Camp Code - Leadership & Staff Training Podcast for Camp Directors – Details, episodes & analysis

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Find full show notes and links at: https://www.gocamp.pro/campcode/digdeeperhiringprocess

Dig deep with your hiring process! 

In this episode of Camp Code, brought to you by GoCamp Pro, the hosts delve into advanced hiring processes for summer camps, sharing favorite interview techniques, key questions, and critical steps to take once staff are onboard to ensure retention. Featuring guest Kim Aycock of Kimspiration, they discuss the benefits of personalized interview questions, the importance of transparent communication, and maintaining continuous connection with potential hires through strategies like quick application forms and spring series. Let’s dig in! 

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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, just head to https://ratethispodcast.com/campcode

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Best Practice for Leadership Training

From Kim

Going back to the interview question. I forgot to say this, don’t use  hypothetical questions. Hypothetical questions give you hypothetical answers. I think just really knowing what your staff are, like what they're hoping to gain and what, what growth that they want to have, whether it's personal growth, professional growth, really speaks a lot about how much we care for them, and then if we circle back to that and help them.

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Special Guest: 

• Kim Aycock, Camp Consultant at Kimspiration

Your Hosts:

• Beth Allison, Camp Consultant - Go Camp Pro
• Ruby Compton, Chief Exploration Officer - Ruby Outdoors
• Gabrielle Raill, Camp Director - Camp Ouareau

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Thanks to our sponsors…

UltraCamp

Imagine camp registration software that actually gives you MORE time for what you love - CAMP! With UltraCamp, you can effortlessly track attendance, manage staff, streamline registration, and more. Explore now at ultracampmanagemnent.com/campcode.

BowlineHQ

Camp Leaders: Win back your time to what matters most, your campers. Bowline's comprehensive accounting, back-office solutions, and tech-enabled team free up your staff to focus on your mission. Visit bowlinehq.com to learn more and book a free 2-hour financial diagnostic. 

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Find full show notes and links at: https://www.gocamp.pro/campcode/supportingstaff2024

Dive In! 

One of the most important decisions we make every season is who we hire to fulfill our mission and care for our campers and their families. This is of course one of the most important jobs, it’s also one of the most stressful. 

How do we get our vision and help our potential staff members feel supported during the process and make the best decisions for our program. Join us today, we’re diving in.

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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, just head to https://ratethispodcast.com/campcode

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Best Practice for Leadership Training

From Ruby 

I want to share something that I know has been on this podcast before, but it has come back around to me recently so during the summer. This past summer, I had the opportunity to drive buses for a summer camp and had done those over a few occasions throughout the summer. And just a couple weeks ago I got a thank you note from them hand written to thank me for my time. Even though this was a paid gig, the fact that they took the time to physically write that note with pen and paper really meant a lot and makes me want to do that type of gig again. I encourage you all to think about who some of the helpers are that are in your world and take a few moment to write them a note. Giving someone a physical thank you note allows them to post it on their refrigerator or somewhere in their home where they will see it and think of you.  

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Special Guest: 

• Kim Aycock, Camp Consultant at Kimspiration

Your Hosts:

• Beth Allison, Camp Consultant - Go Camp Pro
• Ruby Compton, Chief Exploration Officer - Ruby Outdoors
• Gabrielle Raill, Camp Director - Camp Ouareau

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Thanks to our sponsors…

UltraCamp

Imagine camp registration software that actually gives you MORE time for what you love - CAMP! With UltraCamp, you can effortlessly track attendance, manage staff, streamline registration, and more. Explore now at ultracampmanagemnent.com/campcode.

BowlineHQ

Camp Leaders: Win back your time to what matters most, your campers. Bowline's comprehensive accounting, back-office solutions, and tech-enabled team free up your staff to focus on your mission. Visit bowlinehq.com to learn more and book a free 2-hour financial diagnostic. 

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!

Stress is everywhere around us. Learn how to deal with the stress in a world of chaos! 

Find full show notes and links at: https://www.gocamp.pro/campcode/manage-stress

Stress has become such a big part of all of our daily lives. From troubling things going on in our world to the personal stress that staff may be feeling from the hard work at summer camp. We all need to have tools and resources to cope. Join us today as we discuss what we can offer staff to help them deal with what we face at camp and what life will throw their way.
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Best Practice for Leadership Training

From Beth

Let’s frontload this by saying that Beth is in no way diminishing people’s triggers. There are ones that are certainly important and we need to be aware of them. People have gone through so many different types of stress, PTSD, etc… 

When we are stressed, we are often on the lookout for our triggers, big and small. There are words or signs or triggers that can cause us to be more negative, anxious or fearful. Why not teach your staff to pay attention to their glimmers, the opposite of triggers. The little moment of peace or joy that allow our nervous system to be safe and connected. When you look for them, you will find them everywhere. At the end of your training day, ask your campers to share their glimmers to allow you to focus on the bright moments throughout the day. 

Special Guest:

Kate Taylor, Camp Consultant, Stephane Richard Development Consulting 

Your Hosts:

Gabrielle Raill, Camp Director - Camp Ouareau

Beth Allison, Camp Consultant - GoCamp.Pro

Ruby Compton, Chief Exploration Officer - Ruby Outdoors

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When things go wrong, we tend to analyze and question what could have been done differently and how to prevent these scenarios from playing out again. Sometimes, we have really fantastic summers when everything pretty much goes as, or better than, planned. These summers are worth reviewing as well to be sure to capture what is worth repeating, what should remain in that glorious summer, and what should change for the future. Was it a great one for you this summer? Tell us what you plan to do again using #CampCode.Best Practice for Leadership TrainingRemember the concept of maintenance! You may be focused on launching new programs and reviewing how to improve them in the future, but don't forget about the old standards that may need some upkeep. Often cleaning is a big part of maintenance. Clean out that arts & crafts closet. Have staff clean program supplies and gear regularly. Set aside time to clean your office and workspace, not only throughout the summer, but also DURING the summer. And if it's not you who has the time and space to do so, don't be shy about spending the money to get that cleaning and maintenance done. https://feeds.feedblitz.com/_/28/592208952/camp-code https://feeds.feedblitz.com/_/30/592208952/camp-code https://feeds.feedblitz.com/_/29/592208952/camp-code,https%3a%2f%2fimages.squarespace-cdn.com%2fcontent%2fv1%2f4f941af3e4b09495e1e9fcf4%2f1512326431621-D5MS2OCXN7NVZDD3U71F%2fke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kF9S-XjLvOLqvvJ09EWG0TV7gQa3H78H3Y0txjaiv_0fDoOvxcdMmMKkDsyUqMSsMWxHk725yiiHCCLfrh8O1z5QPOohDIaIeljMHgDF5CVlOqpeNLcJ80NK65_fV7S1UbcyOOsWwB-9oPu_Ss5iTEdy2hPxGNOJLZkPPdJtkrYLGXbn_AsgcIKM85a6g3EoyA%2fCC_WaterPaint_1.jpg%3fformat%3d1000w https://feeds.feedblitz.com/_/24/592208952/camp-code https://feeds.feedblitz.com/_/19/592208952/camp-code https://feeds.feedblitz.com/_/20/592208952/camp-code 

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If your camp runs programming with staff that are off-site for most of the season, this podcast is for you! Beth and Ruby discuss best practices for carrying on camp traditions, setting these staffers up for success, and providing support and training even if you are on different sides of the continent.https://feeds.feedblitz.com/_/28/592208956/camp-code https://feeds.feedblitz.com/_/30/592208956/camp-code https://feeds.feedblitz.com/_/29/592208956/camp-code,https%3a%2f%2fimages.squarespace-cdn.com%2fcontent%2fv1%2f4f941af3e4b09495e1e9fcf4%2f1496435053933-L9GN8KFWNG3NYRQ9ZRXN%2fke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kF9S-XjLvOLqvvJ09EWG0TV7gQa3H78H3Y0txjaiv_0fDoOvxcdMmMKkDsyUqMSsMWxHk725yiiHCCLfrh8O1z5QPOohDIaIeljMHgDF5CVlOqpeNLcJ80NK65_fV7S1UbcyOOsWwB-9oPu_Ss5iTEdy2hPxGNOJLZkPPdJtkrYLGXbn_AsgcIKM85a6g3EoyA%2fimage-asset.jpeg%3fformat%3d1000w https://feeds.feedblitz.com/_/24/592208956/camp-code https://feeds.feedblitz.com/_/19/592208956/camp-code https://feeds.feedblitz.com/_/20/592208956/camp-code 

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In a world where exclusion can quickly become a theme, camp professionals are remarkably good at creating a safe space where campers and staff can feel empowered to find themselves and be themselves. I think we can all agree that the world would be a different place if every child went to camp and learned how to co-exist with the community around them. Listed below are some resources mentioned during the podcast for leading sessions to promote an inclusive community. Connectability.ca Trainingforchange.org teampedia.net University of Michigan Center for Research on Learning and Teaching Best Practice for Leadership Training This episode's best practice comes not as a practice, rather more of a quote. Thanks to Maggie Howe from Gwynn Valley, she shared the insight that "The stronger an organization's culture is, the more exclusive they may become." Consider this idea as you integrate gaining buy-in from staff and campers and celebrating diversity. Camp can change the world and being welcoming to all is a place where we can really raise the bar. https://feeds.feedblitz.com/_/28/592208958/camp-code https://feeds.feedblitz.com/_/30/592208958/camp-code https://feeds.feedblitz.com/_/29/592208958/camp-code,https%3a%2f%2fimages.squarespace-cdn.com%2fcontent%2fv1%2f4f941af3e4b09495e1e9fcf4%2f1487035937334-2W6US7GR37ESU6Z3PDEI%2fke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kGc9HNyco79yi37_Yn7phcIUqsxRUqqbr1mOJYKfIPR7LoDQ9mXPOjoJoqy81S2I8N_N4V1vUb5AoIIIbLZhVYxCRW4BPu10St3TBAUQYVKcRxu3t7AuDVB87WrI6E7ir0NlcCMW0zbi-7d_pxjzJC3mhDCsmO541afXUluczubr%2fimage-asset.jpeg%3fformat%3d1000w https://feeds.feedblitz.com/_/24/592208958/camp-code https://feeds.feedblitz.com/_/19/592208958/camp-code https://feeds.feedblitz.com/_/20/592208958/camp-code 

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Whether you are new director at an established camp or are simply training staff in program areas that aren't in your repertoire, sometimes we have to train staff who know more about some subject areas than we do. Joining the Camp Code hosts today is Chantal "Match" Jackson to share some ideas for how to create an engaging training even when you don't know it all (even if your staff think they do!) Best Practice for Leadership Training Ask your staff to create a list of things or skills they can each teach. Be creative in how you display these to the rest of the staff. Make sure everyone’s names go beside “What they can teach.” Have them put those aside and then ask staff to write in their journals a list of things they want to learn. When they are all done, put them in small groups to share what they can teach and what they want to learn. After some time to share, gather the group back together and discuss what talents and skills have been exhibited and make a plan for how to continue fostering a learning environment for the staff. https://feeds.feedblitz.com/_/28/592208960/camp-code https://feeds.feedblitz.com/_/30/592208960/camp-code https://feeds.feedblitz.com/_/29/592208960/camp-code,https%3a%2f%2fimages.squarespace-cdn.com%2fcontent%2fv1%2f4f941af3e4b09495e1e9fcf4%2f1487035044528-9MEDZMDCP9FKB4RZNKUZ%2fke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kF9S-XjLvOLqvvJ09EWG0TV7gQa3H78H3Y0txjaiv_0fDoOvxcdMmMKkDsyUqMSsMWxHk725yiiHCCLfrh8O1z5QPOohDIaIeljMHgDF5CVlOqpeNLcJ80NK65_fV7S1UbcyOOsWwB-9oPu_Ss5iTEdy2hPxGNOJLZkPPdJtkrYLGXbn_AsgcIKM85a6g3EoyA%2fCC_WaterPaint_1.jpg%3fformat%3d1000w https://feeds.feedblitz.com/_/24/592208960/camp-code https://feeds.feedblitz.com/_/19/592208960/camp-code https://feeds.feedblitz.com/_/20/592208960/camp-code 

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Thought you had heard all that the Camp Code hosts have to offer? No way! There's always new ideas flowing out of this podcast! Check out this week's episode to hear twelve brilliant brand new ideas for staff training that you can plug into staff training this year in this quickfire style episode. Best Practice for Leadership Training Encourage employees to have a personal or creative project for the benefit of the organization to work on during some portion of their work hours. This will allow employees to think critically about what they can create for the organization and offers opportunities for sharing and buy-in among your team. Come say hi! Also, the Camp Code team will be on the camp conference circuit and presenting this season so check them out at ACA National, Tristate, or Midstates! If you are listener, please come find Gab, Ruby, or Beth and tell us what you want to hear in future episodes. https://feeds.feedblitz.com/_/28/592208962/camp-code https://feeds.feedblitz.com/_/30/592208962/camp-code https://feeds.feedblitz.com/_/29/592208962/camp-code,https%3a%2f%2fimages.squarespace-cdn.com%2fcontent%2fv1%2f4f941af3e4b09495e1e9fcf4%2f1485999643370-49GY27RKYL4OICK5TLPP%2fke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kGc9HNyco79yi37_Yn7phcIUqsxRUqqbr1mOJYKfIPR7LoDQ9mXPOjoJoqy81S2I8N_N4V1vUb5AoIIIbLZhVYxCRW4BPu10St3TBAUQYVKcRxu3t7AuDVB87WrI6E7ir0NlcCMW0zbi-7d_pxjzJC3mhDCsmO541afXUluczubr%2fimage-asset.jpeg%3fformat%3d1000w https://feeds.feedblitz.com/_/24/592208962/camp-code https://feeds.feedblitz.com/_/19/592208962/camp-code https://feeds.feedblitz.com/_/20/592208962/camp-code 

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While we spend a lot of time planning staff training for our summer staff, it is not uncommon to expect new year-round directors to jump in without providing them the tools for success. Beth, Gab, and Ruby are joined by special guest, Travis Allison for this special episode of Camp Code. Best Practice for Leadership Training As a new director, build your support system and include at least one of each of the following: a person who is always willing to listen, a person who is objective and can tell it like it is, and a person who has been working in camping who can serve as a mentor.https://feeds.feedblitz.com/_/28/592208964/camp-code https://feeds.feedblitz.com/_/30/592208964/camp-code https://feeds.feedblitz.com/_/29/592208964/camp-code,https%3a%2f%2fimages.squarespace-cdn.com%2fcontent%2fv1%2f4f941af3e4b09495e1e9fcf4%2f1480380811176-30SE0BJAZYVGZOXXN3DJ%2fke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kF9S-XjLvOLqvvJ09EWG0TV7gQa3H78H3Y0txjaiv_0fDoOvxcdMmMKkDsyUqMSsMWxHk725yiiHCCLfrh8O1z5QPOohDIaIeljMHgDF5CVlOqpeNLcJ80NK65_fV7S1UbcyOOsWwB-9oPu_Ss5iTEdy2hPxGNOJLZkPPdJtkrYLGXbn_AsgcIKM85a6g3EoyA%2fimage-asset.jpeg%3fformat%3d1000w https://feeds.feedblitz.com/_/24/592208964/camp-code https://feeds.feedblitz.com/_/19/592208964/camp-code https://feeds.feedblitz.com/_/20/592208964/camp-code 

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If you work in camp long enough, you will either watch a long-time staff member (director, year-round staff member, long-time seasonal staff member) leave or you, yourself, will opt for something different from #campdirectorlife. While camp directors tend to be the types to be inclined to keep this kind of news on the extreme DL, it is imperative to the health of your camp community that you create space and time for campers, their families, and staff to say goodbye. Best Practice for Leadership Training Write all of your teambuilding and group games on individual notecards (1 game per card). Divide them by type (Examples: icebreaker, active, large group, easy initiative, fixed elements). Grab an index card box and organize all of your games in the box with the appropriate labels. When it comes time to design a program, just pull out the cards you need for the day. You may want to number them too so it's easy to get them back in place! (HT to Travis for this best practice!)https://feeds.feedblitz.com/_/28/592208966/camp-code https://feeds.feedblitz.com/_/30/592208966/camp-code https://feeds.feedblitz.com/_/29/592208966/camp-code,https%3a%2f%2fimages.squarespace-cdn.com%2fcontent%2fv1%2f4f941af3e4b09495e1e9fcf4%2f1479090802808-CVSB8QTJ5Q6GNSGNU6ZO%2fke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kF9S-XjLvOLqvvJ09EWG0TV7gQa3H78H3Y0txjaiv_0fDoOvxcdMmMKkDsyUqMSsMWxHk725yiiHCCLfrh8O1z5QPOohDIaIeljMHgDF5CVlOqpeNLcJ80NK65_fV7S1UbcyOOsWwB-9oPu_Ss5iTEdy2hPxGNOJLZkPPdJtkrYLGXbn_AsgcIKM85a6g3EoyA%2fimage-asset.jpeg%3fformat%3d1000w https://feeds.feedblitz.com/_/24/592208966/camp-code https://feeds.feedblitz.com/_/19/592208966/camp-code https://feeds.feedblitz.com/_/20/592208966/camp-code