Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!

Find full show notes and links at: https://www.gocamp.pro/campcode/12-things-you-should-be-focused-on-as-the-camp-season-approaches

As the much-anticipated camp season draws closer, it's essential for camp leaders to shift their focus onto key areas that ensure a successful and enriching experience for everyone involved. In the latest episode of Camp Code, Beth and Gabrielle share their top recommendations catering to staff, campers, and personal preparations for camp leaders.

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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From Gabrielle

One of the most valuable decisions I’ve made in my career was volunteering with both my provincial and national camp associations. While I recognize that volunteering is a privilege not everyone can afford, it became a powerful investment in my professional development and helped me build a strong, supportive network.

I want to encourage camp professionals—especially those who are newer to the field—not to hesitate in reaching out to your state, provincial, or national associations. It’s easy to feel like your camp is “too small” or your question “too basic,” but these organizations are here for you—not just in crisis, but for learning, guidance, and everyday questions.

Whether you're worried about finances, curious about emerging health concerns, or simply feeling unsure, your association is a resource. Think of it like a staff member coming to you for help—it’s not a burden, it’s an opportunity for meaningful support and growth. Associations welcome those conversations with the same enthusiasm.

You don’t have to navigate challenges alone. Reach out. Ask questions. Build connections. You belong in this community, and your association is excited to walk alongside you.

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• Beth Allison, Camp Consultant - Go Camp Pro
• Gabrielle Raill, Camp Director - Camp Ouareau

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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!

Find full show notes and links at: https://www.camphacker.tv/camp-code/engaging-multigenerational-staff-during-training

Beth and Gabz are still in full-on conference season wrap up so we'll be back with a new episode in two weeks.

In the meantime, here's a "Camp Code Classic!" - our most downloaded episode.

Enjoy!

Multigenerational staff may not be applicable to your camp today, but it absolutely will happen at some point, and what better time to have this in the back of your mind as summer camps eagerly way and adjust to many new guidelines being put in place as the worldwide pandemic continues.

Multigenerational staff means that some younger staff may still live at home, not be used to doing laundry, or that their summer at camp may be their first job. At the same time, the older staff probably have car payments, or a mortgage or is used to going to bed at an earlier time than 18-year-olds.

Additionally, there is a physical layer to an older generation staff where they may not be able to crawl on the ground, or have other limitations. In Ruby’s experience, she asked herself during any game “can rock paper scissors resolve this” and in most cases, the answer is yes and most people at any age can play rock paper scissors, so it is a great alternative to something like crawling under someone’s legs in freeze tag.

As we wrap our season, we hope all you leaders are ready for what summer brings us. We all know camp will be different this summer, but camp is still at heart, summer camp leaders. For everyone who has tuned in to this season, have a great summer and we look forward to more conversations in the fall.

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From Gabrielle Raill

Even though this best practice is from Gabrielle, it was Ruby that brought it up on another podcast. When you are designing camp training for the summer, bring your leadership in on the conversation. Send your leadership team an outline of the staff training and some of the decisions behind what you want to keep and what you want to change. Open the dialogue with your leadership team to see how decisions are made.

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• Gabrielle Raill, Camp Director - Camp Ouareau
• Beth Allison, Camp Consultant - CampHacker.tv
• Ruby Compton, Chief Exploration Officer - Ruby Outdoors

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!

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

In this episode, the hosts of Camp Code dive into the importance of developing leadership skills in campers. They discuss strategies such as creating a list of desired skills, celebrating mistakes, offering campers choices, and setting examples through staff behavior. The episode also covers how to build leadership skills through specific activities, mentorship programs, and encouraging reflection.

Additionally, Gabrielle and Beth share practical tips, including using creative group projects and peer leadership opportunities, to foster these essential skills in campers.

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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From Beth

One of the most effective—and fun—ways to develop leadership skills in campers is through creative group projects. These hands-on initiatives empower older campers to take ownership, plan, and execute something meaningful as a team. Whether it’s organizing a talent show, producing a camp newsletter, creating a mural, or launching an environmental campaign, these projects naturally build key leadership traits: communication, teamwork, problem-solving, initiative, and resilience.

The process begins with choosing a project that requires collaboration and creativity. Campers can take on defined leadership roles—like project manager or creative director—to practice delegation and decision-making. Before kicking things off, short workshops can help teach skills like conflict resolution and effective communication.

Staff play a supportive role, checking in regularly while allowing campers to take the lead. The project culminates in a final presentation, where participants can reflect on what they’ve learned and the roles they thrived in. These debriefs are essential for reinforcing lessons in leadership and self-awareness.

This approach turns leadership training into something campers genuinely look forward to. It blends responsibility with creativity, gives them a chance to shine, and fosters confidence by letting them learn from both their successes and mistakes. When campers get to lead a meaningful project, they walk away with real-world leadership experience—and great camp memories to match.

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• Beth Allison, Camp Consultant - Go Camp Pro
• Gabrielle Raill, Camp Director - Camp Ouareau

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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.

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.