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Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/campahead/key-s1-takeaways

Critical Learnings for the Next Era of Camp: Camp Ahead Season One Finale

As Season One of Camp Ahead draws to a close, join Joe, KJ, and Jess as they distill the essential learnings and actionable strategies discussed throughout the series. 

Equip yourself with the key takeaways you need to navigate the evolving landscape of the summer camp industry and build a future-ready camp. Don't miss the final insights and a special thank you to our listeners!

Tune in for great tips on creating an “evergreen” future planning process:

• 01:56 Season Recap and Key Takeaways
• 03:32 The Importance of Future Scenario Planning
• 04:37 Tips for Effective Scenario Planning
• 05:55 Embracing Optimism in Future Planning
• 12:10 Engaging Stakeholders in Scenario Planning
• 15:35 Imagining Big and Thinking Creatively
• 20:51 The Power of Saying Yes
• 25:04 Creating a Scenario Club
• 25:32 Practical Tools for Scenario Planning

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Our Hosts:

Jess Elfring-Roberts - Executive Director, Episcopal Camps & Conference Centers

Joe Richards - Executive Director, Pearce Williams Summer Camp and Retreat Facility

KJ Williams -  Camp Director, Phantom Lake YMCA Camp

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Sponsor:

A huge thanks to our sponsor for making this possible.

Campify:

Is creating your camp schedule a headache? Does it limit the experience of campers or staff? Campify is software that does the heavy lifting for you - taking care of group, elective, and specialist scheduling based on your custom scheduling rules.

Interested in learning more? Visit campify.io/CampAhead to schedule a demo or create a free trial today.

Send us a text

Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/campahead/culture-of-foresight

Don't Let Your Future Plans Gather Dust: Revitalize Your Camp's Scenario Planning

In this episode of Camp Ahead, Joe, Jess and KJ tackle the challenge of keeping scenario planning relevant and impactful. They discuss the importance of regular reviews, the power of visual aids, and practical techniques like the "100 Ways Something Can Change" exercise. The conversation also explores how to cultivate a culture of foresight, encourage curiosity, and engage staff at all levels in thinking about the future of camp. Whether you're an executive director or a program staff member, this episode offers valuable insights on preparing for the unexpected.

Tune in for great tips on creating an “evergreen” future planning process:

• 02:28 Keeping Visioning Exercises Fresh
• 04:39 Visual Tools for Planning
• 11:12 Engaging Stakeholders in Scenario Planning
• 14:13 Creative Tools for Team Planning
• 22:35 The Future of DEI Initiatives
• 23:31 Engaging Campers in Future Planning
• 26:23 Middle Management Turnover and Support
• 35:02 Creating a Culture of Adaptability

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Our Hosts:

Jess Elfring-Roberts - Executive Director, Episcopal Camps & Conference Centers

Joe Richards - Executive Director, Pearce Williams Summer Camp and Retreat Facility

KJ Williams -  Camp Director, Phantom Lake YMCA Camp

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Sponsors:

A huge thanks to our sponsors for making this possible.

Campify:

Is creating your camp schedule a headache? Does it limit the experience of campers or staff? Campify is software that does the heavy lifting for you - taking care of group, elective, and specialist scheduling based on your custom scheduling rules.

Interested in learning more? Visit campify.io/CampAhead to schedule a demo or create a free trial today.

Send us a text

Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/campahead/actionable-plans-and-contingency-strategies

Turning scenarios into useful strategies

Jess, K.J. and Joe dig into creating actionable plans and contingency strategies for the future of summer camps. They discuss the importance of scenario planning, the relevance of community engagement, and the steps required to turn long-term visions into reality. The episode highlights the importance of adaptability, stakeholder involvement, and continual reassessment to ensure long-term success and relevance in the camp industry. Additionally, practical tips and examples are shared for implementing short-term actions and navigating potential challenges.

Tune in for insights on planning for the future while staying rooted in community values.

• 02:04 Running Scenarios and Making Plans
• 05:02 Short-Term Action Plans and Feasibility
• 08:11 Engaging Stakeholders and Community
• 10:57 Adapting and Changing Plans
• 16:48 Future Scenario Planning and Community Relevance
• 35:44 Takeaways and Next Steps

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Our Hosts:

Jess Elfring-Roberts - Executive Director, Episcopal Camps & Conference Centers

Joe Richards - Executive Director, Pearce Williams Summer Camp and Retreat Facility

KJ Williams -  Camp Director, Phantom Lake YMCA Camp

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Sponsors:

A huge thanks to our sponsors for making this possible.

Campify:

Is creating your camp schedule a headache? Does it limit the experience of campers or staff? Campify is software that does the heavy lifting for you - taking care of group, elective, and specialist scheduling based on your custom scheduling rules.

Interested in learning more? Visit campify.io/CampAhead to schedule a demo or create a free trial today.

Send us a text

Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/campahead/early-warning-signals

Signals of Change and Strategic Flexibility

In this episode of Camp Ahead, we dive deep into the fascinating world of "Signals of Change" – those intriguing hints that something big might be brewing on the horizon. From mushroom furniture to shifting political landscapes, we explore how staying curious and aware can help camp professionals navigate an uncertain future. Join us as we discuss turning potential warning signs into exciting opportunities and ensuring camp remains a vital force in shaping the next generation.

Tune in for insights on planning for the future while staying rooted in community values.

• 01:42 Understanding Signals of Change
• 04:46 The Importance of Awareness
• 08:28 Financial Strategy and Future Planning
• 09:36 Supporting Camp Professionals
• 12:23 Adapting to Global Changes
• 17:21 The Role of Camp in Personal Development
• 33:24 Final Thoughts and Key Signals of Change
• 37:50 Closing Remarks and Contact Information

Episode Quotes:

• “Pronoia is the antidote for paranoia. It’s the understanding that the universe is fundamentally friendly. It’s a mode of training your senses and intellect so you’re able to perceive the fact that life always gives you exactly what you need, exactly when you need it.” Rob Brezsny
• “Except in extreme circumstances, happiness is mostly internal. One sets a ‘horizon line’ in one’s life and decides that everything above it is joy, everything below is grief. My horizon line is well placed to make sure that most of my landscape is happy.” Raymond Teller

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Our Hosts:

Jess Elfring-Roberts - Executive Director, Episcopal Camps & Conference Centers

Joe Richards - Executive Director, Pearce Williams Summer Camp and Retreat Facility

KJ Williams -  Camp Director, Phantom Lake YMCA Camp

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Sponsors:

A huge thanks to our sponsors for making this possible.

Campify:

Is creating your camp schedule a headache? Does it limit the experience of campers or staff? Campify is software that does the heavy lifting for you - taking care of group, elective, and specialist scheduling based on your custom scheduling rules.

Interested in learning more? Visit campify.io/CampAhead to schedule a demo or create a free trial today.

Send us a text

Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/campahead/million-dollars

Exploring the future doesn't always have to be grim business!

Join KJ Williams, Joe Richards, and Jess Elfring Roberts in Episode 4 of Camp Ahead as they explore the futurology of the summer camp industry and analyze the implications of receiving a large donation. This episode dives into future scenario planning, the impact of a $500,000 annual donation, and how to prepare for such game-changing support. Discover strategies to align a camp's mission and vision, engage stakeholders, foster creativity, and handle both the positive and potential risks of substantial financial gifts. 

Tune in for insights on planning for the future while staying rooted in community values.

• 01:47 Scenario Planning: Positive Scenarios
• 02:38 Dreaming Big: Large Donations
• 05:05 Analyzing the Impact of Consistent Donations
• 08:56 Creative Ideas from Staff
• 11:41 Budgetary Changes and Long-term Planning
• 19:06 Proactive vs. Reactive Planning
• 23:18 Aligning Team Values and Mission
• 26:02 Fundraising and Storytelling
• 32:06 Learning from Feedback
• 38:15 Scenario Planning Benefits

Episode Links:

• 7 Steps Toward Becoming a Future-Ready Organization

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Our Hosts:

Jess Elfring-Roberts - Executive Director, Episcopal Camps & Conference Centers

Joe Richards - Executive Director, Pearce Williams Summer Camp and Retreat Facility

KJ Williams -  Camp Director, Phantom Lake YMCA Camp

-

Sponsors:

A huge thanks to our sponsors for making this possible.

Campify:

Is creating your camp schedule a headache? Does it limit the experience of campers or staff? Campify is software that does the heavy lifting for you - taking care of group, elective, and specialist scheduling based on your custom scheduling rules.

Interested in learning more? Visit campify.io/CampAhead to schedule a demo or create a free trial today.

Send us a text

Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/campahead/exploring-diverse-scenarios

Exploring Diverse Scenarios for the Future of Summer Camps | Camp Ahead

In this episode of Camp Ahead, hosts Joe, Jess, and KJ put their scenario planning skills to the test as they discuss diverse future scenarios related to organizational mergers, technology, and mental health, exemplifying the need for camp professionals to be prepared for various possible futures. Along the way you’ll hear some great tips on the benefits of being transparent, intentional and innovative in navigating your current uncertainties to set yourself up for success in the future. 

Tune in to explore imaginative and strategic approaches to ensure the resilience and success of your camp.

• 01:40 Developing Diverse Scenarios
• 02:53 Exploring Scenario Planning
• 04:50 The Role of AI in Scenario Planning
• 06:41 Mental Health and Medication Scenarios
• 07:01 Technology Failures and Camp Operations
• 19:27 Stakeholders and Decision Making
• 33:24 Embracing Change: Overcoming Resistance
• 37:48 Scenario Planning: Best, Worst, and Wild Card Cases
• 40:04 Camp Merger Scenario: Challenges and Opportunities

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Episode Links:

• The Book: Imaginable by  Jane McGonigal:
  • https://janemcgonigal.com/2021/12/17/imaginable-how-to-see-the-future-coming-and-feel-ready-for-anything-even-things-that-seem-impossible-today/
• https://poe.com/UOScenarioCreator
• https://urgentoptimists.org/

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Our Hosts:

Jess Elfring-Roberts - Executive Director, Episcopal Camps & Conference Centers

Joe Richards - Executive Director, Pearce Williams Summer Camp and Retreat Facility

KJ Williams -  Camp Director, Phantom Lake YMCA Camp

-

Sponsors:

A huge thanks to our sponsors for making this possible.

Campify:

Is creating your camp schedule a headache? Does it limit the experience of campers or staff? Campify is software that does the heavy lifting for you - taking care of group, elective, and specialist scheduling based on your custom scheduling rules.

Interested in learning more? Visit campify.io/CampAhead to schedule a demo or create a free trial today.

Send us a text

Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/campahead/scenario-planning-101

Exploring Camp Futures: Key Drivers and Scenario Planning

In this episode of Camp Ahead, hosts Joe, Jess, and KJ  expand on the idea of scenario planning as an essential tool for thinking about the future. They discuss key drivers such as climate change, economics, demographics, technological advancements, and social shifts that can shape the next decade of summer camps. Through imaginative scenario planning, they aim to prepare the industry for both positive and challenging futures. Tune in as they explore the potential impacts of AI, climate mitigation, and more on the world of summer camps.

• 01:46 Recap and Introduction to Scenario Planning
• 05:33 Key Drivers for the Future of Camps: Economic and Staff Considerations
• 07:55 Environmental and Technological Impacts on Camps
• 15:09 Social Drivers and Equity in Future Camps
• 20:33 Imagining Positive Futures: Pronoia vs. Paranoia
• 25:36 The Impact of Camp and Nature
• 26:04 Funding and Philanthropy in Camping
• 29:31 The Value of Experiential Learning
• 30:12 Community and Indigenous Relationships

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Episode Links:

• The Book: Imaginable by Jane McGonigal:
  • https://janemcgonigal.com/2021/12/17/imaginable-how-to-see-the-future-coming-and-feel-ready-for-anything-even-things-that-seem-impossible-today/
• https://poe.com/UOScenarioCreator
• https://urgentoptimists.org/

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Our Hosts:

Jess Elfring-Roberts - Executive Director, Episcopal Camps & Conference Centers

Joe Richards - Executive Director, Pearce Williams Summer Camp and Retreat Facility

KJ Williams -  Camp Director, Phantom Lake YMCA Camp

-

Sponsors:

A huge thanks to our sponsors for making this possible.

Campify:

Is creating your camp schedule a headache? Does it limit the experience of campers or staff? Campify is software that does the heavy lifting for you - taking care of group, elective, and specialist scheduling based on your custom scheduling rules.

Interested in learning more? Visit campify.io/CampAhead to schedule a demo or create a free trial today.

Send us a text

Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/campahead/intro-to-mental-time-travel

Welcome to Camp Ahead: The Futurology of the Summer Camp Industry

In this inaugural episode of the Camp Ahead podcast, Joe Richards, KJ Williams, and Jess Elfring-Roberts dive into the concept of future-proofing the summer camp industry. They discuss the importance of mental time travel, scenario planning, and preparing for larger global issues like climate change, financial instability, demographics, and migration. The hosts share their personal experiences and outline the goals for the podcast, emphasizing the need for proactive thinking to ensure the long-term success of camps. 

This episode sets the stage for exploring how the camp community can adapt and thrive amidst uncertainties.

• 00:58 Meet the Hosts
• 01:51 The Concept of Future Scenarios
• 03:46 Pandemic Reflections
• 06:43 Proactive vs. Reactive Planning
• 30:08 Thinking Big: Managing Smaller Challenges
• 31:10 Climate Migration and Its Impacts
• 33:12 Demographic Shifts in Camping
• 38:09 The Importance of Collaboration

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Episode Links:

• The Book: Imaginable by Jane McGonigal:
  • https://janemcgonigal.com/2021/12/17/imaginable-how-to-see-the-future-coming-and-feel-ready-for-anything-even-things-that-seem-impossible-today/
• https://poe.com/UOScenarioCreator
• https://urgentoptimists.org/

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Our Hosts:

Jess Elfring-Roberts - Executive Director, Episcopal Camps & Conference Centers

Joe Richards - Executive Director, Pearce Williams Summer Camp and Retreat Facility

KJ Williams -  Camp Director, Phantom Lake YMCA Camp

-

Sponsors:

A huge thanks to our sponsors for making this possible.

Campify:

Is creating your camp schedule a headache? Does it limit the experience of campers or staff? Campify is software that does the heavy lifting for you - taking care of group, elective, and specialist scheduling based on your custom scheduling rules.

Interested in learning more? Visit campify.io/CampAhead to schedule a demo or create a free trial today.