Ah, Summer, we are so happy that you are back here with us!

 This summer many of you are welcoming back campers and staff to camp for the first time since 2019. What an exciting time! This last year you’ve been presented with unique challenges that will forever change your camp program. As we lean into summer 2021, here are some tips that you can plan now to support your staff team through the whole camp season!

 1. High Quality Pre-Camp Training

A great summer begins with high-quality training. This concept probably isn't new to you. You have been working on staff training for the past several weeks and now it’s crunch time to make sure you get all of the last minute details complete for the arrival of your team members. Creating a training with relevant content will help your team members succeed as they perform their work this summer. Consider going beyond just a schedule and a general idea of topic in your planning and create lesson plans with specific measurable goals and objectives for each session of training. As you work through the content, measure your team’s understanding of the skills through quizzes and hands-on experiences.

2. Timely and Consistent Feedback

Create a culture of feedback and actually practice it! Timely and consistent feedback allows staff to make adjustments as they work through your expectations as a camp leader and amend to your camp culture. You should make intentional strides to give feedback every time that you can - from observations of team member teaching, or sharing feedback on how the person interacts with campers during transition periods. Consider creating a short form to document coaching and feedback tips that you can share with your team member immediately after observation. Make sure to keep a copy for yourself to document the team member’s progress through your consistent observations and feedback. These will give you valuable material to use as you touch base mid-season and at the end of summer when you conduct performance conversations. Whether your observation was great or needing improvement, the backbone of any meaningful feedback is to offer ways that the individual can improve their skills to create a better camp experience for all.

3. Adequate Down Time and Time Off

It’s no secret that summer camp is a high-intensity work environment with activities jammed packed throughout the day. Up early and to bed late can create a tired and disengaged team member. Create intentional down time throughout the day and help your team learn the value of their scheduled time off. A great way to give your team some extra time off during the day is to have your leadership team step in and lead an activity period and let your team member have that time for themselves. This not only gives your team a much needed break from their activity, but it also gives you some time to reconnect with your summer camp roots and lead activities that you love but rarely get a chance to do. Consider when scheduling your season to allow adequate time off between sessions and guest groups to maximize your ability to give downtime to your team.

4. Team Member Appreciation

Who doesn’t like being appreciated? Organize activities and small gifts to help build and keep your team member morale and job satisfaction high. The bonus is that any appreciation that you give your team members doesn't have to cost a lot of money. Snacks, ice pops, their favorite flavor of Gatorade, a handwritten note, or an end of summer gift are all great and cost-effective ways to show your staff that they matter beyond their paychecks. If your camp has more room in its budget, think about organizing an event for your staff on their time off such as a trip to a local restaurant, baseball game or an amusement park! Consider making an appreciation calendar to keep yourself organized and on schedule to provide your team with much-needed love and appreciation throughout your season.

5. Leading by Example

Remind yourself that supporting your staff team begins with you. You are the tone setter and the ultimate role model for your team.

Your intentionality to support your staff will make a world of difference in your program.

Setting your team up for success begins with you and these five easy action items give you a strong foundation in which you can successfully support your team members throughout this summer. 

Have a Great Summer and Happy Camping!