The CampHacker Podcast

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2025/no-fun

This week on CampHacker, we're tackling a big question: Should camp directors have fun? It might seem obvious, but we dig deeper than just surface-level enjoyment. We explore what "fun" really means in the context of the demanding world of summer camp. Our guest, Ariella Skoczylas, joins Travis and Chris to share her insights on balancing the hard work with the joy of making a difference. We talk about where we find our own fun in the camp experience, from planning and leading to those spontaneous moments of connection. We also discuss how to communicate the realities of the job to young staff, making sure they understand the balance between fun and responsibility.

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• Travis -  Lego Bontanicals 
• Chris - Behind the Overlay
• Ariella Skoczylas - The Carrot Principle

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• Travis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp Pro
• Chris Hudson, Camp Consultant and Director - Camp Highlight
• Ariella Skoczylas, Educator and Trainer - Leadership Lioness

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Rate and Review the CampHacker Show

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UltraCamp

Remember what sparked your passion for camp? UltraCamp knows it’s about the people, not the paperwork. That’s why they built a platform to simplify your camp management. Learn more at ultracampmanagement.com/camphacker

Camptivities

Activity schedules are the backbone of every camper’s experience. If there’s a staffing change, it’s really hard to find a person that knows your camp and the nuance your schedule takes. Come check out Camptivities to learn more about our scheduling tools,  designed for camps by camp people. Find out more at camptivities.com

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2025/hire-director

Join Travis Allison, Chris Hudson, Dan Weir, and Esther Eisenhard for another fantastic episode of the CampHacker podcast! This episode dives into key challenges and emerging trends in recruiting and retaining camp staff. Learn about tools and strategies to manage camp operations more effectively, improve the candidate experience, and set up your camp for success. Plus, find out about specific job openings and practical tips on hiring superstars for your camp.

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• Chris - Battery-powered lamps (Expensive version)
• Travis - The Unstuck Book - Conor McCarthy https://amzn.to/3PwqWH2 
• Dan - Grammarly Pro: https://www.grammarly.com/referrals/redeem?key=pj7usy9dest2ilsu 
• Esther 
  • Indeed.com Role posting - Analytics / Analytics Review
  • JazzHR - https://www.jazzhr.com/ 
  • Glassdoor - https://www.glassdoor.ca/index.htm 

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• Travis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp Pro
• Chris Hudson, Camp Consultant and Director - Camp Highlight
• Esther Eisenhard, Co-Founder, CampHire Recruiting
• Dan Weir, Sr. Consultant - immersive1st - Day Camp Community

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Rate and Review the CampHacker Show

(Thank you!)

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UltraCamp

Remember what sparked your passion for camp? UltraCamp knows it’s about the people, not the paperwork. That’s why they built a platform to simplify your camp management. Learn more at ultracampmanagement.com/camphacker

Camptivities

Activity schedules are the backbone of every camper’s experience. If there’s a staffing change, it’s really hard to find a person that knows your camp and the nuance your schedule takes. Come check out Camptivities to learn more about our scheduling tools,  designed for camps by camp people. Find out more at camptivities.com

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!

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

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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• 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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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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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.

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/2024/noticing

In this episode of the CampHacker podcast, Travis and Chris discuss the vital skill of 'noticing' at camp. The duo share how camp leaders can foster awareness among staff and campers, ensuring dynamic and inclusive programs. They share practical tips, including the importance of diverse staff hiring, continuous feedback, and re-evaluating programs based on the feedback that comes from your “noticing” data. Additionally, they emphasize the necessity of noticing who is left out and the impact of thoughtful communication. Tune in for insightful strategies that can enhance your camp’s environment and overall experience.

Hear more about:

• 01:59 Introducing Noticing Skills
• 05:36 Challenging Traditions for Better Camps
• 08:24 Empowering Staff to Notice
• 17:24 Tips and Tricks for Noticing
• 22:03 Common Camp Challenges and Solutions
• 24:17 Hiring the Right Camp Counselors
• 34:55 Effective Communication with Parents
• 39:51 Tool of the Week

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• Chris - Bluesky https://bsky.app/
• Travis - The Art of Noticing - Rob Walker https://bookshop.org/a/84130/9780525521242  https://amzn.to/4isdrFq

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• Travis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp Pro
• Chris Hudson, Camp Consultant and Director - Camp Highlight

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Rate and Review the CampHacker Show

(Thank you!)

-

UltraCamp

Remember what sparked your passion for camp? UltraCamp knows it’s about the people, not the paperwork. That’s why they built a platform to simplify your camp management. Learn more at ultracampmanagement.com/camphacker

Camptivities

Activity schedules are the backbone of every camper’s experience. If there’s a staffing change, it’s really hard to find a person that knows your camp and the nuance your schedule takes. Come check out Camptivities to learn more about our scheduling tools,  designed for camps by camp people. Find out more at camptivities.com

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

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!

A new show from Go Camp Pro!

Subscribe to Camp Ahead in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your favourite Podcasts!

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

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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• 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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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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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.

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/2024/gender-equity

In this episode, Travis and Chris welcome back Gabrielle Raill to explore the persistent issue of gender equity in camps. Chris leads a discussion on how camps often roll out the red carpet for male staff due to a shortage of male applicants, sometimes at the expense of gender equity. Gabz shares her experiences from all-girls camp, highlighting the implicit gender norms that surface even in such environments. The team examines the importance of addressing these disparities through intentional staff training and mission-driven leadership. The episode also includes practical tools and resources for camp professionals to incorporate gender equity into their daily operations.

Hear more about:

• 00:00 Introduction to Gender Equity in Camps
• 01:58 Observations on Gender Equity
• 07:27 Challenges and Solutions
• 13:34 The Importance of Mission-Driven Gender Equity
• 19:52 Promoting Gender Equity Through Staff Training
• 24:25 The Importance of Clear Communication
• 28:05 Microaggressions and Staff Training
• 28:59 Safety and Inclusion as Non-Negotiables

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• Chris -  The Book of Shadows (Amazon is cheaper but funds evil conglomerates - https://amzn.to/4hY3vTR) 
• Travis - Fixable Podcast with Anne & Francis - Neurodivergent book/interview https://www.ted.com/podcasts/fixable 
• Gabz - HiDock https://www.hidock.com/products/hidock-h1e 

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• Travis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp Pro
• Chris Hudson, Camp Consultant and Director - Camp Highlight
• Gabrielle Raill, Camp Director - Camp Ouareau

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UltraCamp

Remember what sparked your passion for camp? UltraCamp knows it’s about the people, not the paperwork. That’s why they built a platform to simplify your camp management. Learn more at ultracampmanagement.com/camphacker

Camptivities

Activity schedules are the backbone of every camper’s experience. If there’s a staffing change, it’s really hard to find a person that knows your camp and the nuance your schedule takes. Come check out Camptivities to learn more about our scheduling tools,  designed for camps by camp people. Find out more at camptivities.com

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/2024/delegate

Are you a camp professional struggling with delegation? Travis and Chris sit down and discuss the intricacies of effective delegation, sharing personal experiences, strategies, and tools to help camp directors empower their team and improve camp operations. From understanding the importance of communication to leveraging AI tools and overcoming ego, this podcast episode is packed with valuable insights for every camp manager looking to create a more efficient, stress-free environment. This episode will equip you with the knowledge to make a lasting impact on your camp community.

Hear more about:

• 01:31 The Importance of Delegation
• 02:42 Challenges in Delegation
• 05:58 Effective Communication for Delegation
• 07:23 Understanding the Value of Your Time
• 09:28 Planning for Succession
• 13:21 Overcoming Ego in Delegation
• 20:47 Building Confidence Through Delegation
• 26:11 Creating a Culture of Continuous Improvement

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• Chris -  Magnesium Citrate - https://amzn.to/4fIIvhR
• Travis - Ellie Middleton - I love her LinkedIn post from today talking about this framework and explaining why it's important. She also has a new book out that I haven't had a chance to look at yet. She also has a new PDF guide available that I hope to check out soon. The important thing to look at is in this illustration: vague instructions and the anxiety and questions that arise from those vague instructions. If your brain only works literally, there are so many factors to consider when you're considering a vague instruction, making it almost impossible to follow through on that instruction.
  •  https://www.linkedin.com/posts/elliemidds_neurodivergent-accessibility-activity-7262019544062341121-7siE?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop

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• Your Hosts
  • Travis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp Pro
  • Chris Hudson, Camp Consultant and Director - Camp Highlight

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Thanks to our sponsors!

• UltraCamp
  Remember what sparked your passion for camp? UltraCamp knows it’s about the people, not the paperwork. That’s why they built a platform to simplify your camp management. Learn more at ultracampmanagement.com/camphacker
  
  Camptivities
  Activity schedules are the backbone of every camper’s experience. If there’s a staffing change, it’s really hard to find a person that knows your camp and the nuance your schedule takes. Come check out Camptivities to learn more about our scheduling tools, designed for camps by camp people. Find out more at camptivities.com

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/2024/digital-detox

Travis and Chris sit down with Max Claman to chat about effective digital detox and the psychological impacts of removing screens. They also discuss the role of AI in streamlining operations and provide practical tips for integrating technology while preserving the authentic camp experience. Packed with valuable insights and real-world examples, this discussion offers essential advice for camp directors and educators looking to enhance their camp programs.

Hear more about:

• 01:57 Max's Camp Journey
• 04:17 Technology and Phones at Camp
• 08:27 The Impact of Technology on Campers
• 11:23 Balancing Technology and Camp Life
• 20:42 Educating Campers on Technology Use
• 24:21 Generational Perspectives on Technology
• 29:27 Developing a Digital Detox Plan for Camps
• 31:43 Engaging Parents in the Digital Detox Process

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• Chris - Brother printers
• Travis - unapologetically ADHD - podcast and book
• Max - Claude.ai

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• Travis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp Pro
• Chris Hudson, Camp Consultant and Director - Camp Highlight
• Max Claman - Principal - VestEd Consulting

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Rate and Review the CampHacker Show

(Thank you!)

-

UltraCamp

Remember what sparked your passion for camp? UltraCamp knows it’s about the people, not the paperwork. That’s why they built a platform to simplify your camp management. Learn more at ultracampmanagement.com/camphacker

Camptivities

Activity schedules are the backbone of every camper’s experience. If there’s a staffing change, it’s really hard to find a person that knows your camp and the nuance your schedule takes. Come check out Camptivities to learn more about our scheduling tools,  designed for camps by camp people. Find out more at camptivities.com

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/2024/ai-fall-2024

In this episode of the CampHacker podcast, Travis and Chris explore the revolutionary impact of artificial intelligence on summer camp management. They dive into AI's role in streamlining operations, automating tasks, and enhancing staff training and parent communication. Discover specific tools like Perplexity, ChatGPT, and Notebook LM, which improve efficiency while addressing privacy concerns. Learn how AI can transform everything from scheduling and communication to monetization and fundraising, making camps more effective and enjoyable.

Hear more about:

• 4:03 AI's Impact on Summer Camps
• 16:36 Staff Training and AI Scenarios
• 26:46 Understanding AI's Limitations
• 27:35 Career Coaching with AI
• 28:41 AI in the Gig Economy
• 29:27 AI in Camp Photography
• 31:54 AI's Role in Camp Administration
• 35:04 Addressing Privacy Concerns
• 37:54 Future of AI in Camps

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Prompt-building link: https://mitenmit.github.io/gpt/https://account.aftershoot.com/referral-signup?referrer=V31CAJ02

Use this to append to prompts to get you better answers:

Ask me clarifying questions until you are 95% confident you can complete the task successfully. Take a deep breath and take it step by step. Remember to search the internet to retrieve up-to-date information.

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• Chris - Game - Once Upon a Time - https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/1234/once-upon-time-storytelling-card-game 
• Travis - Match Puzzle Game

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• Travis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp Pro
• Chris Hudson, Camp Consultant and Director - Camp Highlight

-

Rate and Review the CampHacker Show

(Thank you!)

-

UltraCamp

Remember what sparked your passion for camp? UltraCamp knows it’s about the people, not the paperwork. That’s why they built a platform to simplify your camp management. Learn more at ultracampmanagement.com/camphacker

Camptivities

Activity schedules are the backbone of every camper’s experience. If there’s a staffing change, it’s really hard to find a person that knows your camp and the nuance your schedule takes. Come check out Camptivities to learn more about our scheduling tools,  designed for camps by camp people. Find out more at camptivities.com

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/2024/over-programmed

In this episode of the CampHacker podcast, hosts Travis Allison and Chris Hudson discuss the concept of overprogramming at camps, questioning if an abundance of scheduled activities could be detrimental. With insights from camp consultants, they explore balancing structured and unstructured time, considering the interests of children, parents, and staff. They also discuss generational changes in camp staff and touch on post-pandemic effects on camp programming.

• The Impact of COVID on Camp Structure
• Pros and Cons of Free Play
• Parental Concerns About Free-Play
• Balancing Structure and Free Time for Kids
• Understanding Children's Needs and Preferences

• Chris -  Radical Candor by Kim Scott - https://www.radicalcandor.com/ 
• Travis - Hoverair X1 - drone - https://hoverair.com/ 

• Travis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp Pro
• Chris Hudson, Camp Consultant and Director - Camp Highlight

-

Rate and Review the CampHacker Show

(Thank you!)

-

UltraCamp

Remember what sparked your passion for camp? UltraCamp knows it’s about the people, not the paperwork. That’s why they built a platform to simplify your camp management. Learn more at ultracampmanagement.com/camphacker

Camptivities

Activity schedules are the backbone of every camper’s experience. If there’s a staffing change, it’s really hard to find a person that knows your camp and the nuance your schedule takes. Come check out Camptivities to learn more about our scheduling tools,  designed for camps by camp people. Find out more at camptivities.com

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