If you haven’t engaged last summer’s staff in this off-season, you should read this!

Here is an awesome blog from Dr. Chris Thurber which is really relevant this time of year…enjoy!

Pull In; Push Out

Igniting Your Ambassadors

If you pulled your staff into a cohesive group this past summer, then they’ve embraced your mission. That’s something to be proud of. Random friendships abound at average camps, but the exceptional camps yield staff who would defend the camp with their lives; who claim their blood is the color of camp; who preach their willingness to spread the good word about the experience. You think to yourself: What fantastic marketing…and how wonderful it is that I’m not alone in living this vision! But do you coach your staff on how to be good ambassadors? Here’s how.

First, remind them that they represent camp every day of the off-season. If they’re wearing a camp sweatshirt while taking a selfie doing a keg stand, that’s a problem. Sadly, it’s a problem many staff don’t realize until a group of parents has already texted it around and called you on the phone. Camp gear is awesome; so is the way it amplifies good and bad behavior when your staff are wearing it.

Second, send them some mission-related literature. Perhaps something a staff member wrote this summer will inspire everyone. Perhaps a glowing evaluation from a parent will remind everyone why they work at camp. Perhaps a free subscription to Camp Business will further professionalize their attitudes and behaviors. The point is: Send them something cool to read. (By the way, all of my previous blogs and articles can be downloaded for free from CampSpirit.com. I’m just sayin’ J )

Third, enlist their help organizing local camp events. When you do home visits, camp fairs, or regional alumni gatherings, it’s important to invite local staff or recent alums so that they can infuse the event with youthful exuberance. Your including them also adds importance to their job and renews their sense of commitment to the organization.

Fourth, tap your staff talents for videography, podcasting, and graphic design to give your promotional materials, yearbook, or even your website a bit of a facelift. Or simply ask some of your staff to write content for some of these outlets. You’d be surprised at how insightful and sincere your most loyal staff are. Let go a bit and allow them to be the voice of camp from time to time.

Fifth, incentivize certifications. Now is the time to communicate to your staff that a lifeguarding certification is not only something camp will pay for, it’s also something camp will reward by adding $100 to their summer contract. Too many camp directors wait to remind staff about certs until the spring. Courses like Wilderness First Responder, Lifeguarding, Water Safety Instructor, and even CPR take some time to schedule when you’re a busy student. Jump on that now.

Your investment in your staff not only strengthens their hard and soft skills, it also makes them skilled spokespeople. Too often, we load training at the front of the season and forget about the long-tail success strategies that strengthen our programs in the months the follow closing day. This fall, push out your message and marketing with intentional ambassador instruction. It’s one of the best ways to pull in new campers.

Welcome to the first Monthly Blog Post I will be writing for ExpertOnlineTraining. In addition to these blog posts, I will frequently be posting interesting articles and research from ExpertOnlineTraining Faculty.

So…here we go!

Are You Mapped for Success?

I was at a camp conference in San Diego a few months ago at a beautiful resort. I looked at this resort before arriving and while it seemed quirky, the pictures portrayed it as a stunning place on the water and not a bad place to spend a few days.

When I got to this property, the experience didn’t live up to the website or my expectations. I checked in and was handed a map of the property with no real further explanation. It is rare that I go to any hotel (I attend 12 conferences a year and travel for fun as much as possible) and get handed a map and sent on my way. This was odd and only got odder as the day went on. First, I couldn’t find my room at all (it wasn’t my map reading skills despite what my wife says) and I wasn’t the only one. I saw several other guests walking around like zombies with luggage, maps in hand and trying to figure out the complicated numbering system of this gorgeous resort.

Then, the kicker came in an unexpected conversation. After finally finding my little bungalow, I freshened up and left the room to head back to the lobby to meet up with some of my camp conference buddies. As I began to walk (sans map), I quickly realized I was completely lost in the lush jungle and the maze of roadways of the resort. And then, as if a mirage in the desert, I saw a staff member and thought I’d been saved. That staff member’s response to my request for directions to the LOBBY of the hotel HE WORKED AT, “It’s really complicated and I am not quite sure, just keep walking and you’ll get there eventually”. Yes, the perfect answer! Thanks, buddy.

What does this mean in terms of camp? Well, think about that first time parent who shows up for a tour on Visiting Day. Think about the first time camper who shows up for the first day of camp. What are you doing to teach your staff how to lead the way without a map? While I did eventually reach the lobby, I couldn’t help but keep thinking about how this ordeal made me feel as a customer. It also became a topic of discussion at the conference as many other attendees felt let down in the same way.

As you begin to structure your Staff Training, it is worth considering spending time on the concepts of Customer Service which may seem strange in a camp setting. Your staff may ask, “Aren’t we here to swim, play GaGa and make sure the kids are having fun?” While these are certainly cores to a successful summer, how we make our families feel welcome at every step of the way may be equally as important. It is all about the details and making sure ALL staff members, from top to bottom, are equipped with the tools they need to be the map instead of just handing one out!

Until next month, you can always email me at [email protected] with any staff training questions!

Want to read more about customer service? Here is a book I highly recommend: Unleashing Excellence: The Complete Guide to Ultimate Customer Service by Dennis Snow.

This month I had the opportunity to participate in one of my favorite activities as a school psychologist: working with my fifth grade student leaders to turn-key important school wide messages to our younger students. Specifically, fifth grade students partnered with me to teach “ways to achieve happiness” to fourth grade students.

The three elements we focused on were 1) bucket filling, 2) developing a positive and growth mindset, and 3) engaging in activities that make us happy.

1.      Bucket Filling – First, we discussed bucket filling, a concept originated by Carol McCloud. We discussed the importance of being a community of “bucket fillers” and not “bucket dippers.” The fifth graders demonstrated for the fourth graders, how you can use your own lid for your own protection by not overreacting. You can also use your lid to protect others, when someone tries to dip into another person’s bucket.

2.      Positive Mindset and Growth Mindset – The fifth graders also led a discussion about how you can’t always change a situation, but you can always change your thinking about it in a positive way. Furthermore, we discussed growth mindset, a concept developed by Dr. Carol Dweck. Specifically, the students learned that their brain can “grow.” They learned that when they work hard and challenge themselves, their brains get stronger and smarter. They learned to see the word F.A.I.L as a “first attempt in learning,” and that mistakes can be their friends.

3.      Activities that Lead to True Happiness – Lastly, the fourth graders participated in an activity that spread joy and smiles throughout our building. The students were asked to pick one adult from our school and to let that person know how he/she positively touched their lives. For example, the students wrote notes to their teachers, the lady who makes them sandwiches, bus drivers, and the principal (people who don’t always get to hear positive feedback from students). It was rewarding for me to hand deliver these notes to the recipients and to see the students’ notes hanging proudly in the recipients’ work area.
Being part of this work made me feel proud of working at Harrison. Even writing this article brought a smile to my face. We should all take a moment to let the people who have touched our lives know how important they are for us. Let’s maintain this chain of good feelings even after Valentine’s Day has passed by filling someone’s bucket today and every day.

Wishing you a Happy Valentine’s Day.

Please check out my website at Drbaruchfeldman.com for additional blogs, articles, and presentations. Follow me on twitter: Caren Feldman@carenfeldman.

Asking a child to leave camp has never been an easy task. Every year it seems like a family’s expectations of what a summer camp can provide grows. Families need more support than ever. At the same time, parents trust of educators and care providers has shifted dramatically in the past decade. Parents are skeptical of any criticism about their child. Now it seems like when it comes to kicking someone out of camp, we’re doing it all wrong. Come learn how to talk to families about this sensitive topic, navigate conversation traps, and provide the best care for all campers.

“Hello.” It is such a simple word, yet so powerful. I recently experienced the power of “hello” while at Lake George. If anyone has ever been to Lake George, it is all about the lake and boating. I grew up on the water and have warm memories of boating with my family. For those of you who are less familiar with boating etiquette, it is boating protocol to say, “hello.” For little kids, adults, people on big boats, or small boats – when you see another boat or a person on land you say, “hello”, and give a big wave. The question is why? When you are in a car and you stop at a light you don’t say, “hello” to the other motorist or passengers. In fact, it is often the opposite. In a car, people would be put off by a “hello” and the only hand gestures I have seen motorists use have not been very pleasant. So my question to you is – is it the fun of boating that makes everyone so friendly, or does friendly make boating so much fun? I think it is a little bit of both. Boating is fun, which puts us in a good mood, and being in a good mood makes us friendly and happy.

Although summer vacation is over, here are three easy ways to keep the warmth and good feelings of summer alive, year round.

1. Smile and say, “Hello”

Smiling is contagious. The underlying, neurological reason for this reaction is that we all have mirror neurons. Mirror neurons mirror back the emotions of others. Therefore, when we are in the presence of smiling people, we feel happy (boat people). The converse is also true. When we are surrounded by irate and impatient people (often motorists), we mirror that emotional energy as well. So how can we use mirror neurons to our advantage? We can smile. At school, I smile and say, “hi” to all. I have trained the kids so that when they see me, they smile too and say “hello.” The exchange of smiles and hellos starts our days off on the right foot. It’s so easy and costs nothing, so if you want to improve your mood, the mood of your family or the larger community, say, “hello” with a big smile.

2. Be Bucket Fillers, not Bucket Dippers, and Use Your Lid At the school that I work, we have made a commitment to be bucket fillers. You can fill a bucket by acts of kindness to yourself and others. When you fill a bucket, you and the other person feel good. When you dip into someone else’s bucket, you dip into your own. Lastly, protect your own bucket and the bucket of others by putting a lid on it. When we fill others’ buckets (by being kind), we not only bring joy to them, but also reward ourselves. It nurtures us and makes us feel good.

3. Focus on the positive

Human beings have a tendency to focus on the negative. This negative focus may have helped us in our caveman days to ward off saber-tooth tigers, but can be detrimental in our current lives. It is important to proactively change our focus and search for the wins rather than the losses. If we focus on the negative, this negative focus will become prominent in our lives, and without meaning to, it will change our moods and attitudes. Conversely, if we focus on the smiles, the laughs, and what we are accomplishing, we will feel happier and more fulfilled.

So my challenge to you is even though the summer is fading, let’s create the same cheer and warmth year round. Whether young or old, big, or small, make sure you give a warm greeting, be a bucket filler, not a bucket dipper, and always try to focus on the positive.

Wishing everyone a terrific beginning of the school year, one filled with joy and happiness. I promise you that when you see me I will be saying, “hi” and waving to you as if we were passing each other in boats.

This blog was originally published by Dr. Caren Baruch-Feldman on her web site drbaruchfeldman.com

“I Don’t Want To!” Getting a Child to Join In

Perhaps the biggest challenge faced by staff in any type of program is getting a child to participate when that child has decided against it. Just showing up isn’t enough, of course. The purpose and impact of your program can’t be felt by a child who insists on sitting on the side for a game, lesson or activity. Even worse, that “not me” attitude can be contagious, leaving a staff member suddenly facing half a dozen kids determined to sit out.

This video below outlines five different strategies for engaging a child who doesn’t want to try. Each of the strategies focuses on a different motivational technique. All, however, have one important commonality. The better you know that camper, the faster you’ll be able to work together to make this activity or experience more appealing. Laying the groundwork from the first moments of your relationship will make you the staff person that can connect with this child. That connection will help you understand why she is resisting, and what might help him to get involved today.

If you’re struggling with a particular student or camper right now, watch this with that situation in mind. Ask yourself what you’ve already learned about this child, and which method you believe will work best today.

Deborah Gilboa, MD  “Dr. G” 

Respected parenting and youth development expert, Deborah Gilboa, MD, is the founder of AskDoctorG.com. Dr. G’s passion for raising kids with character makes her a popular family physician, media personality, author, and enthusiastic speaker. A parent of four sons under 14, she inspires parents with stories and actionable tools to develop crucial life skills in children ages 2-22.

A lifelong camper, Dr. G continues the tradition with her own sons while volunteering as on-site camp doctor each year.  She loves the camp culture, and of course, the s’mores!

My Three Favorite Things to Do with a 3×5 Index Card

This time of year, I use a lot of 3×5 index cards to prop up the legs on LCD projectors. In the past, I’ve used them to shim stair treads, prop doors open, jot to-do lists and outline articles. The humble cardstock rectangle can also serve some powerful educational functions, three of which I’d like to share with you.

#3 The Bunk Nametag

The infamous Name Game has many variations, all designed to increase familiarity among campers and staff. Most staff work hard to memorize their campers’ names, hometown and personal detail. These get-to-know-you practices are a great way to help kids feel comfortable and at home.

However, the children themselves are less motivated to learn names and deets. Most of them want to, but their mnemonic strategies are typically unsophisticated and they become embarrassed asking one other, “Tell me you name again.” For staff, it’s our job. But for campers, they simply revert to “Hey, kid!” to get one another’s attention.

Having grown weary of the impersonal “Hey, kid!” imperative and wanting groups to feel more like families, I initiated the camp-wide practice of having campers block print their first name, home town, year at camp and favorite movie on a 3×5 index card. Each cabin has a stack of cards, a box of washable markers and little bag of push pins. Campers complete their cards as soon as they move in to the cabin and quickly learn each other’s names.

The ever-versatile Index Card. Used wisely, it can build a sense of belonging, cure homesickness, and keep you grounded. Who knew?

A customized, hand-made name tag also serves to personalize one’s space and cabin leaders set a good example by posting one as well. It’s a great way to increase feelings of belongingness and familiarity. Day camps can mimic the practice, except the 3×5 cards get attached with tape or poster tack to children’s lockers or cubbies. Say goodbye to the days of sheepishly asking—or simply not asking—people to repeat their name.

#2 The Adjustment Calendar

All people missing something about home when they are away. The added challenges for young people include: little previous experience away from home, underdeveloped coping strategies and an inability to make an abstract concept, such as time, concrete.

To diminish the potency of these risk factors—and therefore the intensity of homesickness—I am always reminding parents to arrange practice time away from home before opening day. I also spend a good amount of time teaching staff how to coach campers on the most effective coping strategies. However, it’s the staff themselves who must help youngsters keep time in perspective.

To help a young homesick camper keep time in perspective, I’m fond of pulling out a 3×5 index card and making a grid that represents the days of their stay at camp. Each row of seven boxes represents a week; each column a different day.

I anchor this homemade calendar with opening day and closing day and then landmark it with upcoming special events, opportunities to do their favorite activities and other experiences to look forward to. I then reiterate how lucky they are to have the opportunity to attend camp and give them the card to begin crossing off days. The homesickness-reducing effect of concretizing time is almost magical.

#1 The Humility Reminder

Someone once asked Mary Pipher, the author of Reviving Ophelia, the secret to a long, happy marriage. She replied that she’d learned nuptial longevity from her mother, who had been married to her father for more than 50 years.

“I was having coffee with my mom one morning,” Pipher recounted when I met her. “After a soothing silence, I remembered that the following week was my parents’ 50^th anniversary. ‘Mom,’ I asked, ‘how have you and dad stayed married for so long?’” As Pipher tells the story, her mother didn’t hesitate before replying. “Easy,” her mother replied. “You need humility. As soon as you think you’re better than your spouse, the marriage is doomed.”

Pipher’s mother continued. “And so, when I get up in the morning, I go into the bathroom, look in the mirror, and read the 3×5 index card that I have tucked in the corner of the frame. It says, You’re no prize either.”

Pipher’s mother’s observation is brilliant because it reconnected her to her humanity, including her flaws. Wise readers might consider following her lead or writing something else on a 3×5 card that keeps goals in focus and arrogance in check.

Your thoughts? Please post your own favorite uses for a 3×5 index card by replying to this post. Check back in a few days to see what others have written as well.

Many camps will be holding New Camper Family Orientation in the next few weeks.  Here are some timely tips from Dr. Chris Thurber to make this event the best one ever.

The camp season is almost upon us.  Thousands of campers will be leaving home and saying good-bye to their family and friends.  Listen to Dr. Chris Thurber’s thoughts on letter writing that is relevant to both residential and day camps.