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Find full show notes and links at: https://www.gocamp.pro/campcode/howtoaskforhelp

In this episode of Camp Code, Beth and Gabrielle sit down with Kelly Schuna to unpack why asking for help has become such a critical leadership skill for camp staff. They explore the mix of pressures keeping people quiet—fear of looking incapable, low trust, and a generation used to solving problems through phones or having adults step in automatically. The point they keep returning to is that hesitation to ask isn’t stubbornness; it’s vulnerability and lack of practice, and camp culture has to respond to that intentionally.

From there, they zoom out to what camps can do: leaders must model asking for help themselves, make it explicitly expected from day one, and build simple routines that invite questions before problems snowball. Whether it’s regular check-ins, clear frameworks for how to speak up, or structured moments like office hours and “parking lot” notes, the goal is the same—normalize support-seeking as smart, team-centered leadership. At camp, no one should have to figure it out alone.

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From Kelly,

One thing I implemented this past summer was office hours. I’ve noticed that staff often don’t know when to ask for help, or they hold back because they don’t want to interrupt or feel like a burden. Having a predictable time when they know they can find me makes that step easier. At my day camp, I used the walk back from Final Circle toward the center of camp as a natural moment for staff to connect with me, whether they needed support, had a question, or just wanted to share something that went well.

Another idea I tried was a parking lot system. I set out a clipboard in a central camp space where staff could leave notes for me when something wasn’t urgent but was still on their mind. It gave them a low-pressure way to flag questions or concerns they didn’t want to forget, and it helped surface small issues early before they had a chance to linger or grow. Between office hours and the parking lot, staff had more than one clear, simple path to reach out.

• Kelly Schuna, Owner and Executive at Hidden Pines Ranch

• Beth Allison, Camp Consultant - Go Camp Pro
• Gabrielle Raill, Camp Director - Camp Ouareau

UltraCamp

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.

Measure twice! Take your free Resilient Camp Blueprint Diagnostic at https://camp.mba/travis.

Stop flying blind: Take your free Resilient Camp Blueprint Diagnostic at https://camp.mba/travis.

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!

Find full show notes and links at: https://www.gocamp.pro/campcode/navigatingdifficultconversations2025

Let’s face it—having tough conversations with staff who aren’t meeting expectations can feel downright uncomfortable. At camp, where relationships and community are everything, addressing performance issues can seem at odds with the culture of care and belonging we work so hard to build. Too often, directors and leadership staff hesitate to give feedback because they fear defensiveness, gossip, or escalation. But avoiding those conversations can quietly erode team trust and weaken your camp culture.

In this episode of Camp Code, Beth and Gabrielle sit down with HR consultant and lifelong camp enthusiast Diane Slater to explore how camp leaders can give clear, compassionate feedback that supports accountability without sacrificing empathy. Drawing on her extensive experience in human resources and her deep love of camp, Diane shares practical frameworks for how to approach difficult discussions, how to handle tears, anger, and denial, and how to prevent frustration from festering across your team.

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From Diane,

Sometimes, despite coaching and multiple chances, a staff member doesn’t change. When you and your leadership team no longer believe improvement will happen, it’s time to part ways. Think of it like baseball: after three solid attempts, if behavior hasn’t changed, they’re out. Keeping someone who ignores feedback signals that the behavior is acceptable, invites others to copy it, and slowly poisons your culture.

The exit itself can be clear and respectful because you’ve already documented expectations and tried to help. You can say, “Unfortunately, today will be your last day with our camp—the behavior hasn’t changed and it’s not working.” It’s hard, but you’ll often hear relief from others afterward; leaders rarely see the full iceberg until stories surface once action is taken. When you’ve set expectations in writing and offered real coaching, ending employment can be the healthiest choice for the team and the campers you serve.

• Diane Slater, Camp HR Consultant

• Beth Allison, Camp Consultant - Go Camp Pro
• Gabrielle Raill, Camp Director - Camp Ouareau

UltraCamp

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.

Measure twice! Take your free Resilient Camp Blueprint Diagnostic at https://camp.mba/travis.

Stop flying blind: Take your free Resilient Camp Blueprint Diagnostic at https://camp.mba/travis.

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!

Find full show notes and links at: https://www.gocamp.pro/campcode/phonedownleadingpresence

In the latest episode of Camp Code, the hosts tackle a growing challenge for camp directors: managing cell phone use while fostering an unplugged, connected camp culture. They explore how to shift from enforcing strict no-phone rules to celebrating off-phone time as part of what makes camp special. Through creative ideas like “disconnect to reconnect” challenges, mindful moments, and intentional “third spaces” for connection, the hosts show how camps can replace digital distractions with meaningful, real-world engagement.

Beth and Gabz offers practical strategies for integrating technology thoughtfully, such as clear expectations, designated camp phones, and staff training to understand and address phone addiction. By approaching phone use with empathy and structure, camp leaders can create environments where presence and connection thrive—proving that true leadership begins when we put the phone down and show up for each other.

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From Gabz,

This summer, I learned a powerful leadership lesson from one of my team members who showed up to camp with a flip phone. She’d intentionally swapped her smartphone for something simpler—no social media, no endless scrolling, just the essentials. Watching her made me realize how much of our phone use isn’t about communication, but about distraction. It inspired me to consider using a flip phone myself next season, not as a step backward, but as a way to model intentional leadership. By choosing presence over convenience, we can show our teams that leading well sometimes starts with putting limits on ourselves.

• Beth Allison, Camp Consultant - Go Camp Pro
• Gabrielle Raill, Camp Director - Camp Ouareau

UltraCamp

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.

Measure twice! Take your free Resilient Camp Blueprint Diagnostic at https://camp.mba/travis.

Stop flying blind: Take your free Resilient Camp Blueprint Diagnostic at https://camp.mba/travis.