The CampHacker Podcast
CampHacker - from Go Camp Pro
CampHacker Podcast helps camp directors solve real problems and build resilient camps. Each episode gives practical tips for recruiting, keeping, and teaching camp staff. The hosts talk about true stories, share ways to make camp stronger, and help leaders prepare for tough situations. They focus on making summer camps last longer and bring the biggest positive change to kids and young adults. You’ll hear easy steps, fresh ideas, and real conversations that help directors run better camps and create spaces where everyone can grow.The CampHacker Podcast is hosted by Travis Allison and Chris Hudson. Travis is known for his creative ideas and caring advice for camp leaders across North America. He brings years of experience and speaks at big conferences to help directors make camps stronger and more resilient. Chris partners with Travis on every episode, working together to answer tough questions and share helpful steps for camp leaders. Their teamwork and passion help directors make the best choices for their camps, staff, and campers.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Apr 6, 2016 • 1h
Debriefing Your Day At Camp - CampHacker #88
Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!The camp day is full of transformative moments; sometimes, there’s almost too many to keep track of. By prompting some mindfulness at the end of the day, it gives campers the chance to unpack all of their conversations, moments of growth and feelings and go to bed thinking meaningful thoughts. This episode of the Camphacker Podcast, prompted by Go Camp Pro founder, Laura Kriegel, is dedicated to the best practices about debriefing your day with your campers. Inside, you’ll find some awesome conversation and pro-tips from 5 seasoned camp directors. Make sure you have a pen and paper handy for this one, you’ll definitely need to do some jotting! You may have heard of the classic (and fantastic) Rose, Bud and Thorn, but what about tweeting the day? How about char cloth? gypsy jewelry? Seriously, get that note-pad out! You’re sure to find something great here! Our free Resilient Camp Blueprint diagnostic is available at: https://camp.mba/travis
Mar 18, 2016 • 1h 9min
The Power of the Big Trip - CampHacker #87
Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!This episode of the CampHacker podcast is dedicated to these kinds of big trips and the camps that have them down to a science. Travis is joined by 3 Directors whose camps specialize in these epic excursions. These 4 Camp Pros put their heads together to discuss not just the logistics of these trips (which are super interesting!), but the transformative power that comes from campers and staff immersing themselves into nature for weeks at a time. What emerges from these conversations is that the long trips may be logistically tricky and definitely more expensive when you factor in flying in food and long distance pick-ups, but the pay off in the experience and growth is more than worth it. Our free Resilient Camp Blueprint diagnostic is available at: https://camp.mba/travis
Dec 2, 2015 • 48min
Finding a Full Time Job at Camp - CampHacker #86
Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!If you've been tuning in to the last two episodes of the podcast, you'll know that we're talking all about full time work at camp. So far we've covered, asking yourself if camp is right for you as well as making your full time camp job a sustainable one. This episode, we wrap up the mini-series with an entire episode dedicated to how to find not only a full-time camp job, but the right full-time camp job. CampHackers Dan, Joe, Gab and Travis all put their heads together to share their experiences and their best advice on where to look, how to apply and some insider tips and tricks on getting your foot in the door. Our free Resilient Camp Blueprint diagnostic is available at: https://camp.mba/travis
Nov 20, 2015 • 48min
Preparing Yourself for a Sustainable Camp Career - CampHacker #85
Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!This week, CampHacker Travis is joined by camp pros Marc Cooper from Camp Tamarack and Topher Aderhold from Camp Gray. Travis, Marc and Topher put on their thinking caps to share their secrets for what it takes to not only survive in the full-time camp world, but thrive in it. From balancing your camp and personal life, to your every day demeanour during the summer, this episode covers a lot of ground! Our free Resilient Camp Blueprint diagnostic is available at: https://camp.mba/travis
Nov 2, 2015 • 32min
Is Working For Camp Right For Me? - CampHacker #84
Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!Hello friends and welcome back to another season of the CampHacker Podcast. In the spirit of starting something new, we wanted to dedicate today's show and few more this season to those who are considering pursuing camp into a full-year commitment. As well, we'll be talking about you directing veterans can begin the process of mentoring the next generation of camping professionals. This week, we get the conversation going with CampHackers Dan, Joe, Gab and Travis to scratch the surface on what it takes and the kinds of questions that the budding full-time camp professional needs to start thinking about. Our free Resilient Camp Blueprint diagnostic is available at: https://camp.mba/travis
Jun 1, 2015 • 58min
The Hard Truth About Staff Evaluations - CampHacker #83
Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!On this episode of the CampHacker podcast, CampHackers Travis, Joe, Gab and Dan break down the ins and outs of all things staff evaluations. You will find excellent discussions on why evaluations are important, how to teach your staff to evaluate each other and some awesome best evaluation practices from four different veteran director perspectives. If you aren’t evaluating, or want to get better at it, then this episode was made especially for you. Our free Resilient Camp Blueprint diagnostic is available at: https://camp.mba/travis
May 8, 2015 • 55min
Volumes of Volunteers - Advancing Your Program and Site - CampHacker #82
Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!We all know that volunteers really are the life-blood of our organizations. If you have a good list of volunteers with a variety of skills, and a good list of tasks for them, then you will undoubtedly have a program that is always looking spiffy and have some awesome, hand-made stuff. CampHackers Travis, Joe and returning guest David Gill from Ferncliff Camp and Conference Center get together in this episode of the podcast to share some strategies, tips and best practices when it comes to the culture of volunteerism at camp. Our free Resilient Camp Blueprint diagnostic is available at: https://camp.mba/travis
May 7, 2015 • 41min
Teach Your Staff to Welcome and Talk to Parents - CampHacker #81
Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!As seasoned camping professionals, you know how to greet your camp families well. You always know their name, greet them with a firm handshake and know how to make good, intentional conversation. But what happens on opening day when you too occupied with running camp to meet and talk with every-single parent on site? On this episode of the CampHacker Podcast, Chantal "Match" Jackson joins Travis, Joe and Gab to talk about teaching everyone at your camp to make a great first impression on parents. Our free Resilient Camp Blueprint diagnostic is available at: https://camp.mba/travis
Mar 30, 2015 • 30min
Video Marketing Your Summer Camp - CampHacker #80
Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!Video marketing doesn't have to be something that drains both your fiscal and time budget. Using your camp's message along with some great tips from the CampHackers, this podcast will lay the foundations for you to start using video to show the world what your camp is really about. Our free Resilient Camp Blueprint diagnostic is available at: https://camp.mba/travis
Mar 14, 2015 • 49min
In The Gloaming: Planning the Perfect Campfire - CampHacker #79
Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!This episode, CampHackers Gab, Joe and Dan get together to share not only some awesome ideas that can be included in your campfires, but how the philosophy of your campfires can, and should, reflect the culture of your camp Our free Resilient Camp Blueprint diagnostic is available at: https://camp.mba/travis
