Jared GelbCamp Ramaquois

www.ramaquois.com/tristate

This seems like a silly question, but do you know This seems like a silly question, but do you know what what the camp’s valuesthe camp’s values really are? really are?

Examples?Examples?

Once you decide who you are, everything else falls into place.

“A Day Camp As Complete As Sleep-Away” “Kids at my camp swim in the lake. I’ll never

put in a pool.” “We have a reputation for being extremely

competitive, but we embrace that reputation.” Others? ? ?

*You want to be very clear about who you are, what your *You want to be very clear about who you are, what your camp represents, and how you sell it. camp represents, and how you sell it.

Define your values in Define your values in behavioral termsbehavioral terms, , not just lofty purpose and mission not just lofty purpose and mission statements:statements:

1.1. For each value, brainstorm potential For each value, brainstorm potential behaviorsbehaviors that you’d be proud to see all campers and staff that you’d be proud to see all campers and staff demonstratedemonstrate when they’re modeling this when they’re modeling this value.value.

2.2. Can you assess someone’s Can you assess someone’s demonstrationdemonstration of of this behavior by watching and/or listening to this behavior by watching and/or listening to their interactions with campers, staff, and their interactions with campers, staff, and parents?parents?

3.3. How do you hold people accountable to your How do you hold people accountable to your values? Consequences?values? Consequences?

4.4. How committed are you to your values? How committed are you to your values? Do Do you demonstrate commitment to the long-term you demonstrate commitment to the long-term process?process?

– This last part is difficult in today’s challenging climate.This last part is difficult in today’s challenging climate.

The biggest challenge: to get your leadership and The biggest challenge: to get your leadership and general staff to “act as one” between strategy and general staff to “act as one” between strategy and culture. To do this, know that:culture. To do this, know that: Teenagers/college-aged staff seek more intangible benefits; Teenagers/college-aged staff seek more intangible benefits;

leaders look at tangible things: revenue, enrollment, budget.leaders look at tangible things: revenue, enrollment, budget.

Employees WANT a purpose in their work, to make a REAL Employees WANT a purpose in their work, to make a REAL difference.difference.

Emphasizing VALUES is a great way to fulfill the Emphasizing VALUES is a great way to fulfill the needs of your staff!needs of your staff!

Embed your values in every, single aspect of your camp! If your value is “always try your best,” make sure it’s communicated

by every staff member at every activity. Be consistent in your message.

Same phrases, same wording, very repetitive Reward it! Make it fun!

Kids like to be recognized in any way, and they love to enjoy their time at camp!

What are you telling parents?What are you telling parents? It starts with your first contact.It starts with your first contact.Share your philosophy and values with them.Share your philosophy and values with them.You need to communicate a consistent message.You need to communicate a consistent message.

How are you marketing your camp?How are you marketing your camp?Most camps focus on the “stuff” rather than values in Most camps focus on the “stuff” rather than values in

their promotional/marketing materials.their promotional/marketing materials.What does your website/brochure emphasize?What does your website/brochure emphasize?

Give examples, Give examples, be specificbe specific, tell stories., tell stories.

Be real. Don’t be cheesy. Avoid being like Be real. Don’t be cheesy. Avoid being like Barney.Barney.

Make values a Make values a regularregular part of the part of the things you things you already do wellalready do well. Don’t invent new “values” . Don’t invent new “values” programs; programs; kids and staff will see right through itkids and staff will see right through it..

Involve as many people in the process as possible. Involve as many people in the process as possible. Don’t dictate terms; instead, engage them, Don’t dictate terms; instead, engage them, inspire them, encourage them, lead them.inspire them, encourage them, lead them.

What are some of YOUR

thoughts? Suggestions?

Jared GelbCamp Ramaquois

Pomona, NYjared@ramaquois.com

www.ramaquois.com/tristate