Five Things Every Camp Board Should Do About AI (Before It's Too Late)
New technology like Artificial Intelligence (AI) isn't just for big corporations anymore. It's already sneaking into summer camps — through marketing tools, parent communications, scheduling software, and even fundraising platforms. The question isn't "Should we use AI?" It's "How do we use it wisely?"
If your board wants to protect your campers, mission, and reputation, here are five simple steps to get ahead of the curve.
How Summer Camp Boards Can Lead Safely and Smartly in the Age of AI
1. Learn a Little About AI
Why: You can't lead if you don't understand the basics. AI can be an amazing tool — but it can also create real risks if no one knows how it works (or doesn't).
What: Build your board's AI literacy. You don't need to become tech experts. You just need enough knowledge to ask smart questions and spot potential issues.
How:
Invite a guest speaker to a board meeting for a 20-minute "AI 101 for Camps" session.
Share an easy explainer video or podcast episode before your next meeting.
Assign one board member to be your "tech scout" — gathering simple updates to share quarterly.
Pro Tip: Start with "What AI can and can't do" — it stops a lot of myths before they spread.
2. Encourage Camp Leaders to Learn, Too
Why: Your Executive Director and key staff need to be just as aware — because they'll be the ones choosing and using these tools.
What: Make AI learning part of your leadership development strategy.
How:
Offer to fund a webinar, online course, or conference session about AI in nonprofits.
Set a goal: "Each leadership team member completes one AI training in the next year."
During Executive Director evaluations, ask: "How are we staying smart about new tech?"
Pro Tip: Choose resources that focus on safe and ethical use of AI, not just shiny tools.
3. Add Some Tech Skills to the Board
Why: A little tech know-how on the board goes a long way. Even one "translator" can help the rest of the board make better decisions.
What: Recruit future board members who are comfortable around technology — not just finance and law.
How:
Update your board matrix: add "technology literacy" as a skill you're looking for.
Reach out to volunteers or alumni who work in IT, marketing, education, healthcare — lots of fields now use AI tools daily.
Don't worry about finding an "AI expert." Look for someone who's curious, practical, and willing to ask good questions.
Pro Tip: Pair your tech-savvy board member with your fundraising or finance teams — that's where AI risks often pop up first.
4. Create a Plan for Tech Decisions
Why: Waiting until there's a problem is too late. You need guardrails before new tech shows up.
What: Add AI and technology use to your Risk Management checklist.
How:
Assign technology oversight to your Risk, Finance, or Governance Committee.
Draft a simple "Technology Use Policy" — start with camper privacy and public communications.
Review all new software purchases through a "privacy and mission impact" lens.
Pro Tip: You don't need a fancy document. One page of clear "Do's and Don'ts" is a great start.
Sidebar Resource Box: Quick Questions for Evaluating New Tech
Before you say "yes" to a new tool, ask these questions:
Does this tool align with our camp's mission and values?
Will it make campers safer, more connected, or more empowered?
Does it protect camper and family privacy?
Could it create bias, confusion, or harm unintentionally?
Do families and staff trust this kind of technology?
Who is responsible for monitoring its use and outcomes?
What’s our backup plan if the tool fails or causes problems?
Small questions now prevent big headaches later.
5. Think Big Picture as AI Grows
Why: Even if your camp isn't using AI much now, it's coming fast. Small choices today can protect your camp tomorrow.
What: Treat AI as part of your camp's strategic vision, not just an "operations" issue.
How:
Dedicate 10 minutes a year at a board meeting to a "Tech Check-In."
Use a simple checklist: "Does this tool protect campers? Build trust with families? Match our mission?"
Review major risks annually — not just financial and legal risks, but also technology risks.
Pro Tip: Remind the board that tech decisions should always be about strengthening camper experience, not chasing shiny objects.
Bottom Line:
You don't need to be tech wizards. You do need to be smart stewards.
Good boards stay curious, ask smart questions, and set clear expectations. Great boards make sure new tools like AI serve the mission, not distract from it.
✨ Want a sample "Technology Use Policy" template or a "Board AI Literacy Checklist"? Drop me a note. I'd be happy to share.
Note from Travis: if you get emails from me, you know that I write at the bottom of my emails - "AI assisted in a lot of this writing". I have found that the ability to use AI for research and creative writing assistance has helped me actually produce more work and at a time when Camp Directors are overworked and overwhelmed, I want to get as much helpful information out there as possible. So I have learned to accept that I can do more valuable work when I take advantage of the AI tools available to me.
tl;dr: AI helped me write this.
