Camp is Dead - CampHacker #39

Can we keep summer camp alive for another generation?

As our world changes so we fight change.   

Joe and I had an introductory discussion about a topic that has been on my mind for the past 10 months.   I am starting to believe that Camp is Dead.

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I think that we need to be WAAAY more radical if we are to keep this amazing service around for more than the next couple of years.    But where are the radicals and dreamers?

Listen in as we discuss our ideas to save summer camp.

Who do you know that is a radical in summer camp?  Please leave us a note in the comments below or tweet us @CampHacker with your suggestion and the hashtag #summercampradical.

Tool of the Week – make yourself a better Camp Director

• Travis: Amazon Prime
• Joe: Bathroom Reader - random facts for games at camp

(please note: Amazon products are affiliate links)

Your Hosts:

• Travis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - CampHacker.org
• Joe Richards, Executive Director - Pearce Williams Christian Centre

Thanks for the evening, friends.

Environmental Sustainability at Camp – CampHacker #38

Focusing on environmental sustainability at your camp

Do you believe in your role as an environmental educator?  On this week’s CampHacker podcast we bring together a panel of camp leaders at camps committed to being green and SUPER-green.

As hosts of intentional communities we take our roles very seriously – we look to purchase sustainably, reduce our waste and inspire kids and staff to understand their impact on the planet.

Listen for some great ideas for greening your summer camp.

Here are some photos Dan sent through of the Dining Hall food separation system at Frost Valley.

What do you do at your camp to be green?

Tool of the Week – make yourself a better Camp Director

• Dan: Tent & Trails Songs from American Camp Association
• Joe: Director’s Camp
• Travis: 60-Minute Spring Loaded Wall Timer, White
• David: Phillip Gulley devotion books - Front Porch Tales, Hometown Tales

(please note: Amazon products are affiliate links)

Your Hosts:

• Travis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - CampHacker.org
• Joe Richards, Executive Director - Pearce Williams Christian Centre
• Dan Weir, Director of Camping Services – Frost Valley YMCA
• David Gill, Executive Director – Ferncliff Camp and Conference Center. Check out Solar Under The Sun – Ferncliff’s solar energy training program.

Thanks for the evening, friends.

Retaining Staff Training - CampHacker #37

Helping summer camp staff understand their responsibilities perfectly.

How do you help your staff retain all they need to know to do their jobs?

Tool of the Week – make yourself a better Camp Director

• Dan: Tent & Trails Songs from American Camp Association
• Joe: Director’s Camp
• Travis: 60-Minute Spring Loaded Wall Timer, White
• David: Phillip Gulley devotion books - Front Porch Tales, Hometown Tales

(please note: Amazon products are affiliate links)

Your Hosts:

• Travis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - CampHacker.org
• Joe Richards, Executive Director - Pearce Williams Christian Centre
• Gabrielle Raill, Camp Director - Camp Ouareau

Thanks for the evening, friends.

Balancing Family Life & Camp – CampHacker #36

Summer Camp Directors can find the chance to enjoy camp and family

As we get ready for a super busy summer at camp the four original CampHackers take time out to discuss the thing that makes it all worth while – family.  For some of us camp is something that unites us as a family and for others the camp life is a strain on our personal relationships.

I can think of no greater place to raise a family than camp but I know that it can be hard to set aside the time to make that place special for everyone in a family.

Listen in as we share with you how we all have learned to succeed in our personal relationships while excelling at our jobs.

How do you find the healthiest balance between camp life and family life during the busy summer months?

Tool of the Week – make yourself a better Camp Director

• Dan – Ning social networking site
• Joe – Pick Punch: make your own guitar pick
• Gab – Gas Buddy smartphone application
• Travis – Google Sketchup 3D sketching program

(please note: Amazon products are affiliate links)

Your Hosts:

• Travis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - CampHacker.org
• Dan Weir, Director of Camping Services – Frost Valley YMCA
• Joe Richards, Executive Director - Pearce Williams Christian Centre
• Gabrielle Raill, Camp Director - Camp Ouareau

Thanks for the evening, friends.