The Resilience Report Impact, with Kendra Perkins & Amanda Palmer - CampHacker #226

Analyzing Hard Numbers and Camp Realities

Join Travis, Chris, Kendra Perkins, and Amanda Palmer as they dissect the initial findings from the Resilient Camp Blueprint Diagnostic. This episode explores the stark reality of how modern camps are operating, from the "all-or-nothing" nature of psychological safety to the industry's massive blind spot regarding AI and tech adoption. The team moves beyond simply identifying problems to offer tangible frameworks that help directors reclaim their time and build a camp that can survive (and thrive) even when the director isn't in the room.

Key takeaways include:

• The Psychological Safety Polarization: New data reveals a "bimodal" distribution in the industry. Camps either have high levels of staff trust or almost none, with very little middle ground. This suggests that psychological safety is a culture that must be built intentionally or it simply won't exist.

• The Director Trap: Many camps are dangerously dependent on a single person’s energy and knowledge. Transitioning from a "person-dependent" to a "system-dependent" model is the only way to prevent leadership burnout and ensure long-term operational resilience.

• The Parent Relationship Reframe: While many directors find parent communication draining, the team argues it is the primary relationship of the job. Systematizing family knowledge and feedback loops is essential for raising the bar on camper care and retention.

• Tools for Decision Fatigue: Empowering staff requires concrete tools. Frameworks like the Forest Test (Safe? Builds self-esteem? Stewardship? Servant leadership?) allow staff to make high-level decisions without constant oversight.

Tool of the Week - Make Yourself a Better Camp Director

• Travis - Lean Learning, by Pat Flynn

• Chris - Humankind: A Hopeful History, by Rutger Bregman

• Kendra Perkins - RICE Prioritization Method

• Amanda Palmer - Instacart

Your Hosts

• Travis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp Pro. Contact Email.

• Chris Hudson, Camp Consultant - Planet Chris Consulting. Contact Email

• Kendra Perkins, Camp Consultant - Innovative Camp Company.

• Amanda Palmer, Camp Consultant - Amanda C. Palmer Consulting. Contact Email.

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