CODACON25

The staffing landscape has shifted dramatically since 2020, with the ability to effectively source and screen applicants, particularly domestic ones, becoming much more challenging than ever before. This session will aim to re-imagine the interview process, drawing from the perspectives of both camps and the staff members they’re hiring, while also examining how trends outside of the industry might be useful for camps to explore and implement. We need to re-establish the importance of interviewing as a screening tool — not as an opportunity for people to try and “sell” staff on why they should come to camp just to get them in the door. We’ll examine the Why, Who, & How we interview, what areas for improvement camps should consider, and what they can even implement right now.

As our beloved camp counselors graduate high school and head off to college, they increasingly prioritize professional experience and career development. Camps, in turn,face a growing retention challenge with these counselors. This interactive session will explore strategies to help camp directors bridge the gap between counselors’ interest in gaining career development experience alongside their love for camp. Starting with a personal story and a spotlight on Sage Corps’ Start! program—a potential solution that offers professional experience for college students outside of June to August—we’ll dive into collaborative brainstorming and actionable ideas for counselor retention strategies centered around professional career development. We hope participants leave the session with fresh ideas, proven strategies, and a renewed commitment to retaining their best counselors while supporting their professional growth.

In this engaging breakout session, Cory shares the compelling story of how Camp Greenville faced the unprecedented challenges of a devastating hurricane. From navigating the immediate aftermath to working through FEMA and insurance processes, Cory will offer a transparent look at the complexities of disaster recovery for a camp operation.

Attendees will gain valuable insights into crisis management, stakeholder communication, and long-term planning for rebuilding and renewal. Through photos and first-hand accounts, Cory will highlight lessons learned, strategies that worked, and the moments that defined resilience in the face of adversity. Additionally, he will candidly discuss what he might have done differently in hindsight, offering practical takeaways for camp owners and directors to strengthen their own emergency preparedness plans.

Join this session to learn how Camp Greenville turned a storm into an opportunity for growth and reflection, ensuring the camp’s mission and community impact continue stronger than ever.

To stay at the forefront of camping, owners must seek out learning beyond camping. Discover how insights from retail, fine dining, the military, strategy consulting, and big tech can revolutionize your summer camp. Learn how the best-in-the-business manage resources, create memorable experiences, build effective routines, identify valuable opportunities, and streamline operations. This session’s real-world examples will provide you with actionable strategies to improve your camp’s business efficiency and camper impact.