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Life is more than a summer job at camp

For those of us lucky enough to have (or have had) a full time job in summer camp there are a few things that are consistent about our journey from camp counsellor to camp director.   We had a great discussion on this show about our own stories of making the leap.

Some of the things that we recommend if you are looking for a full-time, year-round camp job:

• start attending camp conferences.  If you camp can’t afford to send you then try to attend on your own dime.  This is particularly inexpensive if you are a college or university student

• when you are at conferences, don’t be afraid to pipe up.   I know that I first started to get mentors in the camp industry when I started asking smart questions in sessions

• lead sessions.   Almost all of the conferences offer the opportunity to submit session proposals.   This can be a great way (something that all 5 of us on this discussion have done) to start to get your name out

• work at camps in the shoulder seasons.   Camp people can have a great opportunity to stand out as leaders and initiative takers when they work at camps in the off-season

• participate in camp forums such as our own Summer Camp Professionals group on Facebook.   Every camp person I know loves to help young adult become better leaders.  You will find lots of encouragement in these forums.  

One thing that I wish I thought of after the discussion: start giving back now.  There is a LOT of room for more blogs, YouTube shows and podcasts for the summer camp industry.  Check out what Lanet Hane is doing on The Camp Whisperer. She is doing a brilliant job of creating an online resume of her summer camp passion.

I’ve offered this before and I'm happy to do it again… if you want to become a podcaster on the CampHacker network please email me with your idea [travis (at) socialcatalyst.ca].   We are always looking to expand.

What’s your “getting a full-time camp job” story?   Leave us a comment!

Tool of the Week – Make yourself a better Camp Director

Joe: Spreaker
Travis: The Inside Social Media Podcast
Dan: How Difficult Can This Be? The F.A.T. City Workshop ~ Understanding Learning Disabilities
Gab: The Matt and Joe Show - Australia Tour
Rich - “Find Something to Do” book by Jim Cain at http://www.teamworkandteamplay.com/, no-prop game book, order directly from Jim for the best deal

Your Hosts:

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

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Thanks for the evening, friends.