Why Do I Have to Tell You? - Camp Code #173
Moving Beyond the "Answer Key": Cultivating Staff Initiative
In the high-stakes environment of summer camp, directors often find themselves asking, "Why do I have to tell you to do that?" This frustration usually stems from a belief that staff either lack initiative or simply don’t care. However, as explored in this episode of Camp Code, the real issue is often that we haven’t treated initiative as a teachable skill. By reframing initiative not as an inherent personality trait but as a competency that can be developed, leadership teams can move away from "announcing" expectations in a slideshow and toward "teaching" them through intentional practice.
To bridge this gap, the episode introduces a four-step framework: Notice, Think, Act, and Communicate. Teaching staff to "Notice" involves developing "camp radar" to see what is out of place or who is struggling. "Thinking" requires developing the judgment to ask, "Is this mine to solve?" "Acting" involves empowering staff to take small, immediate steps without waiting for permission, while "Communicating" ensures that initiative doesn’t lead to chaos by keeping supervisors in the loop. By breaking initiative down into these steps, directors can provide staff with the tools to transition from passive bystanders to active problem-solvers.
Furthermore, directors must be mindful of how they respond to staff efforts. If every attempt at initiative is met with a correction because it wasn’t done "the director’s way," staff will quickly become passive to avoid making mistakes. Creating a culture that allows for "imperfect initiative" is essential for growth. When staff feel safe to exercise judgment—knowing the boundaries between what they can handle (green light), what requires assistance (yellow light), and what requires immediate escalation (red light)—they become the capable leaders campers need.
Best Practice for Leadership Training
From Beth,
The key takeaway for camp leaders is to resist the urge to be the "Answer Key" for every staff member’s problem. To build independent thinkers, directors should implement a simple language shift. The next time a staff member approaches you with a problem, instead of providing the solution, ask: "What do you think we should do?" or "What have you tried already?"
If they are unsure, use the opportunity to teach the boundaries of their authority rather than just giving an instruction. This challenge moves the needle from accountability-only conversations to developmental ones.
Your Hosts:
Beth Allison, Camp Consultant - Go Camp Pro
Gabrielle Raill, Camp Director - Camp Ouareau
Thanks to our sponsor…
Imagine 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.
Well 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.