Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/ownerspod/first-90-steve

As we close out another season of The Camp Owners Podcast, we stick with tradition and try to provide some staff training inspiration to launch all of you into another happy, healthy and successful camp summer.

Today, we have Steve Maguire, who many of us have seen at camp conferences, have had at our camps and above all, someone who has provided incredibly helpful insight into working with our staff, assessing and improving our operations and generally providing very fresh perspectives on how to make camp better for everyone. He also does it with unmatched energy which we hope to harness today!

Highlights:

• 04:55 Steve Maguire's Journey into the Camp World
• 22:20 The Power of Movement in Training
• 24:37 The Importance of First Impressions
• 30:49 Setting Expectations and Addressing Early Issues
• 31:46 The Importance of Immediate Action
• 34:23 Overhiring and Staff Management Strategies
• 37:14 Cultural and Behavioral Observations
• 53:46 Personal Reflections and Professional Balance
• 56:20 Rapid Fire Questions and Closing Remarks

-

• Howie Grossinger - Co-owner/Director - Camp Robin Hood, Partner - Camp Walden & Madawaska Camps
• Kelly Schuna - Owner - Hidden Pines Ranch
• Steve Maguire, Speaker, Trainer, Teacher and more - Go Turnstone

-

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

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

Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/ownerspod/intentional-camp-brandwein

What's the secret to running a camp that truly changes lives? Michael Brandwein joins Howie Grossinger and Kelly Schuna to answer that question, sharing wisdom from his new book, "The Intentional Camp." This isn't just another conversation about fun and games; it's a deep dive into how camp owners can be incredibly intentional about developing character qualities in their campers. Brandwein challenges the "camp is magic" idea and offers concrete steps to make every activity—yes, even tie-dye!—a tool for growth. You'll hear practical tips for staff training, marketing your camp's purpose, and creating a camp culture where everyone understands the "why" behind what they do. Prepare to be inspired to make your camp more than just a summer experience, but a place where young people become their best selves.

Highlights:

• 07:37 The Intentional Camp: Book Introduction
• 11:11 The Magic of Camp and Intentionality
• 14:06 Implementing Intentional Practices at Camp
• 17:10 Engaging Staff and Leadership
• 28:28 Purposeful Picking and Training Techniques
• 39:07 Communicating Camp Values in Interviews
• 41:03 Pre-Camp Preparation and Partnering
• 44:51 Building Connections Among Staff
• 57:05 Marketing Your Camp's Unique Value
• 01:05:00 Rapid Fire Questions with Michael Brandwein

-

Find them at: https://gocamp.pro/ownerspod/intentional-camp-brandwein

-

• Howie Grossinger - Co-owner/Director - Camp Robin Hood, Partner - Camp Walden & Madawaska Camps
• Kelly Schuna - Owner - Hidden Pines Ranch
• Michael Brandwein, Speaker, Trainer and Author - https://www.michaelbrandwein.com

-

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

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

Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/ownerspod/camp-corporate

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

-

Links from this episode at: https://gocamp.pro/ownerspod/camp-corporate

-

• Howie Grossinger - Co-owner/Director - Camp Robin Hood, Partner - Camp Walden & Madawaska Camps
• Kelly Schuna - Owner - Hidden Pines Ranch
• Mario Del Cueto, Camp Director - Mountain Camp Marin

-

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

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