Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/camp-code/staffstamina Staff Stamina - Camp Code #120 We have been hearing across the industry that summer staff don’t seem to be quite as “in-shape” as they used to be – that is that perhaps they don’t have the stamina to make it through the physical and emotional labor of the summer. Let’s talk about the training they need to get pumped to do their personal best. Resourceful Reads Chris Bailey - The Productivity ProjectGretchen Ruben...

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/camp-code/training-middle-mgmt-pt3 Training Middle Management Part 3In our second episode in this series, we chatted about getting folks into a mindset, envisioning their day, envisioning themselves in their role, and how we can give them tools to best support them. Today we continue our discussion about training middle management and unlock some more secrets to getting the best out of these dedicated and hard working folks.  - We hope...

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/camp-code/training-middle-mgmt-pt2 Training Middle Management Part 2In our first episode in this series, we chatted about middle management and your mission, their time management, and teaching about having an “in charge mindset.” Today we continue our discussion about training middle management and unlock some more juicy secrets to getting the best out of these dedicated and hard working folks. - We hope you love this episode of Camp...

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/camp-code/training-middle-mgmt-pt1 Training Middle Management Part 1 Middle managers are at the heart of any camp, driving everything from bottom-line performance to culture to development of future staff. Because of their unique position, research shows that developing middle managers can improve your entire organization’s health and set a positive tone in your culture.  But how do we develop and train them well?  Let’s talk about...

Find links and full show notes at: https://gocamp.pro/campcode/improving-initiative-in-staff Improving Initiative in StaffCan you teach your staff to take initiative? Is it even something they can learn or are you just born with it or without it? One of the stressors for Directors we hear most often is the lack of initiative some of their staff seem to have.  It can become a big frustration so let’s discuss how we tackle a lack of initiative in staff. - We hope you love this episode of Camp...

Find links and full show notes at: https://gocamp.pro/campcode/ideas-to-help-staff-foster-creativity Ideas to Help Staff Foster CreativityOur camp staff have not had a so-called “normal summer” in three years.  Additionally, our lives, especially for our younger population, is more and more online.  With that being said, it is not surprising that our newer counselors are struggling a bit to unleash their imaginations with in-person activities.  Join us today as we discuss ideas to help them...

Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/campcode/how-to-build-a-positive-camp-culture How to Build a Positive Camp CultureIn our last episode, we touched on the importance of a positive camp culture and how it can help retain staff year to year. Today, we will dive into HOW we can actually create a positive camp culture.  - We hope you love this episode of Camp Code! If you do, please consider subscribing to the show, and leaving us a rating in your Podcast app. It’s SO easy,...

Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/campcode/staff-retention-post-pandemic-world Staff Retention in a Post Pandemic WorldThe Camp Code hosts recognize that the camp world is changing, rapidly, and in some cases, drastically.  The way we used to do things just won’t cut it anymore. Over the years and now more than ever, hiring and keeping staff has become an issue that so many of us struggle with.  Join us today while we discuss:  Staff Retention in a So-Called Post Pandemic...

Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/campcode/how-to-best-set-up-international-staff-for-training How to Best Set Up International Staff for TrainingSummer camp training and staff recruitment is becoming more and more crucial for our success every single summer. One avenue we haven’t discussed yet, is the importance of international staff. So many camps are lucky enough to have international folks as part of their staff community.  Today we invite Bethany Wright, an...

Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/campcode/what-do-we-do-now-2022 This was the most unpredictable summer ever. Where do we go from here?In our first episode of Season 10, we heard all about Gabz’s summer at Camp Ouareau. We heard a lot from her about a few key issues this summer: dealing with COVID 19, the mental health of our staff, campers and, of course, the other staffing concerns that came because of the first two issues. We hope you love this episode of Camp Code! If...

Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/campcode/not-perfect-summer Let’s normalize talking about our challenges - we have to be in this togetherToday on Camp Code, we take a trip into the mind of Gabrielle, hearing all about her camp season, the many challenges and frustrations she experienced, and the ways in which she pivoted to finish her summer on a positive note.   Listen to what she has to say and know you are not alone. - We hope you love this episode of Camp Code! If...

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/camp-code/the-industry-is-struggling This needs to be sustainable, for us, for our staff and for our organizations.Sometimes it feels like the challenges of being a camp professional are too impossible to overcome. You are not alone in feeling this way. Today, Gabz, Beth and IRubytalk about the ever-changing and uncertain landscape of the world and how camp can survive as we move forward. The world around us continues to get busier,...

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/camp-code/9-things-you-must-do-with-your-first-year-staff You probably have more new staff than ever, here’s how to set them (and yourself!) up for success!Training season is almost here. This summer, we want to be sure our new staff members are set up for success. Here are our top tips for doing just that. Make them feel like you’ve been waiting all year for them to arrive. Send a link the day before with instructions for when they...

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/camp-code/setting-guest-speakers-up-for-success You treat everyone in your camp community with intention and care…do you do the same with the guest speakers you bring to training?If you are utilizing guest speakers this year, you want to listen to this episode. As folks who have both hosted guest speakers and people who HAVE BEEN the visiting speaker, we have some opinions to share. - We hope you love this episode of Camp Code! If you...

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/camp-code/white-privilege-at-training Our staff are ready for this conversation…are you?White privilege is real and it’s everywhere, even at summer camp. Join us today as we talk about what we can do about it. But first, here’s our disclaimer: We are looking at this through the lens of three white individuals and our focus today is to encourage white folks to do the work. - We hope you love this episode of Camp Code! If you do, please...

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/camp-code/inservice-training One of the best ways to dedicate your team to continuous improvement!Believe it or not, staff training doesn’t end on the last day of your orientation. In fact, a great strategy to keep staff engaged, motivated, and excited throughout the summer–and fight off those mid-summer-slumps–is to continually offer training and learning opportunities as the season progresses.  Today’s episode focuses on some of our...

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/camp-code/lose-your-dream-team It’s one of those, not “if” but “when” types of situations…As camp directors, we’ve all had THAT summer where many of our senior staff and our reliable leaders have started their life beyond camp. When we lose our reliable staff, we have to reset and revisit our needs at camp. Beth, Gabz and Ruby have all been there and have curated a to-do list to help leaders adjust for a summer with new staff.  Below...

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/camp-code/do-this-now-2022 Prioritize to Stabilize - Let’s get ready for the summer!Up north here in Canada, our friends on the west coast are already enjoying fantastic outdoor spring weather and golf. In Ontario, we continue to be fooled that spring is here with warm weather followed by another dumping of snow, but one thing is for certain; spring is around the corner. What that really means is that the camp season is quickly...

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/camp-code/9-things-you-might-be-surprised-you-need-to-teach Chalk it up to the pandemic, but it’s time for some re-teaching.In this week’s episode Gabz, Beth and Ruby recognize that as we get closer to the summer camp season, camp directors are already planning out their summer. To help camp leaders, our pros are here to break down 9 things that we think every camp leader should be prepared to teach! The ability to talk to strangers....

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/camp-code/boundaries-and-community-norms More on boundaries - because we all need to hear it.Happy Valentines day camp pros! In this episode (and as always) our hosts are here to spread their love and joy for camp. After celebrating 100 episodes, we are back to our regular programming. This week, we continue from where we left off in episode 99, focusing on boundaries and building community. If you haven’t listened to episode 99 perhaps...

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/camp-code/what-weve-learned-so-far 100 Episodes!? Thanks for being along for the ride, friends!100 episodes into this journey, our camp pros have led us through over 60 hours of leadership gold. This episode is all about reflection. As much as our hosts have taught us all, they too have learned from one another. Gabz, Ruby and Beth share their most memorable Camp Code moments and reflect on what they have learned from one another and...

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/camp-code/personal-boundaries How can you expect your team to have healthy boundaries if you don’t?In this episode, our hosts Gabz, Ruby and Beth hone in on the B-word. Boundaries act as an internal guide between good vs evil or right vs wrong and can be felt as a knot in your stomach. Setting boundaries also allows you to define expectations with others while keeping your needs in check. For Gabz, boundaries are all about focusing on...

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/camp-code/transition-camper-to-staff If this is your first summer back after COVID, this may be THE focus for your training this year. As we step into 2022, we shift our focus on transitioning CITs from the mindset of a camper, to become a staff member. As always, we recommend frontloading these potential staff members with information to ensure that these young people feel like they are part of something larger. Beth comes up with...

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/camp-code/train-future-staff-campers Take a look at your campers, can you spot the next program director? The gang’s all here! Join Ruby, Beth and Gabz to hear about their best practices when it comes to searching for staffing talent in your camper pool and empowering them to be the future decision-makers at camp. It’s like a crystal ball except you have a say over the outcome! Tune in to hear about: Why is it important to provide...

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/camp-code/staffing-summit-2021 Welcome to the show, Kim Aycock!The American Camp Association (ACA) recently held its virtual staff summit. The event featured talented speaker panellists, roundtables and other learning sessions. One big topic that we’ve already covered was staffing shortages and discussing new innovative ways to recruit and retain staff. Today, we are fortunate enough to sit down with Kim Aycock who is known in the camp...