Lessons for Camp from the Corporate World - with Mario Del Cueto - The Camp Owners Podcast #65

Written By Matt Wilfrid

Bridging Corporate Strategies with Camp Excellence

In this episode of the Camp Owners Podcast, guest Mario Del Cueto from Mountain Camp Marin shares valuable strategies from his corporate experience that he integrates into camp management. From improving team communication, enhancing interviews, and capturing valuable performance data to solving problems and getting feedback from parents, campers, and staff, Mario provides actionable insights. He also dives into innovative onboarding practices, leveraging the 80-20 rule, and abundant recognition systems. Listen for practical tips on how to apply these learnings to elevate your camp operations. Join hosts Howie Grossinger and Kelly Schuna as they explore these themes in depth with Mario.

Highlights:

  • 03:46 Introducing Mario

  • 05:32 Mario's Journey from Corporate to Camp

  • 09:35 Corporate Best Practices for Camps

  • 10:37 The Importance of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

  • 14:01 Scoring and Evaluating Camp Staff

  • 26:21 Streamlining the Application Process

  • 37:18 Onboarding and Training Insights from the Corporate World

  • 39:51 Addressing Staff Struggles Early

  • 43:08 Creating a Culture of Feedback

  • 44:05 Empowering Staff with the Better Board

  • 45:40 Lessons from Business Books for Camps

  • 47:05 Stakeholder Input: Campers, Parents, and Staff

  • 50:15 Recognition and Rewards at Camp

  • 59:41 Applying the 80/20 Rule in Camp Management

  • 01:04:24 Answer-First Communication

  • 01:06:17 Rapid-fire Questions

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Links from this episode: Thanks, Mario!

  • SPARK Hire

  • Leadership Books: Made In America, Make Your Bed, Lords of Strategy 

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Your Hosts:

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Thanks to our sponsors:

CampBrain

Celebrating 30 years, CampBrain camp management software not only provides a great tool and caring support for your best ever workdays, but a delightful registration experience for parents. Discover what more than 1800 camps know and how you can love your software too, visit https://www.campbrain.com/ownerspod

Camptivities

Activity schedules are the backbone of every camper’s experience. If there’s a staffing change, it’s really hard to find a person that knows your camp and the nuance your schedule takes. Come check out Camptivities to learn more about our scheduling tools,  designed for camps by camp people. Find out more at camptivities.com

Matt Wilfrid https://gocamp.pro/matt
Next

Camp Director Insights - with Nick Teich - The Camp Owners Podcast #64