Camper engagement is the key to high retention rates

This is your most productive & creative time at Summer Camp

Summer Camp Staff Training

Summer Camp Staff Training

The days are flying by and camp is almost here.  There are so many details to address and you are at the top of your game.  That is why I am sending three short 'HINTS' this week to enhance the work you are doing to create an even better camper experience. ~JWS

Directors all over the country know that camper engagement is the key to high retention rates, but they complain that their counselors and staff do not naturally connect with kids.  What can you expect from those who would rather sit beside each other and text their conversation rather than speaking with each other?

TAKE ACTION NOW!

  • Start at the top.  Prep your leadership team about your focus on engagement.  Define precise steps that you and they can take to create a culture of engagement and establish it the minute that staff arrive.
  • Role model engagement during orientation.  Use people's names, encourage eye contact and expect friendly acknowledgements when individuals pass each other.
  • Script out a 'perfect' activity.  Detail how the program should start when the first camper arrives and how staff should be leading, coaching and engaging campers in the fun until the period ends.  Focus on athletic as well as creative environments and plan for all staff at the venue to be involved.
  • Run engagement workshops.  Show staff PRECISELY how you want activities, bunk time, meals and events to run.
  • Monitor performance.  In focus groups, counselors are unanimous.  Most realize how important their work with kids is ... and they want to be mentored so that they can increase their impact.

Camps that have worked on engagement in this way have increased their retention rates by 3-5%.  Go for it!

Joanna

Need an objective perspective on any aspect of camp?  Give me a call at 310-451-1876 or email campconsulting@verizon.net

(Note from Travis:   We are so thrilled to be posting the always brilliant HINTS from camp consultant Joanna Warren Smith!  If you don't already you should sign up to receive theses HINTS in your email - in the right-hand column of Joanna's website: http://camp-consulting.com/)

17 Quick Tips to Improve Your Staff Training

The best ideas we have for Leadership Training Week

Thanks to Dan and Gab for a great exchange of ideas for Staff Training!  A couple of my favourites:

  • Put on your Leadership Glasses
  • Develop (and teach) a Clientelle Mindset
  • Create a Manual People Will Look At

Check out the original post with the audio to see the rest of the list.

Podcast: Listen for free (and ON THE GO) in iTunes or the Stitcher App

Listen to the audio, find our Tools of the Week and links to our co-hosts info here: 17 New Tips for Your Staff Training - CampHacker #70

Other Counseling Skills (p.2) - The Scott Arizala Show

Get Your Summer Camp Counselors To Excel At Their Jobs

If you can't see the video in your email go to http://youtu.be/B-rxq20d7VM

About Scott Arizala

Scott is one of the leading experts and premier trainers on kids, staff and the experience of summer camp. He earned his B.A. from Ithaca College, with a double major in Psychology and Sociology with a concentration in Gender Studies. He has been involved with camps and youth development for over twenty years as a camper, counselor, administrator, teacher and consultant.

About Travis Allison

Travis is a former Executive Director of the 5 summer camps of Cairn who now works as an online marketing strategy advisor who specializes in the private school and summer camp industries.  

Travis produces the CampHacker podcasts and blog, the Scott Arizala show, and manages the Summer Camp Professionals group on Facebook.

Surprise & Delight Your Camp Parents With Your Last Minute Communication (podcast)

How can you "Wow" your summer camp families between now & opening day?

There are so many opportunities for camps to show their families what they have to offer.  One this week's podcast we talked about how the experiences AND the communications with have with our families can lead to better Word of Mouth recommendations and happier campers.

Podcast: Listen for free (and ON THE GO) in iTunes or the Stitcher App 

Listen to the audio, find our Tools of the Week and links to our co-hosts info here: WOW Camp Parents With Last Minute Communication

Other Camp Counselling Skills (p.1) - The Scott Arizala Show

Get right down to your campers' level... and many more!

The kids' perspective is essential to help your camp counsellors gain awareness.   Scott also talks today about clear communication with campers.

If you can't see the video in your email go to http://youtu.be/KvZQPNBr-ok

About Scott Arizala

Scott is one of the leading experts and premier trainers on kids, staff and the experience of summer camp. He earned his B.A. from Ithaca College, with a double major in Psychology and Sociology with a concentration in Gender Studies. He has been involved with camps and youth development for over twenty years as a camper, counselor, administrator, teacher and consultant.

About Travis Allison

Travis is a former Executive Director of the 5 summer camps of Cairn who now works as an online marketing strategy advisor who specializes in the private school and summer camp industries.  

Travis produces the CampHacker podcasts and blog, the Scott Arizala show, and manages the Summer Camp Professionals group on Facebook.