The CampHacker Podcast
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.
The CampHacker Podcast
Lessons from Visiting Camps this Summer, with Elizabeth Kaplan, Dan Kirsch, and Ari Polsky - CampHacker #221
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Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/camphacker/lessons-from-visiting-camps
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Fresh Eyes, Fresh Ideas: Lessons from a Summer of Site Visits
Join Travis Allison and guests Ari Polsky, Elizabeth Kaplan, and Dan Kirsch from JCamp 180 as they share their unique perspectives from visiting dozens of camps this past summer. Discover the trends they're seeing across the industry—from the return of "normalcy" to the challenges with seasonal staff resilience and housing. This episode is packed with actionable insights on how camps are creatively solving problems, the power of asking donors for help, and simple systems (like a dining hall clipboard!) that can streamline your camp's operations.
Key Takeaways Include:
- Staffing Challenges & Solutions: The trend of staff lacking problem-solving confidence and the "week-to-week" commitment struggle continues. However, creative solutions like upgraded adult-style housing and strategic pay bumps are helping retain key staff.
- Fundraising through Authenticity: Don't be afraid to show donors the "unvarnished" truth. Authentic storytelling—even unpolished videos—can be more powerful than slick productions. Let donors see the real impact and challenges; they want to help.
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Tool of the Week - Make Yourself a Better Camp Director
- Travis - ShortWave AI Email Agent
- Elizabeth - Meal Announcement Clipboard!
- Dan - DiVine Video
- Ari - Don't Get Accustomed to Average Podcast Episode
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Your Hosts
- Travis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp Pro
- Elizabeth Kaplan - Jcamp180 Program Coordinator, ekaplan@hgf.org
- Dan Kirsch - Jcamp180 Consultant, dan@hgf.org
- Ari Polsky - Jcamp180 Consultant, apolsky@hgf.org
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Thanks to our sponsors!
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.
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 at whereaboutsapp.io/
Our free Resilient Camp Blueprint diagnostic is available at: https://camp.mba/travis