Hosts Kelie and Shauna break down how executive orders, local laws, and policy changes could impact the camp industry. From staffing regulations to funding shifts, they explore what camp professionals need to know—without the legal jargon. But let’s be clear: they’re not lawyers, and this isn’t legal advice—just two camp pros with microphones trying to make sense of the rules that shape our summers.

LINKS

• Executive Orders
• After School and Summer Learning Programs
• Removal of DEI Language and Programming
• Jackson Walker Legal Summary of Immigration Related Executive Orders
• Mayer Brown Legal Summary for Enhanced Screening and Vetting

Want to add to our conversation?  Have a question you want us to discuss?

Email Us: [email protected]

In this episode, hosts Kelie and Shauna continue the conversation on embracing ADHD in camp leadership with special guests Travis Allison (GoCampPro) and Kate Taylor (Camp Industry Consultant). This is Part 2 of our discussion—catch Part 1 over on Camp Hacker!

We dive into ADHD as a superpower in the camp world, how to recognize ADHD in your staff, practical tools to support neurodivergent team members, and share personal stories of navigating camp life with ADHD. Whether you have ADHD, work with someone who does, or just want to build a more inclusive, strengths-based team, this episode is for you!

Tune in now and let’s rethink what it means to lead with ADHD!

LINKS

• Kate Taylor
• Confessions of a Camp Pro with ADHD- Camp Hacker Episode #209

Policies and procedures aren’t just for campers—they apply to caregivers too! In this episode, Kelie and Shauna welcome back Emily Golinsky of Bright Moose Training to dive into the world of behavior policies and procedures for both campers and their grown-ups. They break down the difference between a policy and a procedure, discuss when to be flexible, and explore how to balance empathy for upset caregivers while maintaining boundaries and respect for staff. Whether you’re a camp pro, educator, or youth program leader, this episode will give you the tools to navigate tricky conversations with confidence.

Bright Moose Training

Trackers Earth Camp “Because Knives” Behavior Policy

Michael Brandwein American Camp Association, IL Merch

In this episode, Shauna is out with the flu, so Kelie takes the lead and sits down with Dr. Chad Nelson to dive into the fascinating history and ever-changing industry of summer camp. They tackle the big question—is camp a real job?—and share invaluable advice for current, veteran, and new camp managers and directors. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration to help you thrive in the camp industry!

LINKS

• Dr. Chad Nelson Bio and Contact Info

Want to add to our conversation?  Have a question you want us to discuss? Email Us: [email protected]

It’s camper registration season! What are parents and caregivers looking for in a camp? Who makes the final decision about which camp to attend? How much communication is too much communication? Kelie and Shauna chat with Courtney Russell, camp parent, to answer all of your burning questions. Listen in as Courtney dishes the downlow on camp choices and Shauna goes on a soapbox about providing as much information as you can to the camp director.

It’s almost hiring season and to save future you some time, so Kelie and Shauna have staff on their mind. In this episode, our hosts share the ways they like to show appreciation to their staff and also share how it builds their staff culture. Kelie and Shauna also share how they implement these staff moments so they are easy to duplicate at your camp!

Show Notes

In this fun and revealing episode, Kelie and Shauna dive into the hilarious and sometimes shocking, shared by listeners, "Counselor Confessions." From pranks gone wrong to heartwarming moments with campers, current and former counselors spill their best-kept camp secrets, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the antics of camp counselor life.

LINKS

• Bissli BBQ
• Better Camping for All Institute
• 2024 ACA Staffing Summit
• To Our Reddit Hater

Kelie and Shauna ARE BACK! In this episode, they recap their AMAZING summers and absolutely GUSH about their 2024 Staff. Shauna shares the celebrity children she had as campers and Kelie finally has a great summer after last year’s fiasco of a season.

Full Show Notes

In this episode, Kelie and Shauna are joined by Emily Golinsky from Bright Moose Training to discuss the crucial differences between bullying and conflict in youth programs, camps, and schools. Emily shares insights on how to recognize the signs of both, strategies for prevention, and handling conflicts effectively. The conversation explores real-world applications of these strategies, the importance of educating staff and parents, and the role of restorative practices in resolving conflicts. The episode also touches on the unique social dynamics among children post-pandemic and addresses common scenarios faced by camp staff.

Links:

• BrightMooseTraining.com
• [email protected]
• The Phantom Tollbooth book
• 2024 May/June Camping Magazine - Staff Training Issue

Want to add to our conversation?  Have a question you want us to discuss?

Email Us: [email protected]

This episode dives into the transformative approaches Kelie and Shauna are implementing for staff training at their respective camps. From reinventing traditional methods to integrating dynamic activities. The conversation reflects on past experiences, anticipates future challenges, and explores strategies to enhance the camp experience for both staff and campers, highlighting the importance of adaptability, engagement, and fun in staff development.

Want to add to our conversation?  Have a question you want us to discuss?

Email Us: [email protected]