Training for the Transition from Camper to Staff - Camp Code #63

Camp Code

#Sports #Business #Marketing #Summer #Leadership #Staff #Training #Beth Allison #Gabrielle Raill #Ruby Compton - CampHacker.TV #Outdoor #Podcasting Education #Camping #Directors #Consulting #Oriented

1:22:29

When Killers Realize It's Over: Raw Police Interrogation Murderer Reaction Compilation Some moments in true crime are unforgettable—none more so than the second a killer realizes it’s over. This episode dives into a chilling compilation of real police interrogations, capturing the exact moment suspects break. From calculated silence to sudden emotional collapse, we explore: The mindset behind their deception The breaking point during questioning The jaw-dropping confessions that followIncluding cases where the accused thought they were untouchable—until undeniable evidence shattered their story. These raw, emotional moments are disturbing, riveting, and revealing. You’ll hear the psychological unraveling firsthand. Content Warning: Contains graphic details of violent crimes, real audio clips, and emotionally intense content. Listener discretion is advised. When Killers Realize It's Over Raw Police Interrogation Reaction Compilation killer interrogations, raw police interrogations, true crime podcast, criminal confessions, when killers break down, interrogation room moments, police interviews, shocking confessions, caught lying, interrogation breakdowns, true crime reactions full police interrogations raw interrogation footage killer confessions suspect breakdown interrogation room reactions real crime footage police interview compilation murder suspect reactions criminal confessions true crime interrogation series serial killer interrogations Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/interrogation-nation-full-police-interrogations-serial-killer-docs-and-true-crime-investigations--6672917/support .…

6 years ago 49:03

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53 episodes

Training for the Transition from Camper to Staff - Camp Code #63

Camp Code

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published 6 years ago

MP3•Episode home

53 episodes

#Sports #Business #Marketing #Summer #Leadership #Staff #Training #Beth Allison #Gabrielle Raill #Ruby Compton - CampHacker.TV #Outdoor #Podcasting Education #Camping #Directors #Consulting #Oriented

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Camp Code

1
Culture Shock and Training International Staff - Camp Code #64 39:48

5 years ago39:48

39:48

Camp Code

1
Training for the Transition from Camper to Staff - Camp Code #63 49:03

6 years ago49:03

49:03

Camp Code

1
Conflict Between Staff - Camp Code #62 50:15

6 years ago50:15

50:15

Camp Code

1
Best Practices for Continuing Education for Returning Staff - Camp Code #61 50:15

6 years ago50:15

50:15

Camp Code

1
Building Self-Esteem in our Camp Staff - Camp Code #60 49:24

6 years ago49:24

49:24

The most basic human desire is to be able to fit in. In this episode, our hosts dive into stereotypes, managing life pressures and teaching our staff how to build self-esteem, create their potential and give them the superpowers required to battle any self-esteem issue. As Ruby identifies, in order for summer camp leaders to teach self-esteem, it is important to always start with yourself. Take the time to learn your triggers that affects your mood and your view. After paying attention and awareness to your own mental health, it will allow you to grow to then be able to teach your staff. Low self-esteem can trigger negativity, and can at times overpower the words of leaders at camp. Gabrielle explains a method she uses called the “SAS”. S top what you’re doing, a pproach appropriately, s peak kindly. In Gabriel’s experience, it is the speak kindly portion that promotes self-esteem. It’s about taking the conversation and add a flare of positivity. For all the great tips from Gabrielle, Beth and Ruby, have a listen to this episode. Leadership Training Best Practice From Ruby: Put an instructor who is willing to be vulnerable and says a challenging situation they dealt with and sets up what the challenge was. Describing the situation, they get the counsellors and leaders in the room to ask other questions to gather information from the instructor. All the participants then discuss what they would have done in groups. Afterwards - the instructor describes what they did to manage the situation, and using the info from the staff, adding how they would change their response if the situation were to arise again. Shout-out to http://beetlesproject.org/ Your Hosts: Gabrielle Raill , Camp Director - Camp Ouareau Beth Allison , Camp Consultant - CampHacker.tv Ruby Compton , Chief Exploration Officer - Ruby Outdoors Thanks to our sponsor for this episode: This Go Camp Pro podcast is sponsored in part by CampGig - CampGig is more than just a job board, CampGig is designed to be the most useful matching/search tool for camps and camp staff. Camps can sign up today to scan and search through CampGig’s vast selection of candidates. If you’ve ever wanted an “easy-button” for finding your next great camp staff, then head over to CampGig.com and set up your camp’s profile today.…

Camp Code

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Building Trust with Staff - Camp Code #59 40:19

6 years ago40:19

40:19

It All Starts with Trust! Managing summer camp staff, no problem...managing summer camp staff that don’t trust one another, that is where the challenge lays. Having staff sharing information, collaborating and working toward common goals is the foundation of trust and can bring the best out of your staff. Beth defines trust as reliance on the character, ability, strength or truth of someone or something. Breaking that down, trust means that you rely on someone else to do something, to the extent that you are willing to put yourself on the line for that thing. Trust is what brings teams together, so in this episode Gabrielle, Beth and Ruby breakdown how to develop trust within your team. Below are some tips on how to develop trust with your staff, we encourage you to listen in for more on... Starting with online meet and greets Using staff training as a job interview for the Camp Director. Use it as a way to work for your staff to earn their trust Work with your staff to build connections. Set the expectations with senior staff, and have them work with new staff to build connections and confidence Because I said I would - a TED talk on making promises, keeping them and the honour of our word Have a listen to hear about the great list of tricks and tips on how we can engage our staff and develop trust ultimately building great staff for your summer camp. Leadership Training Best Practice From Beth: Align your words with your actions. When you notice your staff doing something that they maybe shouldn’t be doing, try asking “So, what’s your plan?”. You may be surprised by their thoughts and ideas and it will help maintain trust! Your Hosts: Gabrielle Raill, Camp Director - Camp Ouareau Beth Allison, Camp Consultant - CampHacker.tv Ruby Compton, Chief Exploration Officer - Ruby Outdoors Thanks to our sponsor for this episode: logo-camp-gig-transparent.png This Go Camp Pro podcast is sponsored in part by CampGig - CampGig is more than just a job board, CampGig is designed to be the most useful matching/search tool for camps and camp staff. Camps can sign up today to scan and search through CampGig’s vast selection of candidates. If you’ve ever wanted an “easy-button” for finding your next great camp staff, then head over to CampGig.com and set up your camp’s profile today.…

Camp Code

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The Indoor Generation - Camp Code #58 47:42

6 years ago47:42

47:42

Teach your staff and campers the value of #getoutside! Stop reading these show notes and just get outside! Leadership Training Best Practices Your Hosts: Gabrielle Raill , Camp Director - Camp Ouareau Beth Allison , Camp Consultant - CampHacker.tv Ruby Compton , Chief Exploration Officer - Ruby Outdoors…

Camp Code

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Adjusting to Camp Culture - Camp Code #57 1:02:08

6 years ago1:02:08

1:02:08

Camp is weird! Let’s help staff navigate. Building off of what we learned from Episode 56 , we wanted to focus on some of the findings our Camp Directors friends came across this past summer. Focusing on the outside world, and fitting in on some the cultures we develop at camp, we want to focus on some guidance to help prepare your staff for a summer at camp. Our hosts Beth Allison, Ruby Compton and Gabrielle Raill dig in to the following topics: Empowering the staff.. More and more, parents are calling to ask questions about contracts and/or asking for time off for their kids. We want to empower the staff, and are always looking for ways for staff to be accountable for their own employment. Cellphones are a crutch that is a part of our culture, however; at camp it can interfere with the important connections that get created at camp. Vaping! Sleep habits, reflecting on the research of sleep and implementing these with staff Moving from living alone, to having interaction all of the time and how we get staff to welcome being in reach with people at all times. Leadership Training Best Practices Overcoming the cell phone issue as a staff with a joy list Gather the staff together with 5 flip chart papers and markers. Get the staff talking and adding things to categories on sheets like “this made me smile”, “this makes me happy”, “this was a memory or magical moment that I remember most”. The kicker: Then ask them, “how many of these moments happened because of a phone?” This can open up a conversation about your cell phone policy and how phones can help or hinder connection. Your Hosts: Gabrielle Raill , Camp Director - Camp Ouareau Beth Allison , Camp Consultant - CampHacker.tv Ruby Compton , Chief Exploration Officer - Ruby Outdoors…

Camp Code

1
Are You Freaking Kidding Me!? - Camp Code #56 43:56

6 years ago43:56

43:56

After a shortened Season 6 and a lot of questions from fellow listeners, WE ARE BACK with Season 7. This episode is dedicated to those moments where you as a camp director see something and say, “Are You Freaking Kidding Me!?”. Our hosts Beth, Ruby and Gabs have plenty of experience as Camp Directors and they are here to share stories of times where even they were at a loss! From sounding happy on the phone, riding public transit to doing laundry are all examples of some of the things that we, as directors may take for granted, but are still so necessary to teach our young leaders. Tune in as our hosts explore ways to work through challenges such as: Running scenarios to help camp staff work through real life examples Journaling beside your bed. Write down your frustrations at night in one place and ToDos for the next morning. Interview new staff and veteran staff at the end of the year asking “what do you wish that a new staff member knew prior to the start of summer” Teach the chores by front loading expectations with staff Leadership Training Best Practices “Can I show you something” is a phrase that great leaders use. From teaching staff how to budget or greeting parents, or teaching great things at camp. Mentoring staff is a key part for both yours and camp staff success. Your Hosts: Gabrielle Raill , Camp Director - Camp Ouareau Beth Allison , Camp Consultant - CampHacker.tv Ruby Compton , Chief Exploration Officer - Ruby Outdoors…

Camp Code

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Training Staff to be Decision-Makers - Camp Code #55 33:36

6 years ago33:36

33:36

More and more directors are saying they are finding their staff less and less willing to make decisions. In a world where there are constantly more options available to us, to make a decision can be downright paralyzing. Listen in as Gabz, Ruby, and Beth discuss their best ideas for helping to empower and educator your staff on being smart decision makers at camp. Best Practice for Leadership Training When making a decision with a group, explain the Data - Debate - Decide framework for decisionmaking. First, a group must gather data before making a decision and that process may be quite simple or very involved. Next, once the relevant data is on the table, take time to debate the issue at hand using data-based arguments. Finally, take the step to make a decision. The decision may be that more data is needed! Regardless, having this framework can be helpful when discussing issues that are multi-faceted that lead to roundabout conversations where you are covering the same info again and again. By being able to identify what stage you are in, the 3-Ds can help you understand what you need to move forward. HT to Les McKeown at inc.com for this concept that Ruby really really likes.…

Camp Code

1
Women in Camp Summit Crossver Episode with Rec Heads and Camp Nerds - Bonus Episode 28:05

7 years ago28:05

28:05

Gabz, Beth, and Ruby have spent the last several months working with Colette and Kim from ACA Illinois to put together the first annual Women in Camp Summit . Patti Sampson of Patchwork Marketplace teamed up with the Camp Code co-hosts to do a crossover episode of the podcast to talk about this exciting event. Check out the Rec Heads and Camp Nerds podcast here and learn more about the cool work Patti is doing at Patchwork Marketplace and how you can get involved! Also, if you aren’t following Patti on Instagram, she is a boss at Insta stories. Check out how to do it well! The deadline to register for the Women in Camp Summit is October 1, 2018. Reserve your spot today! Women in Camp Summit November 7-9, 2018 Chicago area - St Charles, IL - Pheasant Run Resort $300 (some meals included) Register for the Summit NOW Can’t make it to the Summit but want to help a sister out? Help a sister out - Donate now…

Camp Code

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Designing Training for Volunteers - Camp Code #52 33:36

7 years ago33:36

33:36

Leadership training is important for everyone at camp Many camps have some portion of their staff comprised of volunteers. Be it your nurse for the week who is also a camper parent and trading their work for their child's camp tuition or a community member who simply loves to give back to camp, it is important that these folks get trained too. If your camp is staffed entirely by volunteers, a complete staff training is still necessary; however there are additional considerations for executing that training, especially when volunteers are coming and going throughout the summer. In this episode, Gabz, Beth, and Ruby discuss some of their recommendations for training volunteers. Best Practice for Leadership Training Consider implementing a recognition program for volunteers that highlights the amount of time (in whatever increment makes sense for your camp) that a person has dedicated time to camp. Bonus points for it being a wearable that can be worn at and outside of camp. By having this visual recognition, other in the community become aware that it is, not only an option to come give time to camp, but also that it is a celebrated and valued.…

Camp Code

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Helping Staff Know If Their Gifts are Best Used at Camp or Elsewhere - Camp Code #51 45:09

7 years ago45:09

45:09

Training staff for when it is time to move on Every camp director has had that staff member who needs to move on from camp but having the conversation can be difficult. Tune in to hear Beth, Gabz, and Ruby share their best tips for having those conversations now and how to build this idea of "growing elsewhere" into your camp culture so anyone in your community understands that it may be in everyone's best interest to move on. Best Practice for Leadership Training After a session during training and the possibility of moving on, have staff write you a short letter on their own. Get each person to write to you, the camp director, and to fill in the blanks. Dear [Camp Director] If I am ever exhibiting these behaviors:_______________________________please sit down and have the talk with me. I'll be scared to leave camp and try something new, but if you say these things to me,_______________________________, it would be helpful. I know you are always thinking of the best interests of camp and of me and I also know that I will always have a place here and this will always be my home. And here are ways I'd like to have this conversation: (Add your own ending/sign off) Then, partner staff up and have them read their letters out loud. Be sure to tell them that you will be doing this as part of the activity so staff don't feel like they have to share things that are to deeply personal.…

Camp Code

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12 More Quickfire Videos for Staff Training - Camp Code #50 27:55

7 years ago27:55

27:55

Video continues to be a powerful resource in this day and age. Beth, Gab, and Ruby discuss 12 more of their favorites that can be incorporated into staff training this year. Gabz Videos Misunderstandings Knowing our limits Visual Note Taking This Grandma Is Trying To Use Google Home Beth’s Videos Raising Successful Kids Transgender Kids Failure is the only way to Learn The Power of Introverts Bonus : How to Start a Movement Ruby's Videos Say My Name Right Where the Wild Things Play TED Talk - Dark Side of the Subjunctive Fear Setting On the day of this 50th episode, Gab, Beth, and Ruby want to say a huge THANK YOU to all of our listeners for tuning in, sharing ideas, and continuing to lead extraordinary staff orientations each summer. Thank you for making the camping industry great. Here's to 50 more!…

Camp Code

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Consent at Camp - Camp Code #49 56:50

8 years ago56:50

56:50

Teaching campers and staff about consent in a vitally important way Though recent headlines have brought this concept to the forefront, this has been a conversation that has been ongoing. This is not a fad conversation and right now, there is an opportunity for youthe development professionals to dive deep and make influence real change in the world. It is critically important that the concept of consent is taught at camp to both campers and staff this summer and from now on. #Wehavetobebetter and bring the conversation forward. The industry of camp has a role and responsibility to reset the narrative of the disrespect and disconnection that leads to allegations and assault. Teaching campers about consent within the framework of empowering campers to take ownership of giving consent over their own bodies, not only in sexual situations, but in the broader context of everyday life. Best Practice in Leadership Training Consent is not a male-female issue. It is a power issue. Recognize that people in your camp community have different levels of power and the concept and language of consent allows for a discussion that helps empower all voices to be heard. Consent as Tea Campus Toolkit for Creating Consent Culture Ask Doctor G Youtube Channel University of Minnesota Consent Policy Teachconsent.org Tell us your ideas or reflections on this episode by using the following hashtags: #wehavetobebetter and #campcode . Want more Camp Code? Gab, Beth, and Ruby are offering a 12-week masterclass to help directors build their staff trainings this winter/spring called Designing Staff Training: A Masterclass with the Cohosts of Camp Code . Over the 12-weeks, participants will partake in weekly phone calls, set aside time to build staff training schedules, and discuss ideas for training with other like-minded #camppros who can't get enough of talking about training! This course will... help you design the best staff training. provide access to a private Slack workspace. hold you accountable to your staff training design timeline. break down staff training planning into digestable chunks. provide a small and personal community of likeminded #camppros. help you have your best summer yet. Registration is open now and enrollment is limited. The course will begin at the end of January. Visit http://gocamp.pro/campcode to reserve your spot today before it's too late.…

Camp Code

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Using Mealtime Intentionally During Training - Camp Code #48 43:09

8 years ago43:09

43:09

How much time do you spend in meals during camp? Meal times offer opportunities for connections and teaching and every second of staff training is valuable. Every person has to eat. Can these three truths come together and help relieve the time pressure so many of us feel during staff orientation? Consider how much of your summer is spent collective in mealtime so if you aren't already treating the meal like a program area, this summer think about the shifts you can make to use that time as efficiently as possible. Best Practice in Leadership Training In the spirit of creating a safer and more inclusive eating space for all your campers, instead of asking others if he/she "wants seconds or thirds" instead simply ask, "Do you want more?" This alleviates any stigma that may come with wanting seconds, thirds, fourths, and beyond. Have you heard? Gab, Beth, and Ruby are offering a 12-week masterclass to help directors build their staff trainings this winter/spring called Designing Staff Training: A Masterclass with the Cohosts of Camp Code . Over the 12-weeks, participants will partake in weekly phone calls, set aside time to build staff training schedules, and discuss ideas for training with other like-minded #camppros who can't get enough of talking about training! If staff training feels like one big project where you aren't sure where to start, or you want to revamp your training and give it a fresh new look, this course will help you design the best staff training, and in turn, have your best summer yet. With access to a private Slack workspace and accountability buddies, you will be missing out on amazing content and community if you don't sign up. See you there? Registration is open now and enrollment is limited. The course will begin at the end of January. Visit http://gocamp.pro/campcode to reserve your spot today.…

Camp Code

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Balance of Theory and Practice for Training - Camp Code #47 41:43

8 years ago41:43

41:43

Deciding what to tell and what to practice during leadership training It can be tricky to strike a balance between sharing with staff why certain topics they learn during staff training are important with the time invested in practicing the skills they are taught. Join Beth, Gab, and Ruby for a discussion about how to get just the right mix of thinking and discussion and hands-on activities for your training this year. Best Practice for Leadership Training At the end of your week, write out all the things you want or need to get done for when you return to work. Then take a critical look at your list and evaluate whether what's there is doable for one day. Reassign deadlines or weed out tasks as you see fit. When you return to work (after the weekend or after vacation), reassess your list and set realistic deadlines for the tasks on your list as you plan for your week. Give yourself permission to go on vacation and turn off the ever-running to do list that is the camp director brain.…

Camp Code

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Moving Forward After a Really Great Summer - Camp Code #46 35:15

8 years ago35:15

35:15

Staff training after everything's gone beautifully 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 Training Remember 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.…

Camp Code

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Training for Satellite and Offsite Staff - Camp Code #45 36:33

8 years ago36:33

36:33

Teaching trip and expedition leaders to carry on traditions and build networks of support 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. Best Practice for Leadership Training Given that it is the beginning of June when this podcast is being released and most listeners are diving into the crazy season, the Camp Code team wants to remind you of the importance of self-care. If the somewhat modified words of RuPaul "If you can't love yourself, how the hell you gonna love somebody else. Can I get an Amen?" Remember that the extra hour of sleep now will benefit you exponentially towards the middle and end of the season. That project can wait! Take care of yourself and teach your staff strategies for doing so as well. BTW... Hey! Maybe you are asking "Yo, Camp Code Team - what's up with only putting out eight episodes this season?" We were fortunate to be able to go to present at several camp conferences this spring in person, together, and were also fortunate to get to meet many many listeners. This meant that time to record podcasts was a bit slimmer than in previous years because we were prepping for awesome in-person sessions. A big thanks to every person who came to any of our workshops and to all the folks who gave a quick shout out when you saw any of us walking by. It is so cool to connect with our listeners and we are looking forward to another kicking season when we return in the fall. Have a most wonderful summer and thanks for the listening friends. P.S. Let us know what topics you want to hear about next season by tweeting using the hashtag #CampCode .…

Camp Code

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Creating an Inclusive Camp Community - Camp Code #44 41:52

8 years ago41:52

41:52

Training staff to spread the message that everyone belongs 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.…

Camp Code

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Training Employees Who Know More Than You - Camp Code #43 49:58

8 years ago49:58

49:58

How do you train employees with areas of expertise that are your areas of weakness? 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 throughout the summer.…

Camp Code

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12 New Ideas for Staff Training - Camp Code #42 46:52

8 years ago46:52

46:52

More Leadership and Orientation Ideas for the Best Training Ever 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. And don't forget to pay it forward and share the podcast with new #camppros you meet!…

Camp Code

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Essential Training for a New Director - Camp Code #41 38:40

9 years ago38:40

38:40

Setting New Employees Up for Success 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.…

Camp Code

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Saying Goodbye To Long-Time Staff Members - Camp Code #40 45:20

9 years ago45:20

45:20

"You have learned everything I have to teach." 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!) Back On Track summer debrief framework…

Camp Code

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Staff Applications Are Part Of Your Training - Camp Code #39 51:12

9 years ago51:12

51:12

Best Practices For Your Employment Application Puzzled by why you can't seem to find the right staff each summer? Perhaps it is because of the wording, structure, and requirements of your staff application. Gab, Beth, and Ruby discuss the must-dos (and a few must-don'ts) to help you start your staff training before your people are even hired. Best Practice for Leadership Training Is there a way to add a creative element to your staff application so folks with a wide variety of talents can exhibit their strengths? Have you thought about sharing your expectations for a job at your program via video, podcast, or original song? Using visual tools and letting applicants hear from you and other people really sets the tone for community building and gets the expectations across in your tone. Hey check it out - Camp Widjiwagan in Nashville, TN is already doing that! Green River Preserve's Essential Functions for a Staff Member Remember to subscribe so you don't miss an episode and please leave us a rating and review in iTunes. A big thanks to CAcamper for leaving us a review!…

Camp Code

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Cleaning Up After the "Perfect Storm" Summer - Camp Code #38 42:03

9 years ago42:03

42:03

Training for Leading When You Think "What Else Could Go Wrong?" As camp people, we sometimes find ourselves looking around thinking "Universe, what else could you possible throw at me?" and sometimes that all happens before 9 AM. Some summers are just like that and often it is due to circumstances totally out of your control. This episode will talk about how to heal and recover from the "perfect storm" summer and how to lead your team when it feels like very little went right. Best Practice for Leadership Training Build a relationship with a local mediation organization. Face it, in camping, we are in the relationship business and sometimes an objective ear and voice can be the key to working through conflicts. Often these organizations may be able to provide training for your year-round and seasonal staff as well. Links: Back on Track The Mediation Center (Western North Carolina) Mediate.com (Find a Mediator near you)…

Camp Code

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Linchpins at Summer Camp - Special Summer Wishes from Camp Code 8:52

9 years ago8:52

8:52

Camp Code

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Last Minute Staff Training Checklist - Camp Code #37 43:00

9 years ago43:00

43:00

Helping You With Last Minute Details for Your Leadership Training Season 3 of Camp Code wraps up with THE checklist to ensure you are ready for staff training this summer. Invest some time in to making sure all of these things are done to ensure a smooth training and thus a smooth summer for all. Best Practice for Leadership Training This week's tip comes from Skyline Camp and Retreat Center's Director Matt Henry. Divide staff training in half. Do five days at the beginning of the summer and then do five more in the middle of the summer to dedicate to retraining staff. Think about how much fatigue, burnout, and drama that could be dealt with with a few days to refocus the staff back on the mission. If you can't do a full five, think about in scheduling your session dates next year if there is a way to carve out some time to do staff development midway through the season. HAVE A GREAT SUMMER!…

Camp Code

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Don't Do That! 9 Training Goofs We Don't Want You To Repeat - Camp Code #36 44:32

9 years ago44:32

44:32

The Best Staff Training Don't Dos from Directors Who Have Done Them It's crunch time for preparing staff training for the summer and there are some common pitfalls that every director falls into when designing and implementing orientation for the summer. Beth, Gab, and Ruby share some of their biggest lessons learned over the years and hope that you will work smarter, not harder this summer. Best Practices For Leadership Training Have rest hour every day during staff training. This gives your staff a time to recoup, reflect, and recharge each day. It sets up a great routine for the summer as well as helps staff practice using their down time wisely.…

Camp Code

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Engaging Return Staff During Training - Camp Code Episode #35 50:00

9 years ago50:00

50:00

Keeping Your Return Staff's Attention When They Think They Know It All "Coming back for your second, or third, or 85th season at camp can be a glorious thing. You understand the weird rituals and chanting that seem to spontaneously erupt throughout the day and when somebody whispers Color War, you understand exactly what is about to happen. But man, training is such a drag because it is all the same stuff all over again. Why do I have to attend training when I've seen it all before?" If your return staff seem to take this attitude, then this podcast is a definite must listen for you. Best Practice for Leadership Training Hold a Program Area Fair during staff training. Activity Leaders staff a booth about their activity. This gives Program Staff an opportunity to share some of the ideas about what they will be doing in the activity for that summer. Play a game, display a craft, or decorate your booth in the best way possible to represent your game. The rest of the staff can mosey from booth to booth carnival style and learn more about the various program areas around camp. This helps staff to understand what will happen at that activity all summer and also allows Activity Leaders to take ownership and show off their talents and specialty area for the summer.…

Camp Code

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Summer Flings and Healthy Partnerships: Training for Relationships at Camp - Camp Code #34 34:12

9 years ago34:12

34:12

Training Staff How to Treat One Another Ah...the birds and the bees and the smell of hormones at camp in the summertime. Whether in a single gender or co-ed environment, the reality is people fall in love at camp. And some people think they fall in love at camp. It makes sense as folks are living and working closely together and acting genuinely and passionately day in and day out. Many of your staff likely have common values in life and when they find each other at camp, it can be a beautiful thing. Or it can be disruptive and fueled by drama. Today's podcast focuses on how to train your staff on what it means to have a relationship at camp and some best practices that Beth, Gab, and Ruby have found can lead to a drama-free summer. Best Practice for Leadership Training Never underestimate the power of a handwritten note to provide praise and establish that you acknowledge the impactful work another person is doing. Whether it is an employee, a supervisor, a conference presenter, or a random person you encounter in life, everyone can appreciate a small token of acknowledgement from another person.…

Camp Code

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Is This How It Looks To Get Fired? - Camp Code #33 50:32

9 years ago50:32

50:32

Training Camp Staff On Being Let Go By talking about what it looks like to get fired from camp, you may find that your staff make better decisions, which, in turn, actually reduces the likelihood of you having to fire staff as often. Gab, Beth, and Ruby discuss how they train their staff about the termination process, what worked and what didn't, and some best practices for letting someone go at camp be as drama free and mission-focused as possible. Best Practice for Leadership Training Gather your male and female staff members separately and discuss with each of them how they want to treat the other gender. Bring the groups back together and have the groups share with one another their commitment to how people should be treated at camp.…

Camp Code

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Teaching Your Staff to Sell Camp - Camp Code #32 34:48

9 years ago34:48

34:48

Why your seasonal staff need sales training and why it is worth your time Your summer staff are trained on your mission and are bought in to the why of camp. Who better than your staff to help you market camp than those who really know it inside and out? Tune in to today's podcast to learn how to teach your staff some basic sales strategies that will impact your bottom line. Best Practice for Leadership Training Track which of your cabin staff from the previous summer have the most campers returning this summer. Give public praise to these staff members (whether they are returning or not) during staff orientation this summer and challenge your summer staff to be one of those counselors that managed to provide such an incredible experience for their campers, that they all HAD to come back to camp. Additionally, tell your staff the retention rate from the previous summer and challenge them to go above and beyond that number.…

Camp Code

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10 Things Your Staff Don't Want To Hear But You Need To Tell Them Anyway - Camp Code #31 34:54

10 years ago34:54

34:54

Training for Your Camp Staff That They Need Let's face it. As the camp director, sometimes you have to tell your staff things they don't want to hear. Often these are the tidbits and pieces of life advice that it will take time for the staff to really appreciate. Go on! Speak up! Tell your thoughts because your staff need to hear it to make camp be the best it can be. Beth, Gab, and Ruby share their "must-tells" during this episode of Camp Code. Best Practice for Leadership Training Remember to thank your year-round team throughout the year. Include some staff appreciation dollars in your budget to show appreciation for your full time staff as the rad camp professionals that they are! Consider gifting them a subscription to Go Camp Pro , the year-round camp conference.…

Camp Code

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Managing Up: Training Your Bosses and Board - Camp Code #30 42:48

10 years ago42:48

42:48

Training for How To Get What You Need From Those Above You When hiring seasonal staff, directors look for applicants that are trainable. However, you inherit your boss/board/Executive Director/CEO when you accept a job. Ever wish you could conduct staff training specifically for your higher-ups so they will do things the way you want to do them? In this episode, learn what it takes to get those above you on the organizational chart on board with your ideas. Big shout out to Rosanne Badowski for the term Managing Up . You can check out her book on Amazon right now . Best Practice for Leadership Training Today's best practice comes from our friends Scott Arizala and Dr. Chris Thurber and their unofficially titled "Stump the Hunks" EPIC session at ACA National in New Orleans in 2015. When asked how to get the boss to do what you need them to do, they suggested this tactic. Have your boss happen to accompany you to witness whatever challenge/inefficiency/problem that you are hoping to address. Ask " Have you noticed how when it rains, our staff get particularly grumpy while waiting in the rain with the kids to go into lunch? Do you have any ideas for how we could make this better?" or for the bold ones of you out there, instead state the following as a follow up to your Have You Noticed question, "I've noticed this as well and I wonder if we gave each cabin a large umbrella to decorate to use on rainy days if they would be more excited about rainy days?" By simply asking "Have you noticed...", you bring the boss into the discussion and make them a part of the problem solving, even if they don't do any of the problem solving.…

Camp Code

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Recovering When Things Go Really Wrong - Camp Code #29 51:39

10 years ago51:39

51:39

Training Staff for What to Do Next When the Unthinkable Happens In episode #28 we talked about when the literal stuff hits the fan. This episode addresses some of those worst case scenario moments and how camp directors can best recover and move forward with their staff members. From the tough conversations to doing what is right for camp to some of our worst nightmares as directors, Beth, Gab, and Ruby share some of their best tips for handling circumstances no one wants to talk about and training your staff to minimize liability exposures in their jobs. Best Practice for Leadership Training Following a bad or hard situation, show staff members how to align their focus with the solution, not the problem. Teach staff that professionals focus on where the organization is headed from here, rather than reveling in the drama or sadness of the crisis itself. Give staff time to feel and be human and process the experience. Provide external resources to help with that processing. Then set your sights forward and lead them towards healing. At a time of crisis, staff members are looking to their leaders for guidance for how to react, process, move forward, and heal.…

Camp Code

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It's Everywhere and You Have to Clean It Up - Camp Code #28 47:36

10 years ago47:36

47:36

Training for Camp Staff About Bodily Function Regularity and Clean Up a.k.a. The Poop Episode It's the topic nobody really wants to talk about but at camp it always comes up. Going to the bathroom can make or break a child's day at camp, especially if they have any anxiety about using new and different bathrooms, being heard while they are going, or missing out on cool activities because their bowels are rumbling. Camp staff have to quickly establish a level of comfort with children to address their ins and outs without being crude while maintaining the health and safety of the child. This episode addresses some of the best ways to train your staff on creating an environment of openness, comfort, and regularity. Best Practice for Leadership Training Teach staff that all children and staff are coming with different levels of comfort for talking about bodily functions. Some may be very comfortable sharing every detail while others are mortified at the thought of others knowing that they used the restroom. To put everybody on the same playing field, create your own poop vocabulary. Saying, "I have to go to the bathroom" may be embarrassing for some children so if you give them language for how you talk about pee and poo at camp, it suddenly becomes a little less scary and a little more ordinary to talk about. At Ruby's camp, campers are told that going to the bathroom in the woods is called "taking a seefar" because you want to go as far away as you can see before doing your business. It's amazing how a little bit of language leads to a lot of empowerment for children and many more successful seefars in the woods!…

Camp Code

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Training for Camp Directors for Detoxing from Summer - Camp Code #27 52:11

10 years ago52:11

52:11

This business of camp is hard. You must rest. Hooray! The off-season is upon us! The campers have gone home and your staff are returning to their mundane lives. It is time to start all over again. But wait! It is critical for directors to understand that there is a certain "detox" period from camp every year. Everybody experiences this re-programming a little differently and the Camp Code team returns for the podcast's third season to share tips as well as their challenges with adjusting back to off-season camp director life. Best Practice for Leadership Training At the end of the summer, consider yourself an athlete in recovery. Olympians wouldn't be asked to jump right back in the pool and compete at his highest level immediately after the Olympics have concluded. You need time to recharge and reflect and get away. At your next annual review, ask your supervisors for the time you need at the end of the summer and for these days to not count as your vacation days. Consider asking to work only half days the week after camp. Perhaps your only responsibility for that week is keep up with email. Or, perhaps you will turn on your vacation reply and have a staycation. Make a list now for what you need at the end of next summer and ask for it. *What happened to episode 26? Good eye! Keep looking. It'll turn up eventually.…

Camp Code

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Maximizing Training Time to Get to Know Your Staff - Camp Code #25 49:48

10 years ago49:48

49:48

Getting to know the most about your staff during Staff Training At the end of staff training, you are making some critical decisions for how your summer will play out. You will likely make decisions about counselor pairs, age group assignments, and who will be supervising whom. For all of them, it is helpful to know your staff so you can plug them in to play to their strengths. There's a lot of going on during staff training and so it can be difficult to make time to get to know your staff as well as you can. However, it needs to be a priority. Getting to really know the people that you've hired to fulfill the promises you've been making all year to parents is critical to lowering your stress level this summer. Best Practice for Leadership Training Present a session about the Art of Public Speaking. This can happen just prior to a meal so that during the meal your staff can give toasts during that meal. Give staff topics and a small notecard and a writing utensil to write notes if they need to. This will show you how staff rise to the occasion, how comfortable they are speaking in front of others, and how they operate creating something on the spot. Who shares gratitude? Who is sarcastic? Who is hilarious? There is much to be learned from this activity and much to be shared. Enjoy!…

Camp Code

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Building Confidence in Leaders - Camp Code #24 1:00:10

10 years ago1:00:10

1:00:10

Training Camp Leaders to Step Up and Exceed Their Potential As camp professionals we want what is best for our camper families. For this to happen, staff must be at their absolute best. For staff to give 100% commitment, they must feel good about themselves. Staff members must fully understand the mission of the organization and have a keen knowledge of where their support systems are throughout the summer. Millenials may be labeled as unconfident, unsure, and constantly desiring feedback but the Camp Code team thinks they make wonderful leaders and explain how to get your young leaders to reach their full potential. Best Practice for Leadership Training Add a spot at bottom of lesson plan or curriculum for your training sessions for “What would I have done differently?” After running a session, write down quick notes based on a self-evaluation of the session. What would be more effective if shifted around? What seemed to really speak to the staff? If there are training pieces or “I wish I had done…” moments, then you can add some of those throughout the rest of the summer. This process will really help when planning for the next year.…

Camp Code

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Best of #ACANat15 - Camp Code #23 41:33

10 years ago41:33

41:33

Staff Training Take Homes for Camp Leaders When camp professionals gather for a conference, there is much to be learned. With the backdrop of jazz music and beignets, the Camp Code team was fortunate enough to gather in New Orleans for the American Camp Association National Conference. Highlights included the opening keynote starting with a marching band, meeting Dr. G. in person, and all three Camp Code hosts meeting in person together, and then presenting a session together too. In this episode, the Camp Code team reflects on their key take homes from the week of networking, education, and fun. Ultimate Tic Tac Toe Notes from "I'm Going to Make This Place Your Home" Tool: Evaluation of your camp day - Ritual vs routine Best Practice for Leadership Training Thanks to Scott Arizala's presentation at the National Conference for this tip. Today's best practice is backward induction. First, set the goal and then work backwards so staff will know, do, and believe everything about their job. Start with with the end product and figure out the steps immediately proceeding reaching that end goal. Next write down the steps for those steps and so on until you have worked backward to where you are standing right now. This process helps take a seemingly huge task and break it down into smaller projects while also building your program as intentionally as possible. A big thanks to all of our listeners who attended our session at #ACANat15! We loved meeting each of you. Please remember to tweet your love for the show and leave us a rating and review on iTunes.…

Camp Code

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Staff Training Themes - Camp Code #22 44:36

10 years ago44:36

44:36

Creative leadership training for this summer To generate excitement, energy, and buy in from our staff, a theme during training can quickly communicate that this job is like no other. Themes can range from connecting to the history of camp to making references to current popular culture. A great staff training theme can put a fresh spin on information that is taught every year and inspire your returning leaders to create a memorable experience for those around them. On this episode, the Camp Code team presents nine different themes and activities that can be plugged in to your staff training today. Best Practice for Leadership Training Have your staff "come as a child!" Everything about training can be framed through the experience of a kid. When staff arrive, greet them with known childhood characters. Make time everyday to play for the sake of playing. Build forts and have story time. Hold a meeting as superheros in secret headquarters. Host a tea party. Make puppets. Plan a birthday party evening program. Create a space that reminds your staff of the audience they will be catering to all summer long. It will help your staff reconnect with their childhood experiences and teach them how take those memories and recreate them in more intentional and purposeful ways.…

Camp Code

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Use This Video Clip! A Quickfire Dozen YouTube Videos to Enhance Training - Camp Code #21 29:39

10 years ago29:39

29:39

Videos for Staff Training and Leadership Lessons Gab and Ruby share their favorite videos that they incorporate into staff training. Listen to this episode for how they use the videos below. Specifically for Summer Camps: ExpertOnlineTraining Where Do the Children Play? Play Again YouTube Videos Meatballs - "We want gossip!" Andrew Solomon - Love, no matter what Wet Hot American Summer - Are you going to pick that up? First Follower: Leadership Lessons from Dancing Guy Jack Vale - Social Media Experiment Sir Ken Robinson - School Kills Creativity Arc'teryx - 35 Jessica's Daily Affirmations John Jacobson - Double Dream Hands Aimee Mullins - The opportunity of adversity 10 Most Awkward Moments Improv Everywhere - Subway Art Gallery Opening , Salvation Army Bell Choir Please comment below and tell us some of your favorite video clips to incorporate into staff training. Also, please remember to tweet your love for the show or leave us a rating and review on iTunes .…

Camp Code

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Training at a Boys Camp - Camp Code #20 53:54

11 years ago53:54

53:54

Camp Code

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Best Interview Practices - Camp Code #19 59:55

11 years ago59:55