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Camp Code - Leadership & Staff Training Podcast for Camp DirectorsAuthor: Go Camp Pro & Beth Allison, Gabrielle Raill, Ruby Compton
Camp Code helps resilient camp leaders hire, keep, and train staff better. Each episode gives practical tips that solve real problems and build strong teams. Our hosts understand camp staff and share useful ideas that work in everyday camp life. Youll learn ways to make camps more welcoming, help staff feel confident, and prepare your team for anything. Find simple advice for recruiting, training, and supporting your camp staff from trusted experts. Listen to Camp Code and discover how to build a resilient camp staff where everyone feels like they belong and can grow. Featuring 3 of the top trainers in the summer camp industry: Beth Allison, Gabrielle Raill and Ruby Compton, Go Camp Pro is pleased to present Camp Code. Language: en Genres: Business, Education, How To, Management Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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Why Are They Struggling so Much - Camp Code #175
Episode 175
Monday, 2 November, 2026
Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!Find full show notes and links at: https://www.gocamp.pro/campcode/strugglingsomuchFrom Counselor to Leader: Navigating the TransitionEvery camp director knows the whiplash: A brilliant counselor who is amazing with kids and handles chaos effortlessly gets promoted to a leadership role—only to struggle a few weeks into the summer.As explored in this episode of Camp Code, being a great counselor and being ready to lead are two entirely different things. We often promote people based on past performance without preparing them for what needs to change.To bridge that gap, new leaders need to master a few critical shifts:From Peer to Supervisor: You don’t have to stop being friendly, but you do have to become intentional about holding standards. You can laugh with your team and still address a problem.Stopping "I'll Just Do It Myself": Instead of jumping in to fix everything (which exhausts you and stunts their growth), ask: "How can I help this person learn to handle it?"Kind + Clear + Supportive Feedback: Redefine feedback as neutral information, not a personal attack. Combine empathy with clear expectations and active support.Ultimately, a new title doesn't automatically create new leadership skills. By providing a safe space to reflect, pre-empting tough conversations with a trusted "chat it out" buddy, and balancing care, standards, and staff development, we can help great counselors evolve into confident leaders.Best Practice for Leadership TrainingFrom Gabz,During week two or three of camp, ask your young leaders to look at the returning staff on their teams and reflect on this question:"If you weren't in the room, would they still be as great as what you see them doing right now?"Asking this early helps catch the staff members who only perform when the boss is watching before they get blindsided by missed promotions at the end of the season. It gives you the window needed to offer respectful, actionable feedback and build a real bridge for their future growth.Your Hosts:Beth Allison, Camp Consultant - Go Camp ProGabrielle Raill, Camp Director - Camp OuareauThanks to our sponsor…UltraCampImagine camp registration software that actually gives you MORE time for what you love - CAMP! With UltraCamp, you can effortlessly track attendance, manage staff, streamline registration, and more. Explore now at ultracampmanagemnent.com/campcode.CamptivitiesWell prepared staff deserve an intentionally curated schedule. Camptivities cuts hours of building schedules, helps prevent staff burnout, and makes sure campers get the activities you promised. You can schedule more confidently, use your staff and resources more effectively, and create a camper experience families want to come back to. Check out Camptivities.com and get back outside with your campers.
