Modern “Operations” at your Camp - with Peter Elbaum and Rachel Kent - CampHacker #216

From Paperwork to People: The “Ops” Deep Dive Episode

Are you truly taking the operational side of camp seriously enough? If you're like many camp leaders, the answer is probably "not yet." This episode of the CampHacker Podcast dives deep into the often-undiscussed world of camp operations. Join hosts Travis Allison, Chris Hudson, and Rachel Kent, along with special guest Peter Elbaum from Camp Graystone, as they share insights, practical strategies, and personal experiences on making your camp run smoother.

Discover how freeing up time from back-office tasks can allow you to focus on what truly matters: creating unforgettable experiences for your campers. Learn about tackling frustrating dining hall bottlenecks, leveraging technology to automate repetitive tasks, and fostering a culture that embraces efficiency without sacrificing the human touch.

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Tool of the Week - Make Yourself a Better Camp Director

  • Travis - Brother HL-L2360D Laser Printer https://www.brother-usa.com/products/hll2460dw

  • Chris - Futureme.org

  • Peter - pinpoint applicant tracking https://www.pinpointhq.com/

  • Rachel - James Clear newsletter https://jamesclear.com/3-2-1

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UltraCamp

Remember what sparked your passion for camp? UltraCamp knows it’s about the people, not the paperwork. That’s why they built a platform to simplify your camp management. Learn more at ultracampmanagement.com/camphacker

Bowline

Camp leaders: Win back your time to what matters most—your campers. Bowline's comprehensive accounting back-office solutions and tech-enabled team free up your staff to focus on your mission. Visit bowlinehq.com to learn more and book a free 2-hour financial diagnostic.

The State of DEI and Camp in 2025 - with Simone Gamble and Rachel Kent - CampHacker #215

Is Summer Camp Inherently Racist? A Frank Discussion on DEI in the Camp Industry

This week on the CampHacker Podcast, Travis Allison gets straight to the point with Chris Hudson, Rachel Kent, and Simone Gamble: Is summer camp inherently racist? They dig into the history of camping and how it's wrestled with being truly open and welcoming to everyone. The group doesn't shy away from the industry's past and looks closely at the challenges camps still face in making sure all kids and staff feel like they belong.

The conversation moves beyond just talking about diversity to practical steps camps can take to show they're serious about inclusion. They discuss real actions like looking at their own numbers, setting clear rules, and making sure their leadership reflects the campers they serve. The episode also touches on the tricky balance of speaking out about these values in today's world. Ultimately, the panel pushes the camp industry to really think hard about who feels welcome and to actively build camps where everyone can thrive.

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Tool of the Week - Make Yourself a Better Camp Director

  • Travis - The World’s Fairest City - yours and mine (book) https://amzn.to/4ihb8no

  • Chris -  Laziness does not Exist https://bookshop.org/a/84130/9781982140113

  • Rachel - Your Next BreakThrough Mark Manson newsletter - https://markmanson.net/breakthrough

  • Simone - The Anti-Racist Organization : Dismantling Systemic Racism in the Workplace : Shereen Daniels https://bookshop.org/a/84130/9781119880622

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Your Hosts

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Rate and Review the CampHacker Show

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Thanks to our sponsors!

UltraCamp

Remember what sparked your passion for camp? UltraCamp knows it’s about the people, not the paperwork. That’s why they built a platform to simplify your camp management. Learn more at ultracampmanagement.com/camphacker

Bowline

Camp leaders: Win back your time to what matters most—your campers. Bowline's comprehensive accounting back-office solutions and tech-enabled team free up your staff to focus on your mission. Visit bowlinehq.com to learn more and book a free 2-hour financial diagnostic.

The Power of Performance at Every Camp - with Carolyn Daniels and Theo Lencicki - CampHacker #214

Unlocking Hidden Potential: What All Camps Can Learn From the Magic of Performing Arts Camps

What's the secret sauce of performing arts camps? Host Travis Allison chats with Chris Hudson, Carolyn Daniels (Meridan YMCA), and Theo Lencicki (Camp Broadway) to uncover the surprising lessons that all camps can use.

Discover how embracing elements of theater, music, and dance builds community, fosters leadership, boosts confidence, and creates safe spaces for kids to truly be themselves. Learn simple ways to weave in the magic – no big productions needed! From talent shows to improv games, find practical tips and inspiring stories to unlock your campers' potential.

Ready to add some spark to your camp? Tune in for actionable insights you won't want to miss!

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Tool of the Week - Make Yourself a Better Camp Director

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Your Hosts

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Rate and Review the CampHacker Show

(Thank you!)

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Thanks to our sponsors!

UltraCamp

Remember what sparked your passion for camp? UltraCamp knows it’s about the people, not the paperwork. That’s why they built a platform to simplify your camp management. Learn more at ultracampmanagement.com/camphacker

Bowline

Camp leaders: Win back your time to what matters most—your campers. Bowline's comprehensive accounting back-office solutions and tech-enabled team free up your staff to focus on your mission. Visit bowlinehq.com to learn more and book a free 2-hour financial diagnostic.

Becoming a Modern Mentor - with Michael Garcia - CampHacker #213

Developing the Next Generation of Camp Professionals: A Guide to Effective Mentoring

What does it take to be a great mentor in the camp industry? This week on CampHacker, hosts Travis Allison, Chris Hudson, and guest Michael Garcia (author of "Becoming a Modern Mentor") dive into the essential elements of effective mentorship. They share personal stories of impactful mentors, discuss strategies for setting boundaries, and explore how to empower staff to reach their full potential. Learn how to move beyond "voluntold" management and cultivate a supportive environment where everyone can thrive and invisible culture is always visible to those who matter most.

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Tool of the Week - Make Yourself a Better Camp Director

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Your Hosts

-

Rate and Review the CampHacker Show

(Thank you!)

-

Thanks to our sponsors!

UltraCamp

Remember what sparked your passion for camp? UltraCamp knows it’s about the people, not the paperwork. That’s why they built a platform to simplify your camp management. Learn more at ultracampmanagement.com/camphacker

Bowline

Camp leaders: Win back your time to what matters most—your campers. Bowline's comprehensive accounting back-office solutions and tech-enabled team free up your staff to focus on your mission. Visit bowlinehq.com to learn more and book a free 2-hour financial diagnostic.