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.

  1. HACE 6 H

    That staff member who wants to quit midsummer, with Emily Golinsky - CampHacker #229

    Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us! Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/camphacker/staff-member-who-wants-to-quit-midsummer - Managing Mid-Summer Staff Departures with StrategyJoin Chris, Travis, and Emily as they tackle one of the most stressful moments for any camp director, which is the mid-summer staff resignation. The conversation centers on why traditional "Camp Magic" marketing often sets counselors up for failure by hiding the gritty realities of childcare like exhaustion and physical stress. They explore the critical distinction between a staff member who is simply venting and one who has truly decided to leave, arguing that forcing an unwilling counselor to stay is a liability for both safety and culture. The team shares strategies for offboarding staff with dignity while protecting the camp community from the social fallout of a sudden departure. Key takeaways include: Recruit with Brutal Honesty. Avoid using only high-energy or positive imagery on your staff application pages because it fails to prepare young adults for the 17-hour days and high-stress moments. Showing the difficult parts of the job during the interview process ensures that the people who show up are truly ready for the responsibility.Respect the Decision to Leave. When a staff member declares they are done, the best move is to let them go rather than pressuring them to stay for the sake of ratios. An employee who no longer wants to be there is a risk to the children and a drain on the overall staff morale.Control the Departure Narrative. Have a clear policy for how staff leave the property, whether they are fired or they quit. Removing departing staff quickly and professionally prevents "pity parties" and keeps the focus on the campers while allowing the remaining team to move forward without unnecessary social drama.- Tool of the Week - Make Yourself a Better Camp DirectorChris - Dot CardsTravis - How to Shift your Sales Mindset and Sell Without Feeling Uncomfortable, Carole AlaloufEmily - 2 Sips Rule- Your HostsTravis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp Pro. Contact EmailChris Hudson, Camp Consultant - Planet Chris Consulting. Contact EmailEmily Golinsky, Consultant & Trainer - Bright Moose Training. Contact Email.-   Rate and Review the CampHacker Show (Thank you!) - Thanks to our sponsors!UltraCamp Running camp comes with enough moving parts. UltraCamp keeps registration, payments, and communication in one place—so you can spend less time juggling systems and more time building an incredible camp experience. Learn more at ultracampmanagement.com/camphacker. Our free Resilient Camp Blueprint diagnostic is available at: https://camp.mba/travis

    42 min

  2. 26 MAR ·  CONTENIDO EXTRA

    Systems, Early-to-Beds, and Resilience - with Travis Allison - Intentionally Intentional Leaders

    Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us! Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/camphacker/ill-travis Building a Resilient Camp Operating System with Travis AllisonIn this episode of Intentionally Intentional Leaders, Matt Wilfrid sits down with Travis Allison, a primary architect of the modern camp industry’s culture of collaboration. As the founder of Go Camp Pro, Travis has spent decades helping camp professionals move past the "sprint" mentality to build organizations that are sustainable, efficient, and deeply human. Using a D20 to navigate the conversation, Travis discusses his journey from a farm-boy-turned-camp-director to a global consultant. This episode is a masterclass in systems thinking, exploring how the right "operating system" can actually create more space for the high-touch, heart-centered moments that define the summer camp experience. Take the Camp Resilience Check-Up: https://reselientcampblueprint.paperform.co/ Key Takeaways include: The Resilient Camp Blueprint: Travis breaks down his "operating system" approach for camps. By installing better systems for the "boring" operational tasks, directors can clear the mental clutter and reclaim the bandwidth needed to truly engage with staff, parents, and campers.The Power of ETB (Early To Bed): When the "Week 5 Despair" hits, Travis’s go-to defense isn't a pep talk or a pizza party - it’s sleep. He explains why mandating a 9:30 PM lights-out for staff is the most effective way to turn around a camp’s mood.IAAT (I Am Always Teaching): Travis dives into the philosophy that every action is a lesson. Whether it’s how a maintenance closet is labeled or how a director uses their phone at lunch, every system at camp is teaching staff and campers a way to interact with the world.The Two-Second Rule: Discover the power of micro-improvements. Travis advocates for a culture where everyone aims to make camp "two seconds better" every day. These small, decentralized changes add up to a massive organizational impact without requiring constant director oversight.Technology as a Bridge: While camp is a sacred tech-free space for kids, Travis argues that technology should be "front and center" for the professionals behind the scenes. He explores how using modern tools to solve operational problems is the best way to ensure leaders have time for the things that can’t be automated - like laughing until you cry.- Resources:Take the Camp Resilience Check-Up: https://reselientcampblueprint.paperform.co/ - Your HostsMatt Wilfrid, Executive Producer of Podcasting at Go Camp ProTravis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp Pro- Thanks to our sponsor!Whereabouts Your mission is campers. Ours is making their experience coordinated and connected. Whereabouts is the only camper management system that keeps Parents, Admin, and Staff in sync in real time — so every camper’s day runs with confidence, clarity, and care. Check them out whereaboutsapp.io/ Our free Resilient Camp Blueprint diagnostic is available at: https://camp.mba/travis

    45 min

  3. 19 MAR

    Are We Ethically Failing Campers? with Jake Sorenson & Amanda Palmer - CampHacker #228

    Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us! Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/camphacker/are-we-ethically-failing-campers - Ensuring Every Staff Member Understands the MissionJoin Chris, Jake, and Amanda as they dive into the heavy ethical weight of running a summer camp. The conversation moves beyond simple childcare to explore the moral obligations directors have when promising youth development. They tackle the uncomfortable reality of where the industry falls short, specifically regarding mission clarity for staff and transparency for parents of vulnerable children. By redefining safety as a social and emotional requirement rather than just a physical one, the panel offers a roadmap for building trust through radical honesty and intentional community building. Key takeaways include: Radical transparency with parents about what your program is not equipped to handle is a powerful way to build long term trust. Admitting that your camp is still growing in areas like support for diverse identities allows families to make informed decisions and ensures the safety of the children you serve.Camp is naturally messy and community friction is an essential part of the developmental process. Instead of trying to bubble wrap the experience, directors should focus on training staff in conflict resolution and reflection to help campers navigate uncomfortable moments in a way that honors their individual growth.Tool of the Week - Make Yourself a Better Camp DirectorChris - Banking Trick using a Virtual Account Number.Jake - The Parent Cue.Amanda - Using AI as a thought partner.Your HostsTravis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp Pro. Contact EmailChris Hudson, Camp Consultant - Planet Chris Consulting. Contact EmailJake Sorenson, Sacred Playgrounds DirectorAmanda Palmer, Camp Consultant - Amanda C. Palmer Consulting. Contact Email. -   Rate and Review the CampHacker Show (Thank you!) - Thanks to our sponsors!UltraCamp Running camp comes with enough moving parts. UltraCamp keeps registration, payments, and communication in one place—so you can spend less time juggling systems and more time building an incredible camp experience. Learn more at ultracampmanagement.com/camphacker. Our free Resilient Camp Blueprint diagnostic is available at: https://camp.mba/travis

    38 min

  4. 12 MAR ·  CONTENIDO EXTRA

    The Red-Popsicle Principal, Resilience and Capability - with Jolly Corley - Intentional Intentionally Leaders

    Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us! Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/camphacker/iil-jolly-c Lessons in Capability and Safety: Jolly Corley on Leading with IntentIn this episode of Intentionally Intentional Leaders, Jolly Corley, leadership coach and Director of Camp Robindel For Girls, joins the show to discuss the deep-seated why behind camp leadership. From her early days as an 18-year-old counselor to her professional background in theater, Jolly explores how childhood experiences and even vivid dreams have shaped her approach to developing young leaders. Jolly challenges camp directors to look beyond simple activities and embrace the moments that build true resilience. She dives into the necessity of treating staff and campers as capable individuals, moving away from the fragility of modern parenting and toward a model of honest, collaborative growth. Key Takeaways include: The Cabin as a High Risk Zone: While waterfronts and ropes courses have clear safety structures like life jackets and harnesses, the cabin is where the highest emotional risk lives. Jolly highlights how we rely on the training and intuition of young staff to manage the most precious thing in a parent's life, which is their child’s emotional and physical well being.The Capable Child: Reflecting on her own mother’s refusal to talk down to her, Jolly explains that leadership is about making others feel capable. She emphasizes that childhood is simply the process of becoming an adult and camp is the perfect laboratory for practicing that independence.Mission vs. Ego: Jolly reveals that the hardest leadership decisions are often between mission and ego rather than money. She discusses the hubris of a director thinking they can fix every staff member and the importance of recognizing when a specific camp environment just is not the right fit for someone.The Red Popsicle Resilience: True partnership with parents requires transparency about struggle. Jolly argues that resilience is not built by finding the last red popsicle in the freezer. Instead, it is built by sitting with a child in the disappointment of not getting one, which teaches them that they can experience hard feelings and still function.The Non Negotiable of Safety: When balancing support and accountability, Jolly draws a firm line at physical safety. While emotional and mental growth requires nuance and flow, physical safety rules must remain absolute to protect the community.- Your HostsTravis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp ProJolly Corley, Leadership Development Coach and Director - Jolly Corley LLC & Camp Robindel For Girls- Thanks to our sponsor!Whereabouts Your mission is campers. Ours is making their experience coordinated and connected. Whereabouts is the only camper management system that keeps Parents, Admin, and Staff in sync in real time — so every camper’s day runs with confidence, clarity, and care. Check them out whereaboutsapp.io/ Our free Resilient Camp Blueprint diagnostic is available at: https://camp.mba/travis

    46 min

  5. 5 MAR

    Camps Using and Applying AI, with Kate Taylor - CampHacker #227

    Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us! Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/camphacker/camps-using-and-applying-ai - Balancing the Ethics and Efficiency of Modern TechnologyJoin Travis, Chris, and Kate as they dive into the evolving role of artificial intelligence in the 2026 camp landscape. The conversation explores the tension between increasing administrative efficiency and maintaining the human touch essential to the camp experience. They discuss practical ways to use AI for scheduling and staff onboarding while addressing valid ethical concerns about environmental impact and the creative arts. Key takeaways include: Move Beyond Simple Search to Collaborative Coaching: The most effective way to use modern AI is to treat it as a thinking partner rather than a search engine. Asking the technology to coach you through better prompts or to analyze your specific camp values ensures that the output is personalized and avoids the generic feel of common AI generated content.Balance Technological Speed with Ethical Considerations: While AI offers massive benefits for productivity, camp leaders must remain mindful of the environmental costs and the impact on creative professionals. Using the right tool for the right job, such as high quality translation services or specific writing assistants, helps maintain professional standards without sacrificing the camp's core values.Tool of the Week - Make Yourself a Better Camp DirectorTravis - Claude AIChris - Rotating Pomodoro Timer Kate Taylor - DeepL TranslatorYour HostsTravis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp Pro. Contact EmailChris Hudson, Camp Consultant - Planet Chris Consulting. Contact EmailKate Taylor, Consultant - Stephane Richard Development Consulting. Contact Email-   Rate and Review the CampHacker Show (Thank you!) - Thanks to our sponsors!UltraCamp Running camp comes with enough moving parts. UltraCamp keeps registration, payments, and communication in one place—so you can spend less time juggling systems and more time building an incredible camp experience. Learn more at ultracampmanagement.com/camphacker. Our free Resilient Camp Blueprint diagnostic is available at: https://camp.mba/travis

    47 min

  6. 26 FEB ·  CONTENIDO EXTRA

    Camp is “the Anti-AI” and The Nature of Leadership - with Andy Pritikin - Intentional Intentionally Leaders

    Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us! Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/camphacker/iil-andy-p Raising the Bar: A Masterclass in Camp Intentionality with Andy PritikinIn this episode of Intentionally Intentional Leaders, Matt Wilfrid sits down with Andy Pritikin, a true powerhouse in the summer camp industry. From founding Liberty Lake Day Camp to producing the New Jersey Renaissance Fair and hosting the Day Camp Podcast, Andy has spent decades "sharpening the sword" of youth development. Through the roll of a 20-sided die, Andy shares how his background as a rock musician and a student teacher shaped his belief that leadership is earned through relationships, not titles. We dive deep into why camp is the ultimate antidote to an AI-driven world and how directors can navigate the tricky waters of transparency and candor in a modern camp setting. Key Takeaways include: Earned Respect vs. Authoritarianism: Andy reflects on his early days as a music teacher to explain why "collared shirts and walkie-talkies" don't grant authority. True leadership requires constant deposits into the "relationship piggy bank" with your staff.The Anti-AI Value Proposition: In an age where even a trip to the gym involves earbuds and screens, Andy discusses why camp is uniquely positioned as a "religion of nature." It’s the one place where kids can focus purely on being human.Emotional Safety over "The Trains": Andy shares a profound insight on prioritizing emotional safety and belonging over administrative efficiency. While a schedule is a necessary framework, it should never steamroll the chance for a meaningful, life-changing interaction.Forgiving the Mistakes: From "sunscreen machines" that didn't work to hiring mishaps, Andy shares his mantra: "All you can do is the best you can do." Learn why humility and a "glass-half-full" perspective are essential for a long-term career in camping.- Find full show notes and links for this episode at: https://gocamp.pro/camphacker/iil-andy-p - Your HostsMatt Wilfrid, Executive Producer of Podcasting at Go Camp ProAndy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day Camp- Thanks to our sponsor!Whereabouts Your mission is campers. Ours is making their experience coordinated and connected. Whereabouts is the only camper management system that keeps Parents, Admin, and Staff in sync in real time — so every camper’s day runs with confidence, clarity, and care. Check them out whereaboutsapp.io/ Our free Resilient Camp Blueprint diagnostic is available at: https://camp.mba/travis

    53 min

  7. 19 FEB

    The Resilience Report Impact, with Kendra Perkins & Amanda Palmer - CampHacker #226

    Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us! Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/camphacker/the-resilience-report - Analyzing Hard Numbers and Camp Realities Join Travis, Chris, Kendra Perkins, and Amanda Palmer as they dissect the initial findings from the Resilient Camp Blueprint Diagnostic. This episode explores the stark reality of how modern camps are operating, from the "all-or-nothing" nature of psychological safety to the industry's massive blind spot regarding AI and tech adoption. The team moves beyond simply identifying problems to offer tangible frameworks that help directors reclaim their time and build a camp that can survive (and thrive) even when the director isn't in the room. Key takeaways include: The Psychological Safety Polarization: New data reveals a "bimodal" distribution in the industry. Camps either have high levels of staff trust or almost none, with very little middle ground. This suggests that psychological safety is a culture that must be built intentionally or it simply won't exist.The Director Trap: Many camps are dangerously dependent on a single person’s energy and knowledge. Transitioning from a "person-dependent" to a "system-dependent" model is the only way to prevent leadership burnout and ensure long-term operational resilience.The Parent Relationship Reframe: While many directors find parent communication draining, the team argues it is the primary relationship of the job. Systematizing family knowledge and feedback loops is essential for raising the bar on camper care and retention.Tools for Decision Fatigue: Empowering staff requires concrete tools. Frameworks like the Forest Test (Safe? Builds self-esteem? Stewardship? Servant leadership?) allow staff to make high-level decisions without constant oversight.- Your HostsTravis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp Pro. Contact Email. Chris Hudson, Camp Consultant - Planet Chris Consulting. Contact EmailKendra Perkins, Camp Consultant - Innovative Camp Company. Amanda Palmer, Camp Consultant - Amanda C. Palmer Consulting. Contact Email. - Rate and Review the CampHacker Show (Thank you!) - Thanks to our sponsors! UltraCamp Running camp comes with enough moving parts. UltraCamp keeps registration, payments, and communication in one place—so you can spend less time juggling systems and more time building an incredible camp experience. Learn more at ultracampmanagement.com/camphacker. Our free Resilient Camp Blueprint diagnostic is available at: https://camp.mba/travis

    50 min

  8. 12 FEB ·  CONTENIDO EXTRA

    Howie Grossinger on Progress, Perfection, and 80 Years of Camp - Intentionally Intentional Leaders

    Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us! Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/camphacker/iil-howie-g High Expectations, Higher Support: A Masterclass in Legacy Leadership with Howie GrossingerIn this episode of Intentionally Intentional Leaders, host Matt Wilfrid sits down with a living legend of the summer camp world: Howie Grossinger. As the co-owner of Camp Robin Hood and a pillar of the Ontario Camps Association, Howie brings over three decades of wisdom to a conversation that goes far beyond budget lines and schedules. Using the randomness of a 20-sided die, Howie opens up about the moments that shaped him, from a sliding-doors moment where he almost chose dentistry over camp, to the early mentorship of Larry Bell that taught him the weight of responsibility. This episode is a deep dive into what it means to lead with a "safety net" mentality and how to maintain a personal touch in an increasingly digital world. Key Takeaways include: The Power of the Pivot: Howie reflects on his transition from a planned career in health sciences to finding his "blood" in the youth education and camp space. It’s a reminder for camp pros that our "why" often finds us when we’re open to mentorship.Progress Over Perfection in Staffing: In a world obsessed with finding the "perfect fit," Howie argues for choosing coachability and heart over a flawless resume. By acting as a safety net for staff, directors can allow their teams the grace to grow into their roles.Engineering Belonging: While belonging is cultivated through relationships, Howie explains how it can be designed through intentional touchpoints. Whether it’s a personalized video message (using tools like Bonjoro) or a specific arrival system, the "feeling" of camp must be consistent from the first Zoom call to the last bus of the summer.Legacy and Resilience: Celebrating 80 years of Camp Robin Hood, Howie discusses the beauty of generational connection, where grandparents stand on the same docks as their grandchildren, and how leaning on a network of peers is the best defense against industry "despair."High Expectations, High Support: Borrowing from the philosophy of David Yeager, Howie emphasizes that the best leaders don't lower the bar; they simply increase the level of support provided to help their staff clear it.- Your HostsMatt Wilfrid, Executive Producer of Podcasting at Go Camp ProHowie Grossinger - Co-owner/Director - Camp Robin Hood, Partner - Camp Walden & Madawaska Camps- Thanks to our sponsor!Whereabouts Your mission is campers. Ours is making their experience coordinated and connected. Whereabouts is the only camper management system that keeps Parents, Admin, and Staff in sync in real time — so every camper’s day runs with confidence, clarity, and care. Check them out whereaboutsapp.io/ Our free Resilient Camp Blueprint diagnostic is available at: https://camp.mba/travis

    52 min
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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.

Información

  • Creador
    CampHacker - from Go Camp Pro
  • Años de actividad
    2013 - 2026
  • Episodios
    211
  • Clasificación
    Apto
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Go Camp Pro
  • Mostrar sitio web
    The CampHacker Podcast

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