pro's 5-Minute Fridays. (psst. Even if you don't buy anything, clicking this link will still help!)
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Camptivities

Scheduling 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.com

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

Why Society Doesn't Value Camp (and What We Can Do About It!) - CampHacker #168

We 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 do?

Travis, Joe and Chris share how they, along with many other pros are flipping the narrative and how YOU (yes you!) can get involved.

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Tool of the Week – Make Yourself a Better Camp Director

Do you read the show notes? Let us know - click the following link to receive 10% off a lifetime subscription of Go Camp Pro's 5-Minute Fridays. (psst. Even if you don't buy anything, clicking this link will still help!)
(click here - https://bit.ly/pod-notes-discount)

Your Hosts:

Thanks to our sponsors!

Crazy Creek

Crazy Creek Products has been perfecting Just Sit There for campers and staff alike since 1987. Mention this ad when you email or call in and receive 10% off your entire order and free single-colour logo on your Crazy Creek’s! No tool is more vital at camp than a Crazy Creek! Call 800-446-3446 or email Chelsea chill@crazycreek.com to guarantee your chairs for the 2022 season!

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 Does It Mean To Call Camp "Home"? - CampHacker #167

Because 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 what happens for the people that it doesn’t?

Chris, Gabz, Joe and Travis get together for a great philosophical chat about what we do, and can do more of, to make that “home” experience for truly everyone that enters our program.

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Tool of the Week – Make Yourself a Better Camp Director

  • Chris: Codenames https://amzn.to/3xuf8gC, online codenames

  • Gabz: Monday.com - Online Collaboration Tool

  • Joe: Super MEGA Lucky Box - Board Game for all - and you can play solo

  • Travis: Libro.fm   https://libro.fm/referral?rf_code=lfm210064

Do you read the show notes? Let us know - click the following link to receive 10% off a lifetime subscription of Go Camp Pro's 5-Minute Fridays. (psst. Even if you don't buy anything, clicking this link will still help!)
(click here - https://bit.ly/pod-notes-discount)

Your Hosts:

Thanks to our sponsors!

Crazy Creek

Crazy Creek Products has been perfecting Just Sit There for campers and staff alike since 1987. Mention this ad when you email or call in and receive 10% off your entire order and free single-colour logo on your Crazy Creek’s! No tool is more vital at camp than a Crazy Creek! Call 800-446-3446 or email Chelsea chill@crazycreek.com to guarantee your chairs for the 2022 season!

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

Sending Campers Home (With Intention!) - CampHacker #166

It 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 shockwaves not only to them and their parents/caregivers but to your entire camp community.

That’s why it’s important that you don’t leave the “going home” process to chance and instincts.

It’s a good thing that Kate Taylor has dropped in to share her stories and best practices with Travis, Joe and Chris! Tune in!

-

Tool of the Week – Make Yourself a Better Camp Director

Do you read the show notes? Let us know - click the following link to receive 10% off a lifetime subscription of Go Camp Pro's 5-Minute Fridays. (psst. Even if you don't buy anything, clicking this link will still help!)
(click here - https://bit.ly/pod-notes-discount)

Thanks to our sponsors!

Crazy Creek

Crazy Creek Products has been perfecting Just Sit There for campers and staff alike since 1987. Mention this ad when you email or call in and receive 10% off your entire order and free single-colour logo on your Crazy Creek’s! No tool is more vital at camp than a Crazy Creek! Call 800-446-3446 or email Chelsea chill@crazycreek.com to guarantee your chairs for the 2022 season!

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