Stop Avoiding Talking to Parents - with Ruby Compton and Joanna Warren Smith - CampHacker #211

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us! Find full show notes and links at: https://camphacker.tv/podcast/2025/talk-to-parents Save the dodging and weaving for wide-game, not for avoiding camp parents! On this episode of CampHacker, Travis and Chris are joined by Ruby Compton, and Joanna Warren Smith to really dig into the importance of communicating with camp parents. They discuss the common issue of camps avoiding communication with parents and emphasize the importance of timely, meaningful responses to build trust and ensure camper safety. The conversation highlights the need for camps to set clear expectations with parents, train staff on effective communication, and prioritize responsiveness to inquiries. Guests share practical tips for improving parent relations, from proactive communication strategies to addressing parental concerns head-on. - Tool of the Week - Make Yourself a Better Camp Director Travis - The Canary Code Ludmila N. Praslova (Author) A Guide to Neurodiversity, Dignity, and Intersectional Belonging at Work https://amzn.to/3OWpc9H https://bookshop.org/a/84130/9781523005840 Chris - Matador Pocket Blanket Ruby - Breville Jewel Sous Vide Joanna - Bunk List Retention Hack. Use last year’s bunk list and map who isn’t registered yet, then reach out with personal moments from the kiddo’s summer. - Your Hosts Travis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp Pro Chris Hudson, Camp Consultant and Director - Camp Highlight Ruby Compton, Chief Exploration Officer - Ruby Outdoors Joanna Warren Smith - Camp Consultant - Rate and Review the CampHacker Show (Thank you!) - Thanks to our sponsors! UltraCamp Remember what sparked your passion for camp? UltraCamp knows it’s about the people, not the paperwork. That’s why they built a platform to simplify your camp management. Learn more at ultracampmanagement.com/camphacker Bowline HQ Camp leaders: Win back your time to what matters most—your campers. Bowline's comprehensive accounting back-office solutions and tech-enabled team free up your staff to focus on your mission. Visit bowlinehq.com to learn more and book a free 2-hour financial diagnostic. Find out more at https://www.bowlinehq.com