Season 2, Episode 27
Listen on Spotify | Apple Music
What if you didn't have to work the whole summer at camp? What if your staff could commit to the summer because they knew they'd get time off to squeeze in that family vacation, musical festival, reunion, etc. this summer?
On this episode Allison hosts a panel of camp pros made up of Carolyn Harari, Kyndra Luce and Cole Abdullah. All of their camps have one major staffing element in common: they don't make staff commit to the whole summer. The group covers how the manage to do this, why they know it works, and of course the challenges that come with it.
If you're looking for a successful twist in hiring, this pod is for you.
Producer EmJ's Takeaways:
- I like the idea of weekend hoppers or people who can come in to do short bursts to relieve long-term staff. I would like to get paid to help campers pack or help with check-out.
- Recently I've been on a big kick with the quote, "if you do not make time for your wellness, you will be forced to make time for your illness" and I think this applies. If you do not make time for your breaks, you will be forced to take the breaks. Having built-in extended time-off could do wonders for staff.
- Hearing about the concerns with staff training makes me think more about how to do online, pre-camp trainings for staff, especially if its the mandatory things. It could help them learn the policies and procedures in a space and in a time where they may learn best.
Want more think-tanks and problem solving?
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Our Guests
Carolyn Harari
Carolyn Harari, at age 10, won the all camp talent show with a performance of “Sk8ter Boi” by Avril Levigne. Carolyn believes batons are critical in relays and there is nothing better than packing for camp. She has experience with day camps, overnight camps, and even running a camp out of your house. Currently, Carolyn is the Associate Director at URJ Henry S Jacobs Camp. Carolyn’s background is in early childhood and teaching. When thinking about anything related to camp, she asks “how will this impact the kids?” She loves to dream big and turn those dreams into reality.
Kyndra Luce
Kyndra is the Owner/Director of Famous Adventures, an day camp in Charleston, SC, promoting kindness through outdoor adventure. She founded QT Camp, a 501c3 day camp affirming Queer and Trans youth in Charleston. Kyndra has a BS in Outdoor Education from Appalachian State University and an MEd in Recreation Administration from UGA. She has worked with kids of all ages and abilities in a variety outdoor programs and camps since 1998 (I believe TSCS called that "washed up" in a recent post, ha!)
Editors note: She also worked at the same camp as EmJ!
Cole Abdullah
Cole was born and raised in the Boondocks like Little Big Town and believes cheeseburgers are better in Paradise. He has been at Camp Immokalee as the Camp Director for a few years now. He loves matching his shoes to his hat and believes he could beat an alligator in a wrestling match (but not a crocodile). His favorite place to vacation is "anywhere with a lake" and his Giant's Ladder record is 3 minutes 49.3 seconds with Allison as his climbing partner.
Editors note: Cole was on vacation at the time of this being publish. EmJ had to improvise.
Episode Info
This episode is hosted by Allison Krabill.
The Summer Camp Society Podcast is edited and produced by EmJ Juszczyk.
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