Mind the (generation) Gap!

Before we get started, this isn’t going to be one of those podcasts about generations where we put people into their age characteristic boxes.

This episode is about everybody.

From your youngest counsellor, to your oldest staff member (you?), every camp-player has a ton in common; above all, the ability to serve camp, and grow through that service. If we start there, then they mysterious perceived power of the “generation gap” kind of fizzles.

It’s not to say that the spread of age and experience on site doesn’t make things tricky, but we all know that camp relies on a generational turnover to not just survive, but thrive.

As directors, it’s our job to reach our staff on a common ground.

That means you don’t get to say “I’m too old for this” anymore.

For example, Dan came up with these 5 awesome statements that are the perfect example of a “top-down” conversation that shows empathy for the age-gap between you and your staff:

Dan’s 5 Statements that Help With Staff Retention

1. In all things we are trying to build a community
2. Using the term “Invested”
3. Explain why we need you - you bring this quality
4. I need you to coach me on how to best work with you
5. How do you like to be communicated with? Can you adapt to these 1 or 2 things?

In this episode of the CampHacker podcast, Travis, Dan and Gab are on hand to share their insights on how to intentionally work with the both the actual and perceived generation-gap between you and your staff.

What do you think? Do you have any tips like Dan’s 5 Statements that you think the camp world should know? We’d love to see them in the comments below.

Tool of the Week – Make Yourself a Better Camp Director

• Travis - True Story Game

• Dan - Hug Your Haters by Jay Baer

• Gab - The Noun Project Free Icons - check out the camp icons! https://thenounproject.com/search/?q=summer+cam

Your Hosts:

• Travis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - CampHacker.TV

• Dan Weir, Director of Camping Services - Frost Valley YMCA

• Gabrielle Raill, Camp Director - Camp Ouareau

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(Thank you!)

Bonus Content - Just for you!

Tri-State Camp Conference keynote speakers:
The Great Generational Shift and Managing Millennials - Bruce Tulgan 
Growing Leaders and Generation iY - Dr Tim Elmore

A Great TED Talk:
The Power of Believing That You Can Improve - Carol Dweck