The Summer Camp Society Podcast: Recent Episodes
The Summer Camp Society
Welcome to The Summer Camp Society Podcast! Hosted by Jack Schott, Allison Krabill, and EmJ Juszczyk, this is the ultimate playground for current and aspiring camp professionals. With superstar guests, we dive into a blend of whimsical "what-ifs" and real-world advice and explore the far corners of summer camp possibilities. 🏕
Hit 'subscribe' and come along for the ride! Edited & produced by EmJ Juszczyk.
How many more times can we say, "camp is coming up"? On this podcast episode, host EmJ is joined with Allison Krabill and Alice Hospitel to talk about the summer ahead. They talk about trends they're seeing across the camp community, and how they plan to be successful at their own camps this summer. The group talks about a few ways to think about feedback, including Kool-Aid levels and emotion banks, how to address change in traditions, and how fun camp staff kids are.
You don't want to miss this send-off into the summer and the pump up speech of the season.
If you're looking for a think tank around what to anticipate this summer, this is the pod for you.
Producer EmJ's Takeaways:
- Even between the three of us, we are all different leaders. It's a good idea to reflect upon the leader you want to be when it comes to feedback and building relationships.
- I loved what Alice said about group problem solving when it comes to messing traditions with new lenses of safety.
- What TikTok can you send your staff today as a deposit into their Kool-Aid bucket? IYKYK
Keep up to date with The Summer Camp Society. Join the membership to stay connected with fellow camp professionals and see what's new on Instagram.
Listen on Spotify | Apple Music
What are we doing about chaos this summer? On this episode EmJ is joined by Allison Klee and Alice Hospitel to talk about what mindsets we're bringing with us when chaos and conflict arise at camp this summer.
The crew talks about anti-adultism, how we're treating campers with dignity, and what that looks like when we have to keep in mind personal confidentiality and general safety rules.
If you're looking for a more high-level chat about treating kids and young people with dignity and respect, this is the pod for you.
Producer EmJ's Takeaways:
- How do we give people the room to meet their needs while being safe? What does that supervision look like?
- Mental Time-Travel 🤯🤯🤯
- Do it for the plot.
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WE'RE BACK BABBYY. After a little spring break, EmJ reclaims the mic and sits down with Simone Gamble, Jessica Tingle, and Sabrina Alvarado to talk different hair textures at camp. All three guests grew up going to camp and often found themselves left to their own devices when it came to maintaining their hair. The three share experiences that played a part in their hair journeys and cultivate a long list of reasons hair and hygiene affirming practices should be taught during your staff training, among so so much more.
If you're looking for a real conversation about what camps can get right with camper hair care and hygiene, this is for you.
Producer EmJ's Takeaways:
- We don't have enough time to get into how deep this conversation goes! Start with this podcast, and then call a friend and then talk more about and then do something about it.
- More mirrors at camp.
- It probably costs more to overnight combs to camp -- just order them now (:
SHOW NOTES:
- Check out these products
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You don't know topic hopping until you've listened to this episode. Host EmJ is joined by Chris Hudson and Lolo Castro while at Tri-State. They touch quickly on how the conference is going and then jump IN on camper success when it comes to tech at camp, sending campers home early, and what the difference between "hard" and "challenging" is.
It doesn't stop there. The three find a funny thing in common while discussing the word "camp" and questioning the professionalism behind it. There are touch points on partnering with schools, why costumes aren't as "goofy" as we think, and so much more.
If you're looking for a bunch of hot takes and quick bites, this pod is for you.
Producer EmJ's Takeaways:
- Success at camp looks different for each camper. Maybe its passing the swim test or maybe its staying for 3 days.
- We as a collective have not truly processed the 2020 COVID-19 Pandemic. (& it shows in our avoidance in this episode)
- I can officially cross "witness a spit-take in real life" off my bucket list.
Keep up to date with The Summer Camp Society. Join the membership to stay connected with fellow camp professionals and see what's new on Instagram.
Listen on Spotify | Apple Music
What if you didn't have to work the whole summer at camp? What if your staff could commit to the summer because they knew they'd get time off to squeeze in that family vacation, musical festival, reunion, etc. this summer?
On this episode Allison hosts a panel of camp pros made up of Carolyn Harari, Kyndra Luce and Cole Abdullah. All of their camps have one major staffing element in common: they don't make staff commit to the whole summer. The group covers how the manage to do this, why they know it works, and of course the challenges that come with it.
If you're looking for a successful twist in hiring, this pod is for you.
Producer EmJ's Takeaways:
- I like the idea of weekend hoppers or people who can come in to do short bursts to relieve long-term staff. I would like to get paid to help campers pack or help with check-out.
- Recently I've been on a big kick with the quote, "if you do not make time for your wellness, you will be forced to make time for your illness" and I think this applies. If you do not make time for your breaks, you will be forced to take the breaks. Having built-in extended time-off could do wonders for staff.
- Hearing about the concerns with staff training makes me think more about how to do online, pre-camp trainings for staff, especially if its the mandatory things. It could help them learn the policies and procedures in a space and in a time where they may learn best.
Keep up to date with The Summer Camp Society. Join the membership to stay connected with fellow camp professionals and see what's new on Instagram.
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We're talking welcoming staff and setting them up for success! When host EmJ sits down with Kelly Schuna and Sami Eron to talk what we're taking back from Tri-State, Kelly puts it best, "oh, this is, this is how my staff might feel day two of content." The group talk about what they can incorporate into their camps after experiencing the largest camp conference in the world for the first time!
If you're looking for the small ways we add safety, inclusion, and fun into staff training, this pod is for you.
Producer EmJ's Takeaways:
- More authors should bold the takeaways in their own books.
- How you feel after a conference can mirror how your staff feel after your trainings. This goes for social battery, energy, and mental capacity to learn.
- How can we celebrate our first time staff in the way that Tri-State "rang the bell" for their first-time attendees?
Want more from Sami and EmJ?
They will be at the Spring Retreat AND leading a session! Join the learning and get a chance to talk Enneagrams with Sami, and stickers with EmJ. LEARN MORE HERE.
Keep up to date with The Summer Camp Society. Join the membership to stay connected with fellow camp professionals and see what's new on Instagram.
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Being the new person can be intimidating and with over 3,300 people attending, you might want more than signs helping you get to where you're going.
Atlantic City is calling and EmJ must go! On this episode EmJ and Allison talk need-to-knows and "hiddy crics" for the upcoming ACA NY & NJ Tri-State CAMP Conference. They talk through lunch roundtables and what to wear, and get into why its important to put yourself out there, both in the sessions and at CampChella.
If you're looking for a conference guide, this is the pod for you.
Producer EmJ's Takeaways:
- We're getting those steps in this week! Make sure you pack layers and have the comfiest footwear to make the day last longer.
- You may have to put yourself out there to make connections. They're probably worth it. (You can ask me about my first conference in high school when I had ripped pants. See, I got the ball rolling.)
- Do what you need to do; if that's talking with a farm lead, its talking with a farm lead. (If that's you, please reach out.)
Show Notes:
- Tri-State EPIC
- CampChella (:
Keep up to date with The Summer Camp Society. Join the membership to stay connected with fellow camp professionals and see what's new on Instagram.
Listen on Spotify | Apple Music
Think about camp a year from now... Is it organized? Is it systemized? Is it neither of those and you're laughing those were even suggested? Well then do we have a treat for you!
Joining EmJ on the pod is Allison Krabill, Google Project Management Certified, and Paige Moffett, Masters in Project Management here to talk about ... project management! For some (read: EmJ) the idea of project management at camp seems overwhelming. Where do you even begin? This is hypothetical but its recommended to listen to the podcast as the first step. Learn from Paige and Allison practical tools and starting points to get yourself and camp into a more organized and well oiled system.
If you're looking for ways to incorporate structure into your projects in and out of the summer season, this is the pod for you.
Producer EmJ's Takeaways:
- Paige shares a "fun" math game and I will give her credit, the idea of +1 -1 = is cool. Getting staff to be more bought in on learning and growing others.
- You may have to manage people as much as you're managing the process.
- It all comes down to good systems.
Show Notes:
- Google Project Management Course
- Run Like Clockwork
Keep up to date with The Summer Camp Society. Join the membership to stay connected with fellow camp professionals and see what's new on Instagram.
Listen on Spotify | Apple Music
Listen on Spotify | Apple Music
With the average American spending over 7 hours of their day looking at screens, we've got some work to do to make staff feel ready to reduce that phone time. On this episode, the Jack and EmJ dig deep into how to prepare your staff to decrease their screen time before camp starts; a digital detox if you will.
They ponder what plans could look like to get your staff ready, and why its important to be more honest about what little phone time they do have during the summer.
(Editor's note: we know EmJ is a back-channeler, and we still love her.
If you're looking for a real chat about staff having phones this summer, this is the pod for you.Producer EmJ's Takeaways:
- Be transparent with your staff and tell them upfront about your tech policies.
- Call a loved one before you hit the summer busyness.
- Phones aren't going anywhere, find 1 or 2 ways you can compliment them into your staff trainings. Try using Mentimeter as a way to engage staff through appropriate phone usage.
Want to talk more about phones?
"What would happen if you just called Taylor EmJ & Jack up?" EmJ and Jack are pretty active in the Members Only Slack. With over a dozen dedicated channels, you get what you need from over 200 camp professionals. Want to strategize? There's a channel for that. Want the latest on research related to camp? There's a channel for that.
Keep up to date with The Summer Camp Society. Join the membership to stay connected with fellow camp professionals and see what's new on Instagram.
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Allison is going back to camp! Host Allison Krabill is joined by EmJ Juszczyk and Alice Hospitel to talk through big questions and potential bold moves when it comes to making changes as the new director on site. They dive into making CITs and LITs feel valued, giving staff the time-off space they deserve, and what time-off looks like. What changes would you make if you went back to your first camp??
If you're looking for real time problem solving about your camper leadership and counselor plans, this is the pod for you.
Producer EmJ's Takeaways:
- Celebrate your CITs and young leaders! What are you doing to make sure they know they're valued?
- Learn what your staff values so you can best work with them to make the most of the summer.
- Let's talk more about staff not needing to work the whole summer. A whole week off? WHAT.
Show Notes:
- Email Allison (:
- Six Thinking Hats
- Jack's Stoplight Scheduling
Keep up to date with The Summer Camp Society. Join the membership to stay connected with fellow camp professionals and see what's new on Instagram.
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Host Jack sits down with host EmJ AND host Allison to talk about talking at conferences. Meta? They dive deep into the (internal) struggle between having prepared visuals versus on the spot creating them, and draw many parallels to speaking at conferences and planning staff trainings. This includes: proactive versus reactive engagement and teaching, how to take audience questions, and starting things off with shared language and terms.
If you're looking for insight on how to think like a presenter and how it relates to staff training, this is the pod for you.
Producer EmJ's Takeaways:
- Think about the 3 most important things that need to happen or be learned during your session. Just do those really well.
- WHEN EVERYTHING IS A PRIORITY, NOTHING IS.
- Just give your speaker a little chuckle and head nod, it fuels them (read: Jack & EmJ).
Show Notes:
- TRAINING WITH TSCS
- Allison and Jack say "pedagogy" a few times. It means, "the method and practice of teaching, especially as an academic subject or theoretical concept."
- Mid-Summer Check-In: Great template you could integrate into training week.
- Em'J The Management Center's "PTR"
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"LIVE FROM THE THE CAMPFIRE CONFERENCE, IT'S JACK AND EMJJJJJ".
Jack and EmJ had the PLEASURE of hosting a live podcast as the Keynote in front of over 300 camp professionals at the 2024 Y Campfire Conference. With help from the audience, they talked about how hard it is to be a camp counselors in this day and age and what camp leadership can do about it. That may include rethinking field trips, hiring remote help, or giving staff fair expectations about how much "juice" they should bring to an activity.
Whether you're a boomer or not (inside joke, you'll get there around the 52:00 minute mark), this podcast shares what's meaningful to this next generation of counselors, and why its okay to have staff that yell and staff that are quiet.
If you're looking for fun staff takes, audience participation, and ways to rethink your staffing, this is the pod for you.
Producer EmJ's Takeaways:
- Even if you aren't a big decision maker at your camp, there are still ways to influence how camp runs to benefit campers and staff.
- TSCS loves Kim AND the Y Campfire community.
- Its "easier" to recruit campers than it is staff these days.
Keep up to date with The Summer Camp Society. Join the membership to stay connected with fellow camp professionals and see what's new on Instagram.
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Camp Concierge at your service! On this week's episode, EmJ is joined by Stacie Simpson, Darby Dame, and Leslie Zukrow talking customer service and family communication. They dive deep into the importance of pre-camp communication to prepare the whole family AND how are we addressing the want for more communication (photos, calls, emails, etc.) during camp. They share real ideas and real tool for camps that don't have designated communication staff.
If you're looking for multiple ways to level up your family communication and customer service, this is the pod for you.
Producer EmJ's Takeaways:
- Use several mediums to share with families. Start texting them, start sending videos.
- More slushy coupons!
- Its cheaper to retain a camper than to recruit one.
Show Notes:
- Magical Extension
Keep up to date with The Summer Camp Society. Join the membership to stay connected with fellow camp professionals and see what's new on Instagram.
Listen on Spotify | Apple Music
Happy New Year! The team has had a few weeks off to think and they are JUICED to share. Hear from EmJ Juszczyk, Jack Schott, and Alice Hospitel about what are thinking about as the new year resets. They dive into community across camps with common values, strength-based leadership, and maybe even get a little vulnerable.
Check out what this crew thinks about dialogue, being realistic, and how Jack will supply you with boots and bridges.
If you're looking to hear a more philosophical lens to think about change, this is the pod for you.
Producer EmJ's Takeaways:
- Can you name the closest 5 camps to you? (Pst, look it up.)
- A lot of this talk makes me think about actually putting it into action. Are we going to talk about this or be about it?
- What is something you can trade a co-worker to do?
Show Notes
- 6 Thinking Hats
- 3Ds: Dialogue, Discussion, Debate
Keep up to date with The Summer Camp Society. Join the membership to stay connected with fellow camp professionals and see what's new on Instagram.
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In this second half of the Burnout Survey Results podcast EmJ Juszczyk, Allison Krabill, and Sami Eron discuss what actions you can take knowing that staff are indeed burned out. (Did you miss taking the survey? There's still time! CLICK HERE.)
The group shares strategies and personal stories that build the case to hire more staff, stop living in shared housing, make time for breaks, AND so much more. This is a continuation on what camps can do, whether you are the one burned out or overseeing staff.
If you're looking to hear what we can do about camp burnout, this is the pod for you.
Producer EmJ's Takeaways:
- If you do not have enough staff for staff to take time off, you do not have enough staff.
- Self-care is what the self needs. You don't get to decide for others what their self-care is.
- You can get a bonus even if you're a non-profit camp.
Shownotes:
- Dopamine menus
Keep up to date with The Summer Camp Society. Join the membership to stay connected with fellow camp professionals and see what's new on Instagram.
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This episode brings together EmJ Juszczyk, Allison Krabill, and Sami Eron to discuss the highly-anticipated results from the Benefits and Burnout at Camp Survey. After hearing from over 388 full-time staff, they dive into just how burned out staff are. (Did you miss taking the survey? There's still time! CLICK HERE.)
In this two part series, Research Lead, Sami, shares the why behind the need for this information, what the survey is saying, and what factors can be controlled when it comes to benefits and burnout.
If you're looking to hear what the camp world is saying about burnout, this is the pod for you.
Producer EmJ's Takeaways:
- It's "comforting" (loose term) to know there are things the industry and specific camps can do to combat burnout when offering certain benefits.
- I know a lot less about statistics than I thought I did. Thanks University of Montana for this, "Basic Statistics Vocabulary".
- Take the week after camp off. All of you.
Show Notes
- Benefits and Burnout Survey
Keep up to date with The Summer Camp Society. Join the membership to stay connected with fellow camp professionals and see what's new on Instagram.
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On this episode, Allison is joined by Mariel Sass, Murph Hammer, and Brian Massey to discuss the role of summer camps in addressing mental health issues among teen campers and staff. With emotional and social health (MESH) becoming an increasingly prominent issue, this group is sharing what they're doing about it with their various professional backgrounds.
Brian and Mariel talk about implementing Mariel's specific role at their camp to provide mental/emotional support and train other staff in handling difficulties. They emphasize the importance of building strong relationships with campers, creating supportive environments for them while allowing staff to focus on their responsibilities, and proactive outreach to families before campers arrive.
If you're looking to learn more about proactive approaches to camper MESH care, this is the pod for you.
Producer EmJ's Takeaways:
- Train your frontline staff how to respond to mental health wounds like they would physical wounds.
- Parent and care-giver self-reporting is only so reliable but its a good investment and chance for them to share about a common interest: their child's wellbeing.
- Working with the staff and campers about mental health isn’t a “thing”, its a person.
Show Notes:
- New York Times Opinion article, "This Is Not the Way to Help Depressed Teenagers"
- Stoplight Scheduling
Keep up to date with The Summer Camp Society. Join the membership to stay connected with fellow camp professionals and see what's new on Instagram.
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TLDR: This episode is with Jack Schott and Travis Allison talking about how redundant communication with parents and caretakers can lead to burnout. They share tools to combat that.
Thank goodness this isn't another email! On this episode Jack is talking with Travis Allison, the Co-Founder and Marketing Consultant of Go Camp Pro podcasts. They dive into the burnout that is pushing people to leave the industry, the craving for connection but lacking the energy, and why maybe its communication and reinventing the wheel that is driving people to burnout faster and faster. (You know, when you're sending the same sentence over and over to families via email.)
Travis and Jack cover a variety of topics ranging from The West Wing to camp people and their fear of "business-y things". Get ready for part one of two, then go check out Jack and EmJ on their cross over episode of the CampHacker Pod, "Preparing For a Massive Demographic Change at Camp"!
If you're looking for a deeper dive into communication and practical tools to make it easier, this is the pod for you.Producer EmJ's Takeaways:
- Create a "copy and paste" system for your reoccurring camp communication responses!
- A sense of trust can be built through a system of emails from your staff within the first 30 days of a camper registering. If camps are built upon the foundation of connection, shouldn't that be seen in your communication too?
- Go beyond email for communication. Send videos and texts, remember you're teaching people how to be successful at your camp.
Keep up to date with The Summer Camp Society. Join the membership to stay connected with fellow camp professionals and see what's new on Instagram.
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This week Jack is joined by Scotty Jackson, Executive Director of YMCA Camp Seymour and YMCA Camp Lake Helena AND Jack's old boss. They are talking about the differences of communication among ages and times, fundraising, and the art of a good story.
This episode dives into how young camp professionals can get their foot in the door (metaphorically and literally) while sharing the value of being able to tell a good story. They go so far as to say this story sharing skill helps not only with campers, but for potential donors and your board too!
If you're looking for an entry level lesson on large donor fundraising, this is the pod for you.
Producer EmJ's Takeaways:
- Sometimes we hear what people want and we know we can't provide that. But when we take a moment to dig deeper into their "why" behind their "what", that may be what you can offer.
- I need a good rocking chair.
- "I'm interested in your advice and counsel" is a good place to start.
Show Notes:
- The Fundraiser's Guide to Irresistible Communications: (Real-World) Field-Tested Strategies for Raising More Money
- The Seven Faces of Philanthropy: A New Approach to Cultivating Major Donors
Keep up to date with The Summer Camp Society. Join the membership to stay connected with fellow camp professionals and see what's new on Instagram.
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Imagine the worst possible case scenario happening at camp... now add 14 more fires your team has to put out.
This week's host, Allison, is joined by Jacob's Camp's Carolyn and Anna as they talk camp crisis management. They're not just talking the talk, they walked the walked.
This episode shares about the absurd crisis that Jacobs Camp endured this summer, including but not limited to: power outages, moving "base" twice, and not having enough movies for bus rides. Anna and Carolyn share how they managed to make the most out of their situation with great community members, strong internal communication, and a whole car dedicated to snacks. You will soon find out why one camper in particular clamors about the "epic field-trips" he goes on when he goes to Jacobs Camp.
If you're looking for a story that will have your gears turning about camp crisis management plans (or just a wildly true story), this is the pod for you.
Producer EmJ's Takeaways:
- Breakfast discos can solve a lot of things but not everything
- Happy staff = happy campers = happy families
- There is more and more evidence that supports the sentiment "its not what you know, its who you know".
Keep up to date with The Summer Camp Society. Join the membership to stay connected with fellow camp professionals and see what's new on Instagram.
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You're going to need your chai tea for this one.
Host EmJ sits down with host Jack AND host Allison to record at the Children's Oncology Camping Association Conference! They're back in person to talk about how much harder it is to be a camp counselor now more than ever before. That's right, they went there. Jack and Allison discuss hiring one more staff vs giving staff raises, stoplight scheduling, and letting staff pick their responsibilities. Allison shares a few hot takes about what staff should actually be learning, as well as what critter races are.
If you're looking for hot takes that give a fresh perspective on the camp counselor role from people who aren't camp counselors, this is the pod for you.
Producer EmJ's Takeaways:
- Can we change the schedule to be better for staff and campers?
- Figure out how to do do more of what you love & less of what you don't love. Same for your staff.
- We don't know where AI is going, but we're along for the ride.
- Give Allison a chai tea before recording.
Show Notes:
- Allison's Dopamine Menu
- Jack's Stoplight Scheduling
Keep up to date with The Summer Camp Society. Join the membership to stay connected with fellow camp professionals and see what's new on Instagram.
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Would you want Elsa's powers given the chance? Given the choice?
Host EmJ Juszczyk is joined by Sami Eron, Dave Leveille, and Caitlin Carroll to talk choices at camp! This crew is all cooped up in the recording studio to give ways you can integrate choice into your camps and programs.
Dave shares how choice is created at his camp and their "beehive" and Sami learns ideas she could bring to her camps, even though they run for one week at each site. They dive into what happens when you have 7 year olds play gaga ball with 17 year olds, and why buckets are on EmJ's shopping list. Before EmJ heads out, special guests Maeve and Mike join the podcast to talk Elsa, Juno and giant swings! You won't want to miss what happens when you give a 4 year-old a microphone.
If you're looking for a new mindset regarding camper based decisions and designing a camp for all, this is the pod for you.
Producer EmJ's Takeaways:
- Make sure you know how to set up recording studios. So sorry.
- Choice can be as simple as real time decision making.
- All boards can be a Buddy Board if you make them that way.
Keep up to date with The Summer Camp Society. Join the membership to stay connected with fellow camp professionals and see what's new on Instagram.
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This episode is wild, SKY WILD. (This is 100% pulled from the episode.)
Host Jack Schott is joined by Camp Sky Wild's Erin Royce and Maggie Mitchell (see, wild) to talk about camp for children with autism. They discuss different approaches to planning and front-loading for campers who are neurodivergent and share how all campers can benefit from these practices.
Erin kicks it off with 3 simple takeaways about working with people with autism at the beginning , specifically the power of having visuals. Then they get into simple solutions and "duh" moments that are applicable for all camps to run smarter not harder when it comes to planning camp for kids. Just wait until you hear what WAIT stands for.
If you're looking for a new mindset regarding camper based decisions and designing a camp for all, this is the pod for you.
Producer EmJ's Takeaways:
- "Written words last longer". I love this. There are many different learning styles and when camp tries not to be school, it can mean not having these routes available. "Lame" - EmJ
- Diagnosis can be helpful, but that doesn't mean a person will fit the mold for their diagnosis. They're a person, they're going to be unique.
- Camps should utilize Opt-Out spaces. They're so great.
Keep up to date with The Summer Camp Society. Join the membership to stay connected with fellow camp professionals and see what's new on Instagram.
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Pizza parties = out. Staff lounge = in.
On this episode, host Allison is joined by Jessa Greuter, Shauna Joseph, and Baylee Van Doran, Allison's former CIT! They are sharing their experiences as summer camp staff in the present day. Jessa, Shauna and Baylee talk what they actually want while working all summer: staff lounges, good snacks, p̶i̶z̶z̶a̶ ̶p̶a̶r̶t̶i̶e̶s̶, and real time feedback!
Get ready to hear the perspective of several staff who believe real time feedback is better than a sit down and maybe "room and board" isn't the marketing perk you think it is.
**If you're looking for a fresh and honest perspective on being a counselor this day and age, this is the pod for you.
Producer EmJ’s takeaways:**
- It's me, hi, my age ground is the problem (with phones), it's me.
- Room and board isn't a benefit, it's part of the job.
- Clear is kind when it comes to being upfront with staff and what they should expect over the summer. Don't lure summer staff in with promises and standards you can't keep.
Show Notes:
- Beyond the Pizza Party: Incentives to Improve Staff Quality of Life
Keep up to date with The Summer Camp Society. Join the membership to stay connected with fellow camp professionals and see what's new on Instagram.
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[Hello! You are invited to listen to our mini-sode about the "Art of Gathering" by Priya Parker. It is approximately 42 minutes long and you can do what you'd like as you listen. EmJ and Allison Klee discuss and brainstorm ways to be more explicit in order to be more inclusive. More detail is below.]
Ever been to a gathering that left you feeling... well, left out? EmJ and Klee have! In this episode we discuss the lessons from Priya Parker's book, "The Art of Gathering" and navigate the art of crafting experiences that matter, whether you're at a summer camp or a barcade.
We deep dive into what "generous exclusivity" is and explore ways to guard the guest list, ensuring that the purpose of the gathering is met and the right expectations are set. Klee and EmJ recount personal experiences that make us think about icebreakers and how those who aren't in positions of power can adapt to new situations by leading with curiosity and questions.
If you're looking to better your ability to bring people together, this is the pod for you.
Where do we go from here according to Producer EmJ:
- Rename things! How can you change the name of your current gatherings so it clearly states the goal?
- Send this to someone in your space that plans events
- Make a social rule for your next gathering!
Producer Note: We recognize the phrase "totem pole" was used inappropriately on this episode after publishing. A better phrase is "least significant" or "bottom of the food chain", according to KOJO Institute.
Keep up to date with The Summer Camp Society. Join the membership to stay connected with fellow camp professionals and see what's new on Instagram.
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Stay strapped in. Jack is joined by Nelson Strickland and Quarius Lucas for PART 2.
This episode is all about understanding the language of your peers and creating a workspace that cherishes diversity. Nelson and Quarius talk more about creating spaces that encourage individuals to express themselves, and the detrimental effects of policing language.
They delve into how you can foster an environment working with young people that doesn’t force people to change their language or way of being but instead appreciates and celebrates it. (We're looking at you "Whoopty" by CJ.) Quarius and Nelson talk about how to foster a sense of community within the camp that makes people want to return and what leadership needs to do to make that happen.
If you're looking for a fresh perspective on why it's important to let people speak their authentic language, without the pressure to change, this is the pod for you.
- "If you don't understand us, we're probably not talking to you."
- Pass the aux!
- How do YOU make it so that staff can be themselves and let their guard down? (White folks have to do some work, have to take the risks.)
Producer Note: From the start Nelson shares that "code-switching" may not be the best term for what they discuss. As someone working to create more visibility through SEO, I am 100% using it to capture more listeners. #ThatsMarketingBaby
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Listen on Spotify | Apple Music
Buckle up. Jack is joined by Nelson Strickland and Quarius Lucas to talk staff retention!
They throw out ideas and strategies that you can do right now, including but not limited to video game nights, listening to Drake's new album and bar-cades.
They discuss the role of technology in building relationships and the importance of staying ~hip~ with culture and technology. Nelson and Jack look at how understanding and bridging the generational gap can foster a more inclusive and creative work environment. Plus, they touch on the vital role of trust in the delegation process.
Jack, Nelson and Quarius don't stop there, but the episode does. Stay tuned for more insights in our next episode where they tackle the topic of code switching at camp.
Producer EmJ’s takeaways:
- Y'ALL. We have GOT to get better at delegating. Its said time and time again on the podcast. Here's resource from The Management Center that can help you conceptualize how to delegate.
- Camp in a compilation of skills, camp is not a skill.
- Put your money (read: budget) where your mouth (read: ideas) is. Are we going to talk about paying staff to do what they're good at or be about it and plan for it?
Keep up to date with The Summer Camp Society. Join the membership to stay connected with fellow camp professionals and see what's new on Instagram.
Listen on Spotify | Apple Music
Get your shovel, we're digging deeper into Parenting at Camp!
Host EmJ Juszczyk is joined by Allison Krabill and TSCS's Research Lead, Sami Eron, on our first ever mini-sode! The team is shedding light on our recent parenting at camp survey findings. Get ready to hear about the response rate, the skewness of the data, and major takeaways from the findings.
As we dig deeper into parenting at camp responses, we piece together the experiences of the parents and caregivers who participated in our survey. We discuss the "low bar" expectations from the camp organizations, the vital need for change, and the different forms of support from camp.
Where do we go from here according to Producer EmJ:
- Keep talking about it! The ball is rolling and in order to keep it moving, we have to keep pushing. Here are some people to:
- You organization! Ask questions, ask your organization what the policies are and what can you start doing now to help future parents on your staff.
- Former camp professionals with children. What do they wish was different? The same?
- Professionals outside of camps. What benefits and support did they have that could translate into camp? An "expecting mother" parking space, safe space to pump (that isn't a closet), blocked off time on the schedule, etc.?
If you're trying to wrap your mind around 177 people's takes on parenting at camp, this is the pod for you.
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Listen on Spotify | Apple Music
Year one: ✔️ This week Allison is joined by Tony Wong, Chris Gibbons and Jesus Castaño, all first-year camp directors! The group shares candid insights on their unique paths to becoming camp directors as they recount their first summer as the shot callers.
The conversation takes off as they share the big takeaways from the last few months, what they didn't see coming, and who they had on their teams that lightened the load. The discussion extends further to their proudest moments, including high-performing health centers, customer service, and successful diversity initiatives.
If you're looking to learn more about the experiences of new leaders (and maybe have a few moments of nostalgia), this is the pod for you.Producer EmJ's Takeaways:
- You are the only person in this position when you’re in it, even if your boss was once in your shoes. You're wearing the shoes now.
- It is lonely at the top. Make sure you have your support team built and ready!
- Give yourself grace, you are holding so much on your shoulders.
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Listen on Spotify | Apple Music
What would it look like to raise your children in a camp setting? Join host Allison Krabill in an engaging discussion where she, alongside our guests, Megan Lynch , Carolyn Harari, and Katrina Dearden, delve into the intricacies of juggling parenthood and camp life.
Unpacking the realities of being parents and camp professionals, the crew brings you personal stories that illustrate the delicate balance between camp duties and parenting. They recount the challenges they've faced, such as lack of childcare facilities and the complexities of transitioning back to 'normal' life post-summer. Fear not, they also highlight the joy of seeing camp life through our children's eyes, and celebrate the support that camp community can provide.
If you're keen to explore the intersection of parenting and camp life and broaden your perspective, this is the pod for you.
Producer EmJ’s takeaways:
- No two parenting experiences and needs are going to be the same. Even if your camp does have a paternity plan, it may not be the best for you. Take the time to think about what you need and listen to yourself.
- The African proverb, "it takes a village" rings true here. I loved hearing about Katrina's chef being a safe space.
- Camp would be a really cool place to grow up. Bonus points to those parents & caretakers.
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Listen on Spotify | Apple Music
Are you ready to garner fresh insights from the seasoned restorative practitioner?? Angelica Matias joins host, Allison Klee to share the transformative power of restorative justice in her teaching journey. The episode takes us through Angelica's restorative justice origin story, highlighting not just its reactive benefits, but also its proactive role in building community.
They also discuss the ins and outs of implementing restorative justice in the classroom, which goes beyond just holding circles to fostering understanding among students. The two emphasize the healing potential of these practices and strategies on how to navigate resistance and onboard people into this transformative practice
If you're looking for an enlightening conversation that decodes the profound impact of restorative justice, this is the pod for you.
Producer EmJ's takeaways:
- Greeting students by name and learning how to pronounce their names correctly can be restorative practices.
- There is an interesting and intriguing shift when you think about asking a smaller group of people to opt into learning about restorative justice rather than having a whole class/cabin learn about it.
- Angelica leaves no room for excuses on why "this doesn't work for my kids"!
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Listen on Spotify | Apple Music
32 | Reflecting on the Camp Season with Allison Krabill and Alice Hospitel
In this podcast we are talking big ideas, actual and actionable takeaways, and lots of fun with the camp community and professionals!
Step back and reflect on summer camp with us as we recount our experiences and explore the value and impact of them. Joining EmJ is Allison Krabill and Alice Hospitel. Alice, who ran the CIT program at Camp Stomp and Ground, walks us through how they crafted a successful program under the guidance of the year-round team and The Summer Camp Society's resources, while Allison held down the fort engaging in virtual trainings, website management, and member interactions.
Navigate with us through the triumphs and trials of summer camp. We spotlight the evolution of camper relationships and the undeniable impact of the camp's mission. Yet, it was not all smooth sailing. We delve into our post-summer camp reflections and the noticeable trends in the field. From addressing the need for diverse camper support to strategic planning, we discuss them all. EmJ and Alice indulge in a #AMA with Allison too! So, let's take this journey together, reminiscing about the magic and challenges of summer camp, and maybe learn a knock knock joke along the way.
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31 | Exploring Restorative Justice with Tamara Sheppard
In this podcast we are talking big ideas, actual and actionable takeaways, and lots of fun with the camp community and professionals!
Challenging traditional punitive measures, host Klee explores restorative justice with guest Tamara Sheppard. They embark on a journey that breaks down how restorative justice creates a transformative platform for those affected by harm. By encouraging accountability in place of punishment, they highlight the power of this approach and its potential to reshape re-entry into classrooms, summer camps, and numerous other contexts.
But they don't stop there, Klee and Tamara discuss the pivotal role of trust and the unique opportunities restorative justice circles offer to the youth to witness the impact of their actions. As Tamara Sheppard enlightens us on how these circles can cultivate a comfortable atmosphere promoting trust, you'll also see how they can be employed to advance communication and collaboration in the workplace.
If you’ve been curious about how restorative justice can support youth, this is the podcast for you.
PRODUCER EMJ’S TAKEAWAYS:
- Pre-work is just as important as the circle itself.
- Doing circles doesn't negate consequences for the person who did the harm.
- Everyone involved should be opting into the circle and have that choice, otherwise it could worsen the situation.
Show Notes:
- Join Klee and Tamara Sheppard at the Restorative Justice Conference!
- New Mindset New Outcomes
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30 | The Game
In this podcast we are talking big ideas, actual and actionable takeaways, and lots of fun with the camp community and professionals!
Have you ever wondered, “What would it sound like to be a bug on the wall when Jack talks to his friends?” Say less! On this episode Jack is joined by Eric Wittenberg! They chat a little bit of everything, but specifically questioning who is qualified to run camp and game theory.
If you’re looking for two scholarly friends chatting about the big ideas, this is the podcast for you.
PRODUCER EMJ’S TAKEAWAYS:
- Are we utilizing Chat AI enough as camp people?
- People need to hear the truth.
- Ask donors why they donate!
Show Notes:
- CampStack
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29 | Tickety-Boo
In this podcast we are talking big ideas, actual and actionable takeaways, and lots of fun with the camp community and professionals!
Like all good things, this must come to an end…but just for the summer! Jack Schott, Allison Krabill and EmJ Juszczyk regroup one last time before we all dive into the busy summer camp season.Â
The hosting crew talks trends we’re seeing with camps, how to add engaging activities to “sit & get” training sessions (we’re looking at you, policies & procedures), and what you can do to set yourself up for better success this summer.
If you’re looking for pump up just in time for summer & a little bit of a pep talk, this is the pod for you.Â
Producer EmJ’s takeaways:
- Anything can be a game— but that doesn’t mean that it should.
- Many things our staff are really going to learn is going to be on the job.
- I run 7.5 miles with my family becauseeee I ran a half marathon with my brother this weekend. Please clap.
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28 | Turn Your Comments On
In this podcast we are talking big ideas, actual and actionable takeaways, and lots of fun with the camp community and professionals!
In this episode, host Allison Krabill is joined by Allison Klee and EmJ Juszczyk talking Tik Toks and social media! The crew dives into why social media and Tik Tok specifically is important for your camp and how to make it yours.
They share how to make your content audience focused, the 101 of creating, and how to get your staff involved and ready to take the reign! If you’re looking for the intro to Tik Toks and taking the pressure off the fun of it, this is the pod for you.
PRODUCER EMJ’S TAKEAWAYS:
- The more relatable, the better.
- Start with your idea, then find the trend. This can save you so much time.
- Build social relationships with your followers and community.
SHOW NOTES:
- The Tik Toks referenced:
- SheSummitsCo.
- Becca Bastos
- Becca Bastos on TSCS Tik Toks
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27 | Be the Liaison
In this podcast we are talking big ideas, actual and actionable takeaways, and lots of fun with the camp community and professionals!
This episode features host Allison Krabill and Simone Gamble! Allison and Simone talk safety at camp (and off-site during camp), being a liaison for your community, and more!
Between the two of them, they share advice and perspective of having campsites in the middle of rural areas that don’t always have the resources of a larger city and the importance of planning with protocols.
If you’re looking for actionable ways to make your staff and camp safe this summer, this is the podcast for you.Producer EmJ’s takeaways:
- Front-loading can be overwhelming and reduce fear by knowing what you (or your staff) are walking into.
- Everyones definition of safety is different.
- Kids are ready for these JEDI conversations & you can have these conversations facilitated through games.
Show Notes:
- Donate to OAAARS: Venmo: @oaaars | Paypal: @simonegamble
- Juneteenth Blog
- Letter to Black Counselors
Keep up to date with The Summer Camp Society. Join the membership to stay connected with fellow camp professionals and see what's new on Instagram.
26 | Seasonal Leadership: Supervising Your Friends
In this podcast we are talking big ideas, actual and actionable takeaways, and lots of fun with the camp community and professionals!
On this episode Allison Krabill is joined by Laura Grube, Hanna Sue Percy, and Lenny Lorenz, all season leadership staff at their respective camps. This group talks through year-round engagement, supervising their peers, and what they wish you, their boss, knew. Producer EmJ looks at this episode as a “something I wish I would have heard when I was younger”episode. (Hint: send it to your leadership staff!)
If you’re looking for perspectives on camp from your middle management and the next batch of young professional, this is the pod for you .
Producer EmJ’s takeaways:
- I <3 the framing, “do you want me to listen or do you want me to find solutions?”
- There are so many ways to provide and receive feedback!
- As they were talking about checking-in on staff and off-time activities, it made me wonder if camps set in place off-time for their non-counselor roles. Does your camp leadership team have an off-schedule? If so, can you send it to me?
SHOW NOTES:
- Daily Cabin/Group Check In Template
- Brittany Patterson is the one who shares about pouring from an empty cup
- We still don’t know who said the Diet Coke thing…do you?
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25 | Facilitator Elevator
In this podcast we are talking big ideas, actual and actionable takeaways, and lots of fun with the camp community and professionals!
“Ding, Level Two”. On this episode, Allison Krabill is joined by Leilani Nussman to share more about the Facilitator Elevator. You’re probably thinking, “I saw the posts about this. They had really good food. Quarius was there. But what was the Facilitator Elevator?”
Between Allison and Leilani, they share more about the week and how a handful of camp facilitators got together to level up and collaborate! They get into what activities stood out to them, ways facilitation is for all, and a bite-sized taste of Leilani’s work with Anit-Racist Summer Camps.
If you’re looking for some facilitation ideas and two new pals reminiscing, this is the podcast for you.Producer EmJ’s takeaways:
- Everyone is a facilitator. Even your quiet staff member who will have to go over cabin agreements.
- It can be beneficial to share what feedback you’re looking for before you present. Give your audience a specific lens to look through!
- If someone started crying in my presentation, I am genuinely unsure of what I would do. Now these two have me thinking.
Show Notes:
- OAAARS
- “Most of the recommendations come from associations for people with dyslexia and they agree in using sans-serif fonts. The British Dyslexia Association recommends to use Arial, Comic Sans or, as alternatives to these, Verdana, Tahoma, Century Gothic, and Trebuchet.” (Good Fonts for Dyslexia)
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24 | 5 Minute Expert Talks
In this podcast we are talking big ideas, actual and actionable takeaways, and lots of fun with the camp community and professionals!
On this episode, EmJ Juszczyk is joined by Sami Eron to recap and share with you TSCS Spring Retreat 2023 Five Minute Expert Talks.
The idea behind 5 Minute Expert Talks is that everyone is an expert in something. What is something you can talk on because you know so much about it? This group of individuals shared things from the way dog training can work for you, to why your camp should have a berry picking permit.
If you’re looking for some quick inspiration and new perspectives, this is the podcast for you.
PRODUCER EMJ’S TAKEAWAYS:
- Camp songs are made up. You can add education and inclusion to yours when you ask your staff to create their own.
- Invest in camp professionals as a whole.
- What’s one thing you can do today that you’re not good at?
SHOW NOTES:
- We had EIGHT amazing camp professionals share their expert talks on this episode. Check out their bios here!
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23 | Shared Language
In this podcast we are talking big ideas, actual and actionable takeaways, and lots of fun with the camp community and professionals!
On this episode, Jack Schott is joined by Mario Del Cueto and they talk business school merging with camp, ideas on how corporations can support your youth, and even get into the nitty gritty of what it could look like to buy a camp from a business perspective.
If you’re looking for a podcast that talks the more “business side” of camps and incorporating corporate into your operations, this is the pod for you.Producer EmJ’s takeaways:
- It’s cool to be reminded that we bring shared languages into other parts of our lives and what we do to invite others into that. When we think of staff training, what are shared pieces of language you need to tell your staff about?
- We don’t know what we don’t know, and people don’t always share what they know. I liked hearing from two people about the process of what camp buying could look like. Gatekeeping the purchase of a camp? Not here.
- I love the idea that employee benefits could include a camp stipend for their children.
Show Notes:
- Ladder of Inference
- Concept of “The Net”
Keep up to date with The Summer Camp Society. Join the membership to stay connected with fellow camp professionals and see what's new on Instagram.
22 | We're All Just People
In this podcast we are talking big ideas, actual and actionable takeaways, and lots of fun with the camp community and professionals!
EmJ Juszczyk is joined by Nick Teich and Jace Schara to talk LGBTQ+ camps and programming! They talk about what, if anything, is different about camps centered around LGBTQ+ campers (hint: somethings are different).
The crew talks bunking plans, traditional programming at camp and baby steps all camps can take to be more inclusive for all campers and staff.
If you’re looking for an insight on being more inclusive and wondering what you’re not thinking about , this is the pod for you.
Producer EmJ’s takeaways:
- Want to know what campers want? Ask them.
- Own and be honest about where your camp is in terms of being inclusive to campers and staff, especially if it’s not where you’d like it to be.
- All we’re really asking for is that everyone forms great friendships and keeps their hands to themselves.
SHOW NOTES:
We recorded this on March 21, 2023. Since then we have already seen acts in legislation that affect our campers and community. Check out Transplaining For Camps and Transplaining for more information and resources for your community.
Reach out to Nick and Fairwinds Consulting for direct support and consulting for your camp!
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21 | Camp is the New Old NeighborhoodIn this podcast we are talking big ideas, actual and actionable takeaways, and lots of fun with the camp community and professionals!
On this episode, Jolly Corley joins Jack Schott and they get right into it talking nonprofits and titles! On this week’s episode Jolly is sharing how to look for competencies in your staff interviews, controversial staff retention ideas (that work for Camp Robindel) and avoiding the phrase “common sense”.
If you’re looking for a podcast that covers hot takes and goes several different directions, this is the pod for you.Producer EmJ’s takeaways:
- “Common Sense” = bad. Common to who, ya know?
- A lot of what we sell to families to attend camp can be sold to staff (connections, experiences, etc.), it might just be with different terms.
- Staff retention can come organically when individuals share their reflection and story telling to loved ones after the season.
Keep up to date with The Summer Camp Society. Join the membership to stay connected with fellow camp professionals and see what's new on Instagram.
20 | The People in the Arena
In this podcast we are talking big ideas, actual and actionable takeaways, and lots of fun with the camp community and professionals!
On this episode, Jack Schott is joined by Kelly Schuna and they talk owning camps, the power of vulnerability and how to lead as someone who doesn’t have all the answers. They talk Brené Brown and how to rumble! Jack introduces something called “Wildcards”and asks what she’s thinking that’s a little off the walls and doesn’t fit yet in the “spinning circles”.
If you’re looking for a podcast that shares how to lead with empathy and shares in fun stories about making mistakes, this is the pod for you.
PRODUCER EMJ’S TAKEAWAYS:
- I wonder if Kelly is onto something about behavior arising when campers don’t have the autonomy and choice during their activities.
- Having hard conversations is also saying that you’re invested in that person and what’s the best for them. WHAT.
- There’s authenticity and transparency in being a “talk-out-louder” so the people you’re with don’t have to do any guesswork.
- Bonus: I do love Brené Brown. Here is “The Man in the Arena/It’s Not the Critique That Counts” that Kelly mentions.
SHOW NOTES:
- The Camp Owners Podcast
- Interlude Music That We Don’t Own the Rights To
- EmJ's Camper Clubs Blog
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119 | In this podcast we are talking big ideas, actual and actionable takeaways, and lots of fun with the camp community and professionals!Â
On this episode Allison Krabill is joined by Michael “Knuckles” Vasquez, Caitlin Carroll and EmJ Juszczyk. They’re discussing medical camps and being inclusive for all campers! This crew shares their experiences with “patients” and “well-camper” siblings, how you work with the families, and how you make camp the most for every single person—even parents and caretakers!
If you’re looking for perspectives on inclusion and community that centers around letting kids be kid this is the pod for you .
Producer EmJ’s takeaways:
- Camp allows your campers to become individuals and that’s so cool! How can we keep capitalizing on this when making cabin decisions?
- It can be so powerful when you don’t have siblings comfort the other when they miss home.
- A medical diagnosis is more than just the patient.
Keep up to date with The Summer Camp Society. Join the membership to stay connected with fellow camp professionals and see what's new on Instagram.
118 | Springboard
In this podcast we are talking big ideas, actual and actionable takeaways, and lots of fun with the camp community and professionals!
On this episode, Jack Schott and Howie Grossinger are talking “old heads” and embracing change of leadership and mentorship. They discuss the importance of gaining trust from constituents like your staff’s parents and support system and how to navigate your boss being in on all team meetings when you’re leading them.
If you’re looking for a podcast that shares a great perspective about growth mindset and camp mentorship, this is the pod for you.
Producer EmJ’s takeaways:
- The “Staff, not stuff” mindset is one to keep front of mind when budgeting for higher salaries over the fun of new toys.
- I like the idea of setting expectations when a boss/ leader comes into a meeting as an equal member. Reminding each other that they’re there as a part of the system, not the end-all-be-all with ideas.
- TWO-HUNDRED AND EIGHTY STAFF??
______
WANT MORE FROM TSCS?
AT TRISTATE? — FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM TO FIND THE TSCS CREW and CHECK OUT EMJ'S SESSION RECOMMENDATIONS.
WHAT TO LEARN MORE FROM CAMP PROFESSIONAL PEERS? — BECOME A MEMBER
______
Show Notes:
- The Camp Owners Podcast
Keep up to date with The Summer Camp Society. Join the membership to stay connected with fellow camp professionals and see what's new on Instagram.
117 | The Essence of Camp
In this podcast we are talking big ideas, actual and actionable takeaways, and lots of fun with the camp community and professionals!
On this episode, Jack Schott is joined by Andy Pritikin. They’re talking the nitty gritty of taking initiative and being an “old head” in the camp industry. Andy talks about the differences of camps (day, overnight, specialty) and creative ways to get ahead in your professional career.
If you’re looking for a podcast that gets you thinking and giving new perspective, this is the pod for you.
Producer EmJ’s takeaways:
- Camps are going to come in all shapes and sizes. When you think about your camp, what is the essence of your camp and how can you do that really well?
- Take initiative for what you want and what experiences you want to have. Whether that’s a conference outing or learning more about your neighboring camp, take the initiative to get it done. It will show.
- This is a Klee fan club episode.
______
WANT MORE FROM TSCS?
HEADING TO TRISTATE? — FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM TO FIND THE TSCS CREW.
WHAT TO LEARN MORE FROM CAMP PROFESSIONAL PEERS? — BECOME A MEMBER
______
Show Notes:
- The Day Camp Pod
- Star Search
- Liberty Lake Foundation
- Justin’s Episode, “Selling Fun”
In this podcast we are talking big ideas, actual and actionable takeaways, and lots of fun with the camp community and professionals!
Imagine going down a waterslide where you can’t see where it’s going… that is this episode. EmJ Juszczyk takes the reins here and welcomes Allison Krabill and Jack Schott back from the ACA National Conference!
They recap the conference with major takeaways, social outings and sessions, including who you should put on your radar as camp profession resources! Then the group jumps into several discussions regarding conference planning, problem solving, and even working with different generations of camp professionals.
If you’re looking for conference tips and questioning the status quo while maintaining it, this is the pod for you.
Producer EmJ’s takeaways:
- Find your social safety net for conferences!
- The camp community is filled with SO many people from so many demographics. We each know a lot about something and have cool ideas. (Now, how do we collaborate and learn from each other through different experiences we may have had?)
- We’re always looking for podcast ideas— let us know yours.
Keep up to date with The Summer Camp Society. Join the membership to stay connected with fellow camp professionals and see what's new on Instagram.
115 | Continuing to BelongIn this podcast we are talking big ideas, actual and actionable takeaways, and lots of fun with the camp community and professionals!
This episode brings together Allison Krabill, Alice Hospitel, Melk Kowalkowski, and Mike O'Brien to talk teen programs at camp! They discuss different ways to make older campers feel like they belong, how to incorporate leadership in the sessions, and so much more. If you’re looking for great ways to level up your teen programs, this is the podcast for you.
Producer EmJ’s takeaways:
- Your CITs don’t have to be your staff later.
- Not everyone is going to fit the traditional camp counselor role— maybe we shouldn’t be asking that of all our CITs!
- Someone can change so much in a year. That’s a large percent of a young person’s life!
Keep up to date with The Summer Camp Society. Join the membership to stay connected with fellow camp professionals and see what's new on Instagram.
114: International Staff
Did you know there aren’t many summer camps in Ireland? That’s where we got this week’s guests! Allison Krabill is joined by Erin Stewart and Megan Lynch (both from Northern Ireland) to talk international staffing at camps!Â
They share how they got to American camps and their experiences. Both share the importance of front loading what to expect and emphasis the costs and equal pay for international staff.Â
If you’re looking for perspective on what your international staff need, this is the pod for you.Â
Producer EmJ’s takeaways:
- The overloading and oversharing is helpful for all staff, and even more so for international staff coming into an unknown area. (What are American customs and culture that we need to explicitly explain?)
- There is balance between making sure international staff have a unique experience and feeling like they’re a part of the whole staff. That being said, bring everyone cheese curds.
- “Cultural Stipend”
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113 : Customer Service: Choosing Kindness
Allison Krabill is joined by Abbot Pittman and Carolyn Harari to talk customer service at camp and the off-season. They share what they’ve done to stay in touch with families, and pose the question, how do you advocate for communication boundaries during camp? This group dives into big wins and big lessons that cultivate ideas and plans for year-round touch points.Â
If you’re looking for ways to think about customer service on and off the campsite, this is the pod for you.Â
Producer EmJ’s takeaways:
- It’s cool to tell caregivers when things are going well too. Is over-communication is the new normal?
- Text your families, not from your personal phone number. Who is picking up the phone these days? When you use a secondary number (zoom, GoogleVoice, etc.) it helps create a work/life boundary and you know when it’s a work call coming in.
- Snail-mail goes a long way.
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112 | Conferences: Takes Notes, Make Crafts
In this podcast we are talking big ideas, actual and actionable takeaways, and lots of fun with the camp community and professionals!
IT’S CONFERENCE SEASON, BABY. Substitute host, Allison Krabill is on the conference circuit and joined on the podcast by Alice Haefeli and EmJ Juszczyk to get the deets on what to expect. Not all conferences are going to be the same, but here they discuss how to plan your sessions, when to join in on the fun, and random tips and tricks to make it great.Â
If you’re looking for the camp conference lowdown (& great ways to make friends) this is the pod for you.Â
Producer EmJ’s takeaways:
- The cheesy community programs are supposed to be cheesy. Go to them.
- Ask the speaker for their notes & slides— they (probably) WANT to share it
- Alice is hosting TSCS Happy Hour at Tri-State, reach out to her to learn more!
Keep up to date with The Summer Camp Society. Join the membership to stay connected with fellow camp professionals and see what's new on Instagram.
111 : Culture of Belonging
In this podcast we are talking big ideas, actual and actionable takeaways, and lots of fun with the camp community and professionals!
Jack is joined by TSCS’s very own Allison Krabill & Alice Hospitel to talk the culture of belonging for your staff at camp. We’ve all been there, our first day of a new job, school, or group. The make or break moments of first impressions and what to expect upon arrival. On the podcast, these three talk ideas and plans for how to make your staff feel connected and have a sense that they belong there.Â
If you’re looking for real ways to plan staff arrival and camp culture (WITH ways to delegate these plans) , this is the pod for you. Producer EmJ's Takeaways:
- Without relationships at camp, not much else can happen.
- Is Taylor Swift a camp director?
- Seeing things for the first time is a superpower.
Keep up to date with The Summer Camp Society. Join the membership to stay connected with fellow camp professionals and see what's new on Instagram.
110: 5 Minute Expert Talks
In this podcast we are talking big ideas, actual and actionable takeaways, and lots of fun with the camp community and professionals!
One of the powers of The Summer Camp Society is the large number of voices that are heard. Through countless trainings, Expert Calls and retreats, the summer camp community gets the opportunity to hear every voice. This week we spotlight some of the many voices heard during the Fall 2022 TSCS Retreat. Monia Johnson, Maddy Linder, Claire Griffith and John Rice share their 5 minute expert talks.
The idea behind 5 Minute Expert Talks is that everyone is an expert in something. What is something you can talk about for 5 minutes because you know so much about it? This can be anything from the best water bottle for each person to why philosophy is for every age. If you’re looking for some quick inspiration and new perspectives, this is the podcast for you.
PRODUCER EMJ’S TAKEAWAYS:
- One size doesn’t fit all— in SO many ways.
- What could we learn from those around us if we gave the space for them to teach?
- Math is clearly made up, thanks John.
Keep up to date with The Summer Camp Society. Join the membership to stay connected with fellow camp professionals and see what's new on Instagram.
109: Digging into Conflict
In this podcast we are talking big ideas, actual and actionable takeaways, and lots of fun with the camp community and professionals!
Jack is joined by Laura Kriegel and Allison Klee to breakdown restorative justice at camp, conversational receptiveness and more that created the foundation to inspire the next generation of radically empathetic decision makers at Camp Stomping Ground.
The crew starts at the beginning with, “What even is RJ?” to then dig deeper into:
1) Why practice it at camp?
2) How do you put systems in place to practice with staff and campers?
If you’re looking for the 101 on Restorative Justice at camp and some good resources, this is the pod for you.
Producer EmJ’s takeaways:
- When you look at conflict as an opportunity for innovation and connection, it makes it less intimidating to confront because there is powerful purpose behind it.
- Gaga Ball is a great medium to actively work on circles and community building.
- A common theme that we hear throughout these podcasts is the importance of building a team of staff that have a wide variety of interests and skills. We hear this when they discuss the importance of the systems needed to build in community and space for connection to take place.
Keep up to date with The Summer Camp Society. Join the membership to stay connected with fellow camp professionals and see what's new on Instagram.
108 | Staff Training: In this podcast we are talking big ideas, actual and actionable takeaways, and lots of fun with the camp community and professionals!
This episode brings together Jack, Scott Arizala, Nelson Strickland & Paige Moffett to take a deeper dive into staff training. They discuss different ways to artificially create the “second session feeling”, strength based approaches to training sessions, and more.
The ideas start to form and are dissected to cover all different types of camps and training set ups. How do you create training opportunities that don’t add to the “staff crunch”? If you’re looking for close to a million ways to think through staff training, this is the pod for you.
Producer EmJ’s takeaways:
- If your campers learn differently, why wouldn’t your staff? Consider a Personal Learning Plan for staff members!
- The concept of “needing 80% of you” seems much more realistic and digestible as an expectation as opposed to 100% all the time.
- Asking returning staff to role play as “campers” that have complexity to them throughout the week is a great way for staff to learn different personalities and isn’t just a one-off scenario. (I will play a camper for your staff training, just let me know.)
Keep up to date with The Summer Camp Society. Join the membership to stay connected with fellow camp professionals and see what's new on Instagram.
In this podcast we are talking big ideas, actual and actionable takeaways, and lots of fun with the camp community and professionals!
Jack is joined by James Davis and Nelson Strickland in this episode to discuss a plethora of topics from camp OGs to ELOs. Before Nelson joins, Jack and James talk about progression programming and sharing the purpose of a program to set the expectation for all involved.Â
It only takes off from there when video games are brought in and they work to level up the programming with optimal strategy and bringing older campers in on the camp magic. Additionally, they’re covering the choice models of making sure everything gets done at camp to make it run. Would you rather take out the trash or maintain the website? If you’re looking for gamer’s analysis of camp and upping your programming mindsets, this is the pod for you.Â
Next week the conversation will shift to staff orientation with Jack, Paige Moffett, Nelson Strickland and Scott Arizala.Â
Keep up to date with The Summer Camp Society. Join the membership to stay connected with fellow camp professionals and see what's new on Instagram.
In this podcast we are talking big ideas, actual and actionable takeaways, and lots of fun with the camp community and professionals!
Bringing people in is a superpower and that is exactly what this episode entails. Jack Schott, Monia Johnson & Murphy Hammer assemble like a crew of superheroes to talk putting staff or campers first, camp culture, and staff time off.
The TSCS Avengers take on creating culture at camp and what to do when you’re new to an existing camp with rich history. Camp is full of traditions and culture, what do you do when you don’t agree with it? And how do you even start it when the 14 year old campers want to sleep through breakfast? If you’re looking for a staff PTO plan and mic drop knowledge, this is the pod for you.
Producer EmJ’s takeaways:
- The shortcut to self-discovery is at camp.
- If you’re not 100% into the camp’s traditions, seek to understand before you critique and change (& if/when you change it, get the staff to help rethink it).
- BONUS: Be in the moment to learn and then improve.
- Still a little lost on who is the chicken & who is the egg between staff and campers.
Next week the conversation will continue with Nelson & James Davis!
Keep up to date with The Summer Camp Society. Join the membership to stay connected with fellow camp professionals and see what's new on Instagram.
105 | Staff Recruitment: Selling Fun
In this series of episodes we’re taking a deep dive addressing how staff recruitment is needed more than ever and what the people around the camp community are doing about it.Â
On this episode, Jack Schott and Justic Pritikin tackle some hard hitting reality checks. Does your camp have a leadership succession plan? How can you really sell camp to staff when you’re 20 years older than them? Is Jack someone you’d consider a “classic model”?Â
The guys talk reframing the summer camp experience, keeping camp on your professional resume and so so much more. If you’re looking for a podcast that gets your wheels turning, this is the pod for you.Â
PRODUCER EMJ’S TAKEAWAYS:
- Craft the language of selling camp by the experiences, but don’t make promises you can’t keep (ex: “you’re going to make so many friends” vs “you’re going to meet some cool people”).
- Don’t refer to people as their generation name.
- No public math, but your staff is doing the math.
Next week the conversation will continue, stay tuned!
Keep up to date with The Summer Camp Society. Join the membership to stay connected with fellow camp professionals and see what's new on Instagram.
104 | Staff Recruitment: In this series of episodes we’re taking a deep dive addressing how staff recruitment is needed more than ever and what the people around the camp community are doing about it.
Grab your party attire (there's a dress code, don't worry), this episode is chock full of the fun ideas that get your staff and community together and build it bigger. Jack Schott, Allison Klee and EmJ Juszczyk throw out many ideas on how to level up your TikTok game, recruiting staff older than 21 and getting your people involved.
The crew addresses how to get the most out of social media and starts planning several parties and get togethers for all ages. If you’re looking for a party planning team and radical recruitment within your existing community, this is the pod for you.
Producer EmJ’s takeaways:
- Lean into the fun of recruitment
- Lean on your ideas and then find the trends
- Lean on your staff for help to recruit and get the content
Lean with it.
Next week the staff recruitment conversation will continue with
Justin Pritikin!
Keep up to date with The Summer Camp Society. Join the membership to stay connected with fellow camp professionals and see what's new on Instagram.
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103 | Staff Recruitment: In this series of episodes we’re taking a deep dive addressing how staff recruitment is needed more than ever and what the people around the camp community are doing about it.
Make sure you have your swim buddy because we are JUMPING IN! On this episode, Jack Schott, Sarah Kurtz Mckinnon and Carly Vargas dive deep into retention plans (both monetarily and relationships), balancing camp professionalism and camp fun, AND sending support to those that support your staff. Do you have your coffee? You may need your coffee for all this.
The team addresses what barriers your staff may need to overcome to get to camp and Kurtz with her MBA draws parallels to staff recruitment and donor relationship building. If you’re looking for more than the average touchstone ideas and ways to invest in your people, this is the pod for you.
Producer EmJ’s takeaways:
- Everything you do recruits
- Think about the story you're selling and the audience you want to cultivate
- Sometimes you don't need to be a professional, you just need to be human
Next week the staff recruitment conversation will continue with
Allison Klee and EmJ Juszczyk!
Keep up to date with The Summer Camp Society. Join the membership to stay connected with fellow camp professionals and see what's new on Instagram.
102 | Staff Recruitment: In this series of The Summer Camp Society Podcast episodes we are taking a deep dive addressing how staff recruitment is needed more than ever and what the people around the camp community are doing about it.
On this episode, Jack Schott and Chris Rehs-Dupin turn to staff recruitment tactics with an emphasis in retraining former seasonal staff and how to keep them fired up in the on and off seasons. Often in the heat of the summer we don’t take the time to celebrate the wins, but at the end of the day, that’s what staff will remember.
The guys examine a multitude of avenues to get in touch with potential staff, including but limited to Tik Tok stars, gift giving and roller skating parties. If you’re looking for more than the average hype tactics, this is the pod for you.
Producer EmJ’s takeaways:
- Know when staff need to celebrate & recap the joy
- I hope Simone is listening too, Jack
- National & international resources are great, but do you have someone in your community doing equity work that you could work with?
Next week the staff recruitment conversation will continue with
Sarah Kurtz McKinnon and Carly Vargas!
Keep up to date with The Summer Camp Society. Join the membership to stay connected with fellow camp professionals and see what's new on Instagram.
101 | Staff Recruitment:Â In this series of The Summer Camp Society Podcast episodes we are taking a deep dive addressing how staff recruitment is needed more than ever and what the people around the camp community are doing about it.Â
What do summer camps and musical festivals have in common? Actually quite a bit when you think about it, BUT specifically– they both need staff! On this episode, Jack Schott, Nelson Strickland and Gregg Golf start tossing out ideas for this next season of staff recruitment.Â
The guys consider how camps optimize their budgets to recruit in the most meaningful way, and question what we are really trying to sell to potential staff. If you’re looking for more than the average recruitment tactics, this is the pod for you.Â
Producer EmJ’s takeaways:
- Staff love the “clout”, give it to them on Instagram
- Cool people know cool people, get your staff to help recruit their community
- Jack greatly underestimates the sizes of musical festivals
Next week the staff recruitment conversation will continue with Chris Rehs-Dupin.
Keep up to date with The Summer Camp Society. Join the membership to stay connected with fellow camp professionals and see what's new on Instagram.
Paige Moffett from The Summer Camp Society and Change Summer gives Jack Schott her five keys to staying organized over staff training.
Kim Green from First Coast of the YMCA in Florida tells Allison Krabill about her favorite Lorax-themed staff training activity and why she recommends singing out your stress.
In light of the Robb Elementary shooting, Scott Arizala sits down with Chris Res-Dupin to discuss the role of summer camp in processing tragedies and how camp directors can improve their emergency procedure staff training sessions.Â
Allison Krabill from The Summer Camp Society discusses a staff training activity that gets counselors to consider what lasting impact they could have on campers, and she also gives some tips for how camp directors can stay organized.
Chris Res-Dupin from the Summer Camp Society discusses how he would organize two weeks of staff training and gives recommendations for sessions that returning staff will find valuable.
Carly Rappaport Vargas from Kamp Kohut sits down with Jack Schott to discuss why she loves welcoming counselors with pizza and the importance of getting to the point quickly in staff training sessions.
Kim Aycock explains for Jack Schott how she leads a games rotation to teach counselors some back-pocket fun activities for the summer, and she gives tips on how to build a vibrant camp community.
Mike O'Brien from Camp AJ tells Chris Rehs-Dupin why Meltdown Carnival is the perfect session to run at staff orientation and explains the importance of keeping the "why" at the heart of your camp work.
Chris Thurber from Expert Online Training describes for Chris Res-Dupin a staff orientation activity that teaches new counselors how to problem-solve, and he discusses how camp directors can effectively delegate trainings to their senior staff.
Gordon Harry from StarGazer Camp sits down with Sarah Kurtz McKinnon to discuss what he loves about the Crisis Challenge and describe how he effectively divides training according to the experience levels of his staff. At the end, Kurtz provides her top three tips for leading a successful week of staff training.
Erin Stewart from Camp Akeela talks with Chris Res-Dupin about how to make international staff feel at home at American camps and describes her strategy for handling difficult moments over the summer.
Emily Dobmeier from the Luzerne Music Center talks with Allison Krabill about her favorite Rapid Game Night staff orientation activity and the importance of reframing negative thoughts as a camp director.
Laura Kriegel from Camp Stomping Ground talks with Simone Gamble about how counselors can form long-lasting friendships over a cup of morning coffee and describes a shopping spree activity she would love to run for her entire staff.
Kaleena Escallier from YMCA of the USA talks with Chris Res-Dupin about the perfect activity to begin diversity training in staff orientation and emphasizes the importance of taking care of mental health over the summer.
Anna Hopkins from the Friends Camp in Maine talks with Jack Schott about welcoming members of the local community to her camp and integrating Quaker values into the Friends Camp environment.Â
Drew Hodge from the Science Museum of Virginia's summer camp tells Allison Krabill about his favorite musical staff training activity and suggests giving a survey to returning staff.
Nelson Strickland talks to Chris Rehs-Dupin about a fun session called Noodle Colosseum and explains why it is important to practice what will actually happen at camp.
Abbot Pittman from Beckett-Chimney Corners YMCA Camp talks with Allison Krabill about a staff training that will unlock the inner knight in any camp counselor and recommends incorporating a myriad of voices into diversity training.
Alison Lum from Camp Chief Ouray talks with Allison Krabill about her favorite staff training activity, Policies and Procedures, and gives some fashion tips for first-time camp directors.
Katrina Dearden from Eagle Island Camp talks with Sarah Kurtz McKinnon about what staff can learn from Behind the Curtain and gives from advice for leaders who aren't traditionally loud.
Simone Gamble kicks off the staff training interviews by talking with Allison Krabill about the differences between inclusion and integration and providing tips on how to foster an inclusive environment at camp.