The Flow of the Camp Day - with Ruby Compton - CampHacker #125
Where can you find some creativity in your daily schedule? (and where shouldn’t you?)
As camp people, it’s in our nature to innovate. We are great at looking at routine or program and think, “Hey, wouldn’t this be better if we did this!?”. This is even something that we praise staff for. How many of your evaluation forms list “creative thinking” as a trait that is seen as desirable?
The problem can come when our creative ambitions give us the desire to tweak something that has been intentionally done, without considering or consulting those intentions.
It’s a tricky line to tow. We need to balance our creativity with the fact that routines are important for campers, staff and families. Things that affect our camper’s circadian rhythms, dietary schedules and some of their other Maslow’s needs should be strongly considered before we make a big change.
To help you tow that line between magic and monotony, Travis, Joe and Dan are once again joined by Camp Code Co-Host, Ruby Compton. Ruby’s many years in and around the camp industry have given her a unique perspective on what is up for changing and what should stay sacred this summer.
Tune in to this episode to hear more about:
How routines affect campers and their families
How camps walk the line between routine and ritual
How to set boundaries for staff on what is and isn’t fair-game to change
What are the important parts of the day that are absolutely necessary to include
How to inject some creativity into the necessary and the in-between times
Many, many more great ideas!
What is something special about the flow of your Camp Day? Tell us about it in the comments!
Tool of the Week – Make Yourself a Better Camp Director
Travis: Fireflies.ai
Joe: https://hibid.com/ - Auctions for Camp Stuff
Ruby: The Non-Profit Leadership Team by Fisher Howe
Dan: The Power of Showing Up by Tina Bryson & Dan Siegel
Your Hosts:
Travis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - CampHacker.TV, Founder at Go Camp Pro
Joe Richards, Executive Director - Pearce Williams Summer Camp & Retreat Facility
Dan Weir, Sr. Director - Youth Development, Summer Camp, & Strategic Initiatives - YMCA of Long Island
Ruby Compton, Chief Exploration Officer - Ruby Outdoors