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Find full show notes and links at: https://www.gocamp.pro/campcode/navigatingdifficultconversations2025

Let’s face it—having tough conversations with staff who aren’t meeting expectations can feel downright uncomfortable. At camp, where relationships and community are everything, addressing performance issues can seem at odds with the culture of care and belonging we work so hard to build. Too often, directors and leadership staff hesitate to give feedback because they fear defensiveness, gossip, or escalation. But avoiding those conversations can quietly erode team trust and weaken your camp culture.

In this episode of Camp Code, Beth and Gabrielle sit down with HR consultant and lifelong camp enthusiast Diane Slater to explore how camp leaders can give clear, compassionate feedback that supports accountability without sacrificing empathy. Drawing on her extensive experience in human resources and her deep love of camp, Diane shares practical frameworks for how to approach difficult discussions, how to handle tears, anger, and denial, and how to prevent frustration from festering across your team.

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From Diane,

Sometimes, despite coaching and multiple chances, a staff member doesn’t change. When you and your leadership team no longer believe improvement will happen, it’s time to part ways. Think of it like baseball: after three solid attempts, if behavior hasn’t changed, they’re out. Keeping someone who ignores feedback signals that the behavior is acceptable, invites others to copy it, and slowly poisons your culture.

The exit itself can be clear and respectful because you’ve already documented expectations and tried to help. You can say, “Unfortunately, today will be your last day with our camp—the behavior hasn’t changed and it’s not working.” It’s hard, but you’ll often hear relief from others afterward; leaders rarely see the full iceberg until stories surface once action is taken. When you’ve set expectations in writing and offered real coaching, ending employment can be the healthiest choice for the team and the campers you serve.

• Diane Slater, Camp HR Consultant

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

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.

Measure twice! Take your free Resilient Camp Blueprint Diagnostic at https://camp.mba/travis.

Stop flying blind: Take your free Resilient Camp Blueprint Diagnostic at https://camp.mba/travis.

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!

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

In the latest episode of Camp Code, the hosts tackle a growing challenge for camp directors: managing cell phone use while fostering an unplugged, connected camp culture. They explore how to shift from enforcing strict no-phone rules to celebrating off-phone time as part of what makes camp special. Through creative ideas like “disconnect to reconnect” challenges, mindful moments, and intentional “third spaces” for connection, the hosts show how camps can replace digital distractions with meaningful, real-world engagement.

Beth and Gabz offers practical strategies for integrating technology thoughtfully, such as clear expectations, designated camp phones, and staff training to understand and address phone addiction. By approaching phone use with empathy and structure, camp leaders can create environments where presence and connection thrive—proving that true leadership begins when we put the phone down and show up for each other.

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From Gabz,

This summer, I learned a powerful leadership lesson from one of my team members who showed up to camp with a flip phone. She’d intentionally swapped her smartphone for something simpler—no social media, no endless scrolling, just the essentials. Watching her made me realize how much of our phone use isn’t about communication, but about distraction. It inspired me to consider using a flip phone myself next season, not as a step backward, but as a way to model intentional leadership. By choosing presence over convenience, we can show our teams that leading well sometimes starts with putting limits on ourselves.

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

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.

Measure twice! Take your free Resilient Camp Blueprint Diagnostic at https://camp.mba/travis.

Stop flying blind: Take your free Resilient Camp Blueprint Diagnostic at https://camp.mba/travis.

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!

Find full show notes and links at: https://www.gocamp.pro/campcode/cultureinclusion2025

In this episode of Camp Code by GoCamp.Pro, the hosts discuss the importance of integrating peripheral staff members, such as kitchen, maintenance, and admin staff, into the camp community. They emphasize that running a camp should focus on people rather than paperwork, and they share practical ideas for including these essential team members in daily, weekly, and camp-wide activities. Strategies include sharing stories, creating a buddy system, and recognizing their contributions through various forms of appreciation and training. The goal is to foster a positive and inclusive camp culture where all staff members feel seen, celebrated, and connected.

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From Beth

By scheduling at least two moments of recognition each day—whether it’s fun facts at flag, shoutouts for drivers, a kitchen crew dinner served by program staff, or camper-written thank-you notes—you create an ongoing rhythm that reinforces belonging and respect across all teams. The key isn’t the size or extravagance of each gesture, but the consistency and inclusivity of your approach. Rotating themes and involving campers keeps it fresh and ensures everyone feels valued. Over time, these daily touchpoints layer together to create a strong, positive culture where appreciation becomes a natural, shared habit.

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

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.

Measure twice! Take your free Resilient Camp Blueprint Diagnostic at https://camp.mba/travis.

Stop flying blind: Take your free Resilient Camp Blueprint Diagnostic at https://camp.mba/travis.