Four Ways to Be a More Effective Camp Director

​As director, the responsibility to provide a positive camp experience falls on you. Here are a few tips to create a better experience for all involved.
 
Be a Leader. Definitions for “leadership” vary. To David Casullo, it is the “collective action of everyone you influence.” To Jonas Falk, it is
​“inspir[ing] workers to achieve greatness each and every day.” To Forbes, being a leader entails practicing delegation, communication, enthusiasm, and accountability.

Figure out what being a leader means to you, and lead your organization to greatness.
  
Know Your Decision Making Style. According to social entrepreneur Jeff Shinabarger, there are seven decision making styles, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Knowing which style you most adhere to allows you to take proper advantage of your strengths while mitigating your weaknesses.
​This quiz can help you get started.

​Devote Time to Improvement. Don’t lose yourself in the minutia of everyday life. In any work environment, especially a camp, there is always something pressing to command your attention. Avoid the temptation. Every day, devote at least half an hour to something important and intentionally not immediate. Here are a few examples:
·       Review parents/camper/staff feedback
·       Research industry trends
·       Check active blogs for posts with valuable advice (The American Camp Association and Camp Network blogs are both valuable resources)
·       Adjust the interview and hiring process for next year
·       Read part of a book or article on child development, psychology, leadership styles, or other relevant topics
  
Embrace One-on-One Communication. Camps are inherently interactive. Campers chat face-to-face, not through text. They learn new skills from experience, not a book or YouTube tutorial. In this environment, it is important to lead your staff by example, taking the time to know their names, roles, and at least part of their backstory. This interest will lead to a more cohesive camp culture and better relationships through every level of the camp. And an added bonus? The summer will become much more fun.