Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2024/04/what-they-dont-get What is one thing you learned working at camp that surprises people when you talk about? The fact that people don’t understand what we do full-time is not just and “us” problem - it’s a problem for our entire industry. It’s annoying as all heck - yes. And. It could be the reason why you’re under-enrolled and understaffed. One of the biggest issues facing our industry is our reputation. We are consistently fighting against Hollywood stereotypes and the notion that camp is a luxury item for privileged ..read more

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2024/03/choice-based Elective-based, choice-based, whatever you call it, it just may be the future of camper programs. We welcome back one of our original hosts, Dan Weir and welcome back Jack Schott from The Summer Camp Society (and TSCS Podcast!) to unpack all things choice-based programming. You’ll hear: How do we actually define choice-based programming Why was this model so radical 10(ish) years ago What are the benefits of giving campers more ownership over their camp experience How does a choice-based model tie into equit ..read more

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2024/03/our-advice-to-new-staff What are the most important things staff need to know to be successful this summer? Right now (March), camp directors everywhere are starting to think about staff training…or, intending to do so at least. There are a trillion things that we want to teach staff and it would be literally impossible to pack it all in during training and even harder to decide on which one is the most important. This episode, Travis and Chris put themselves in the shoes of camp directors the day before the kids arrive a ..read more

Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/the-pudding/power-between-people With great power comes…well, you know the rest. We all know that even in the sunshine and butterflies that is summer camp, there is evil lurking about. An evil that affects people and communities from all over. It has a name, too. Are you ready? Power. Okay, maybe a bit dramatic, but it’s something nonetheless that we need to talk about when it comes to the microcosm that is summer camp. On this episode, Mandi and Travis discuss how the power structures of the summer camp world have consequential effects on ..read more

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2024/02/retain-staff The number one recruiting tactic? You got it - retaining! As the summer creeps closer, the staffing woes of the industry rear it’s ugly head again. Wouldn’t it be great if staffing wasn’t the thing that stole your focus from creating the best program you know you could be? Well, it’s a long road, but one of the biggest shortcuts on that road is retaining last summer’s staff! And, how do you do that? Well, because this is a Go Camp Pro podcast, you know we have to talk about being intentional in your strategy ..read more

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2024/01/camps-and-ai Is AI going to ruin the summer camp industry? AI really proliferated right before we all went to camp in 2023. Some of us started playing with it, but over the summer, while we were living in our “unplugged” utopia, many parts of the world began to change without us.  Now that we’re back, directors and industry partners are readily using AI, but in our haste to catch up, have we taken a second to consider the bigger picture?  No shame if you haven’t yet. You’re busy, and that’s why we’re here! We we ..read more

Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/the-pudding/good-for-everyone Just BEING at camp is a good thing - the science proves it! We intuitively know that camp is a good thing. We can tell a million heart-filled stories about how camp changes lives. But as you all know, the proof is certainly in the pudding - so for the discerning camp pros (or camp families we are trying to convince to come to camp!) this episode will be a great place to start! Dr. Mandi Baker and Travis unpack some of the major findings over the last few years of research when it comes to the benefits of the su ..read more

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2024/01/climate-change Recycling programs and talking nature education programs are only step 1. When we talked about climate change and camp 10 years ago, the conversation usually was about how we can be a bit more sustainable, how to teach campers about nature appreciation and maybe looking at recycling a little bit closer. That’s not what this conversation is about. We need to seriously consider how the climate emergency is going to fundamentally impact many of our programs. Power availability, infrastructure, air quality, th ..read more

Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2023/12/giving-up-on-dei Where did the momentum go? We believe that summer camp should be an accessible place where individuals feel welcome and included for the unique and wonderful things they bring to the community. Right? While many camps would say that they believe this - but if they honestly look in the mirror, would their commitment to DEI be the same as it was in 2020? While DEI may not be in the headlines as much these days (which, isn’t good on it’s own) - camps that truly believe that camp should be for every child and ..read more

Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/the-pudding/being-in-nature And are we thinking about “nature” too specifically? Being in nature is good for us - we know this intuitively - b But did you know that science backs this up? It is proven, beyond doubt, that being in nature decreases anxiety, decreases rumination, and alleviates low mood. Dr. Mandi Baker and Travis unpack some of the major findings over the last few years of research when it comes to being outdoors and its effect on the individual. You’ll hear about: The scientifically proven physical and emotional benefits of ..read more