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
Leading with Curiosity and the Courage to Slow Down - with Jordanna Grossinger - Intentionally Intentional Leaders
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Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/camphacker/iil-jordanna
Leadership, Legacy, and the Magic of Day Camp with Jordanna Grossinger
Join Matt on Intentionally Intentional Leaders for a deep-dive conversation with Jordanna Grossinger, Director of Camp Robin Hood and a prominent voice in the summer camp industry. Through the unpredictable format of a 20-sided dice roll, Jordanna explores the intersection of childhood nostalgia - from Tamagotchis to Hit Clips - and the serious business of modern camp leadership.
The discussion centres on the evolution of staff support, moving beyond simple "time off" to a culture of active, hands-on mentorship. Jordanna shares her journey of slowing down her professional timeline, the importance of the "Kids in Camp" initiative, and why the most courageous act a leader can perform is letting go of the reins to let others shine.
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Find out more about the Kids in Camp Fireside Gala here:
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/fireside-gala-the-ultimate-camp-reunion-tickets-1974523534043
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Key Takeaways for Camp Professionals
- The Power of Validation: Jordanna reflects on a pivotal childhood moment where a CIT validated her homesickness rather than trying to "fix" it. This underscores the importance of empathy over instruction when building trust with campers.
- Support vs. Time Off: A major insight for day camp professionals: physical breaks or snacks are often less effective than active, on-the-job support. When supervisors step in to co-lead or cover a cabin, it reduces the pressure on staff to be "Level 10" at all times.
- The "Bump It Up" Philosophy: To protect staff's mental and emotional health, Camp Robin Hood utilizes a "bumping it up" strategy. By normalizing the act of asking for help, they’ve turned "not having the answer" from a perceived failure into a celebrated team strength.
- Curiosity Over Judgment: Using the "invisible backpack" metaphor, Jordanna explains why assuming people are fundamentally good leads to better leadership. Approaching a struggling staff member with curiosity about what they are "carrying" is more effective than reacting to their performance.
- People Before Programs: When camp margins and missions compete, the North Star must always be the care and concern for people. Investing in inclusion and mental health is not just a moral choice, but a strategic one that ensures the long-term sustainability of the camp community.
- Slowing the Timeline: For young and emerging professionals (and children of camp owners), there is often a rush to prove one's worth. Jordanna discusses the value of "slowing down the train" to allow for more organic, sustainable growth within an organization.
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Your Hosts
- Matt Wilfrid, Consultant & Executive Producer of Podcasting at Go Camp Pro
- Jordanna Grossinger, Director - Camp Robin Hood
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Our free Resilient Camp Blueprint diagnostic is available at: https://camp.mba/travis