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

When Beth “Topaz” Allison isn’t in the room, you feel it. So this week on Camp Code, we did what made the most sense: we turned the episode into a tribute—surfacing the Beth practices that have quietly (and not so quietly) shaped how so many of us lead.

Emerging is a clear picture of Beth’s core philosophy: start with people, lead with intention, and build everything from the end backward. From empowering staff to develop judgment rather than dependence, to using tools like the Four S’s to filter decisions through safety, stewardship, self-esteem, and service, Beth’s influence shows up in how camps think—not just what they do. Her insistence on front loading learning, naming the “why” before the “what,” and reverse-engineering training from the final feeling or outcome makes learning stick and gives staff confidence in the moment, not just during training.

Just as powerful is how Beth leads behind the scenes. Whether it’s building metaphor-rich training experiences, creating shared language through personality frameworks, or choosing presence over perfection by sitting down at meals and genuinely connecting, her leadership is rooted in relationship. She models clarity without cruelty (“let me be perfectly clear”), care without coddling, and consistency without rigidity. At her core, Beth is a connector—someone who sees people, names what matters, and reminds us that when leadership is intentional, the impact lasts far beyond the season.

From Ruby (and Beth of course),

This Beth practice centers on clarity as an act of care. By intentionally using the phrase “let me be perfectly clear,” Beth signals to staff that what follows is the true takeaway—the headline they need to remember. It’s a teaching tool that reduces confusion, reinforces expectations, and protects both people and camp, especially when stakes are high. Whether clarifying safety boundaries or consequences, Beth models that being direct isn’t about being harsh; it’s about preventing misunderstandings that can cost someone their job or put others at risk. Paired with warmth, restraint, and a well-timed stern face, this approach shows how clear communication—used sparingly and intentionally—builds trust and accountability.

• Kate Taylor, Consultant - Stephane Richard Development Consulting

• Beth Allison, Camp Consultant - Go Camp Pro
• Gabrielle Raill, Camp Director - Camp Ouareau
• Ruby Compton, Chief Exploration Officer - Ruby Outdoors

UltraCamp

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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.

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Find full show notes and links at: https://www.gocamp.pro/campcode/re-release-bestinterviewpractices

Though we often consider the first day of staff training the time when we begin absorbing our new team into the camp culture, the reality is that staff orientation starts during the application process. Is the person trainable? How will he or she work on the team that is assembled? Does the applicant "get it?" Join Gab, Beth, and Ruby for a discussion of their favorite interview questions and time-tested ways to figure out if an applicant is a good fit.

From Beth,

Training Your hiring process has to be what is best for camp. It is a hard job but you, as the director, are the one that has the big picture. You must put the effort in to make the hiring process be whatever the camp needs. It may involve re-interviewing return staff and asking some hard questions. These are the most important decisions you will make all year. If something feels off, trust your gut. Ask questions to your return staff about things that didn't follow your camp philosophy that happened the year before. You can say "I am offering you a job but here is my concern from last year and that cannot happen again." Hiring is not about being their friend. Make sure they understand that you must do what is best for camp. And never apologize for high expectations.

• Beth Allison, Camp Consultant - Go Camp Pro
• Gabrielle Raill, Camp Director - Camp Ouareau
• Ruby Compton, Chief Exploration Officer - Ruby Outdoors

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/preparingstafffortherealityoftodayscampers

This Camp Code episode explores the realities children are facing today and how those realities must reshape the way camps train their staff. Beth, Gabrielle, and Ruby unpack how comparison culture, constant visibility through photos and video, heightened global awareness, anxiety, loneliness, sensory overload, and shortened attention spans are showing up in camper behavior. They emphasize that today’s campers arrive overwhelmed, not broken, and that many challenges labeled as “behavior issues” are actually signs of stress, disconnection, or unmet emotional needs.

The hosts connect these challenges to concrete shifts needed in staff training: moving away from assumptions about campers’ skills, teaching counselors how to respond to big feelings with both validation and regulation, building predictable routines with flexibility, supporting attention and sensory needs, and proactively addressing loneliness and inclusion. They also highlight the importance of trust, intentional quiet, team-based problem-solving, daily camper check-ins, and giving staff language and practice for difficult moments. The core message: when staff are trained to understand today’s kids, their confidence grows, camper experiences improve, and camp becomes a place of belonging, growth, and meaningful connection.

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From Beth,

Camp environments are loud, busy, and unpredictable—energizing for some kids but overwhelming for others. Sensory sensitivity is increasingly common, and overload can show up as meltdowns, withdrawal, or sudden emotional reactions that seem to come out of nowhere. These moments are not misbehavior; they are signals that a child’s nervous system is overwhelmed.

Staff training should help counselors recognize early signs of sensory overload and intervene before campers hit their limit by offering quiet breaks and access to calm spaces. Creating designated low-stimulation areas allows kids to reset and return to activities when they’re ready. When staff understand sensory needs and are given tools to respond with empathy and intention, their confidence grows, camper experiences improve, and camp becomes a safer, more supportive place where kids feel seen, understood, and able to thrive.

• Ruby Compton, Chief Exploration Officer - Ruby Outdoors

• 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.