Leading with Curiosity and the Courage to Slow Down - with Jordanna Grossinger - Intentionally Intentional Leaders

17 Dec

Leadership, Legacy, and the Magic of Day Camp with Jordanna Grossinger

Join Matt on Intentionally Intentional Leaders for a deep-dive conversation with Jordanna Grossinger, Director of Camp Robin Hood and a prominent voice in the summer camp industry. Through the unpredictable format of a 20-sided dice roll, Jordanna explores the intersection of childhood nostalgia - from Tamagotchis to Hit Clips - and the serious business of modern camp leadership.

The discussion centers on the evolution of staff support, moving beyond simple "time off" to a culture of active, hands-on mentorship. Jordanna shares her journey of slowing down her professional timeline, the importance of the "Kids in Camp" initiative, and why the most courageous act a leader can perform is letting go of the reins to let others shine.

Find out more about the Kids in Camp Fireside Gala here:

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/fireside-gala-the-ultimate-camp-reunion-tickets-1974523534043

Key Takeaways for Camp Professionals

The Power of Validation: Jordanna reflects on a pivotal childhood moment where a CIT validated her homesickness rather than trying to "fix" it. This underscores the importance of empathy over instruction when building trust with campers.
Support vs. Time Off: A major insight for day camp professionals: physical breaks or snacks are often less effective than active, on-the-job support. When supervisors step in to co-lead or cover a cabin, it reduces the pressure on staff to be "Level 10" at all times.
The "Bump It Up" Philosophy: To protect staff's mental and emotional health, Camp Robin Hood utilizes a "bumping it up" strategy. By normalizing the act of asking for help, they’ve turned "not having the answer" from a perceived failure into a celebrated team strength.
Curiosity Over Judgment: Using the "invisible backpack" metaphor, Jordanna explains why assuming people are fundamentally good leads to better leadership. Approaching a struggling staff member with curiosity about what they are "carrying" is more effective than reacting to their performance.
People Before Programs: When camp margins and missions compete, the North Star must always be the care and concern for people. Investing in inclusion and mental health is not just a moral choice, but a strategic one that ensures the long-term sustainability of the camp community.
Slowing the Timeline: For young and emerging professionals, there is often a rush to prove one's worth. Jordanna discusses the value of "slowing down" to allow for more organic, sustainable growth within an organization.