The CampHacker Podcast

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Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2021/05/summer-self-care

This isn’t some fluffy episode where we tell you to take up meditation and manifest your stress away. Self-care for Camp Directors seems like an oxymoron most days. To accomplish any sort of balance in our camp lives, we need to put just as much intention into our self-care habits as we put into everything else we do at camp.

A camp director will best serve the staff they work with, when their needs are well met. Period. Full stop.

Chris, Gabz, and Travis are joined by Kate Taylor for a very frank and realistic perspective on what it means to prioritize self-care, even when it seems impossible.

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What do you do to be your best self when camp is at it’s busiest? Let us know in the comments!

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Travis: Gerber Gear Armbar Slim Drive https://amzn.to/2R2bjMl

Kate: daylio.net

Gabz: OAAARS

Chris: https://numberforliveperson.com/

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• Chris Hudson, Camp Director - Camp Highlight
• Gabrielle Raill, Camp Director - Camp Ouareau
• Travis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp Pro
• Kate Taylor, Camp Director, Camp Kanawana at The YMCAs of Québec

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Rate and Review the CampHacker Show

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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

Our free Resilient Camp Blueprint diagnostic is available at: https://camp.mba/travis

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2021/05/incentivizing-staff-beyond-the-paycheque

We should all be working to pay our staff more. Full stop.

That being said, it may be impossible to pay staff for the sheer amount of joy, passion, blood, sweat and tears they put in to the work they do. So even WHEN we’re able to pay staff more, we should be doing everything we can to show staff how much we appreciate them and how valuable the camp experience is.

Chris, Travis and Joe are joined by Go Camp Pro contributor Darby Dame to share their best practices on how to incentivize staff beyond just how we pay them.

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How do you show staff they are valued? Let us know in the comments!

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Travis: The Book with No Pictures - BJ Novak https://amzn.to/3wZbF6Z

Joe: zip ties - organizations secret weapon - https://youtu.be/fhIts8zhn_A | The Art of Possibility by Rosamund Stone Zanderand Benjamin Zander https://amzn.to/2PXElwB

Darby: HotJar website

Chris: Run of the mill Laminating Machine https://amzn.to/3e57kGF

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• Chris Hudson, Camp Director - Camp Highlight
• Travis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp Pro
• Joe Richards, Executive Director - Pearce Williams
• Darby Dame, Director of Marketing and Communications - Camp High Rocks

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Rate and Review the CampHacker Show

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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

Our free Resilient Camp Blueprint diagnostic is available at: https://camp.mba/travis

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2021/05/parent-perspective-pik-my-kid

Every single camp has its own way of managing pick-up and drop-off and the great camps put a lot of time and intention into both processes.

Remember, those two times may be the only physical impressions of your camp that parents get, so a well-polished process will win you big points in their books.

In this interview pod, Travis sits down with Pat Bhava, the founder and CEO of PikMyKid, to share why he saw the need to bring pick-up and drop-off into the technological era, and how his software will leave a professional, polished impression with families.

Please note - PikMyKid is a sponsor of Go Camp Pro. We’re grateful for their support.

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Want to share your camp brand’s story? Advertise with Go Camp Pro.

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• Travis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp Pro
• Pat Bhava, CEO & Founder - PikMyKid

Rate and Review the CampHacker Show

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(Thank you!)

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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

Our free Resilient Camp Blueprint diagnostic is available at: https://camp.mba/travis

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2021/04/memorable-moments

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!

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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• Chris Hudson, Camp Director - Camp Highlight
• Gabrielle Raill, Camp Director - Camp Ouareau
• Travis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp Pro
• Joe Richards, Executive Director - Pearce Williams

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Rate and Review the CampHacker Show

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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

Our free Resilient Camp Blueprint diagnostic is available at: https://camp.mba/travis

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2021/04/fire-someone

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!

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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/ 

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• Chris Hudson, Camp Director - Camp Highlight
• Travis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp Pro
• Joe Richards, Executive Director - Pearce Williams
• Rachel Kent, Coordinator, Member Risk - Girl Guides of Canada

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Rate and Review the CampHacker Show

(Thank you!)

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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

Our free Resilient Camp Blueprint diagnostic is available at: https://camp.mba/travis

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2021/04/all-at-once

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!

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

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• Chris Hudson, Camp Director - Camp Highlight
• Gabrielle Raill, Camp Director - Camp Ouareau
• Travis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp Pro
• Joe Richards, Executive Director - Pearce Williams

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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

Our free Resilient Camp Blueprint diagnostic is available at: https://camp.mba/travis

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!

Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/you-can-do-it

Review us on iTunes!

If you’re able to run camp this summer, we want to make sure you know you can do it.

This special Go Camp Pro Podcast is for camps out there who are on the fence about running this summer. We support each other in this industry and we believe that it’s on all of us to help each other succeed. 

Here’s one of our contributions.

Chris Hudson from Camp Highlight - who did no run in 2020 sits down with Andy Pritikin from Liberty Lake and Kelly Espinosa from Kennolyn Camps, who did run in 2020. Tune in to hear about why camp is more important than ever and learn about Andy and Kelly’s fears, tears and cheers when it comes to running camp during a pandemic.

We don’t know many things right now, but we know that kids will need camp this summer more than ever. They NEED you.

We are in the business of changing children’s lives and they’ve never needed a life-changing moment more than this one.

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• Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day Camp
• Kelly Espinosa, Day Camp Director - Kennolyn Camps
• Chris Hudson, Camp Director - Camp Highlight

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Our free Resilient Camp Blueprint diagnostic is available at: https://camp.mba/travis

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2021/03/stuck-and-unstuck

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!

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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/

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• Chris Hudson, Camp Director - Camp Highlight
• Gabrielle Raill, Camp Director - Camp Ouareau
• Travis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp Pro
• Joe Richards, Executive Director - Pearce Williams

Rate and Review the CampHacker Show

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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

Our free Resilient Camp Blueprint diagnostic is available at: https://camp.mba/travis

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2021/03/camp-director-career

As we’ve said before, it’s our job as camp directors to think about the big things.

And sometimes, those big things aren’t popular, or happy-go-lucky things, but that doesn’t make them any less important!

Our podcast is no different. Back in April 2020, we broached the topic of “What if camp doesn’t run in 2020?”

We can’t hide away from the hard things & this is a hard thing.

As the COVID-19 pandemic rocks our industry for likely 2 (or more?) summers, will it be viable to be a full-time camp director?

Join Chris, Gabz, Travis and Joe as they wade into these gross waters.

It’s not all bad - trust us!

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What do you think the camp industry will look like in 5 years? Let us know in the comments!

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Travis: Libro.fm: audiobooks that support local, independent bookstores. 

Joe: TechSoup - https://www.techsoup.global/ (Aug 2011 last time) & Happy sock Twitter @yoyojoer 

Gabz: Fabulous - Daily Self Care App

Chris: Humans by Brandon Stanton https://www.allbookstores.com/Humans-Stanton-Brandon/9781250114297

• Chris Hudson, Camp Director - Camp Highlight
• Gabrielle Raill, Camp Director - Camp Ouareau
• Travis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp Pro
• Joe Richards, Executive Director - Pearce Williams

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Rate and Review the CampHacker Show

(Thank you!)

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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

Our free Resilient Camp Blueprint diagnostic is available at: https://camp.mba/travis

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!

CampHacker: Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2021/02/eye-of-eagle-2021

Have you heard the expression “in uncharted waters?”. Of course, you have.

Well, right now, in February 2021, we’re in the uncharted river paddling towards the uncharted waterfall, which descends into the uncharted wading pool.

Even for camps that ran last summer, the COVID-19 pandemic saga is far from over.

Chris, Gabz, Travis and Joe are here to dig into the obvious, and the not-so-obvious things that directors should be thinking about with a few months of time to spare.

This isn’t an easy conversation, but as directors, it’s our job to have them.

What’s on your mind for 2021? Let us know in the comments!

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Travis: Amazon Basics (or DeWalt - which ever is cheaper) Safety Goggles for All (including Glasses wearers) https://amzn.to/2LRELSu

Joe: The Big Book of Maker Skills https://amzn.to/3nL92jt

Gabz: Rode VideoMicro https://amzn.to/2N5Bv6S or Shure mic for androids https://amzn.to/3nIp5hW

Chris: Amusing Ourselves To Death - Neil Postman https://amzn.to/2XHQrKk

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• Chris Hudson, Camp Director - Camp Highlight
• Gabrielle Raill, Camp Director - Camp Ouareau
• Travis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp Pro
• Joe Richards, Executive Director - Pearce Williams

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Rate and Review the CampHacker Show

(Thank you!)

-

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

Our free Resilient Camp Blueprint diagnostic is available at: https://camp.mba/travis