Even though summer camp is over 150 years old it really hasn’t changed that much. It began when some individuals took kids to a remote location to separate them from the hustle and bustle of the world, and today, we are still removing kids from the hustle and bustle (more like removing them from their video games, iphones and such).

Anyway, even though much is still similar (the magic of camp is a couple of counselors and a small group of campers) there are areas that we can begin to re-think. Just because we’ve always done something one way doesn’t mean we should continue it that way. I think of businesses today that have changed the way I think.

Apple - made me think differently about the personal computer, the portable music player and the telephone.

was there life before this device?

Zappos - made me think differently about shoe buying.

why would I go to a store to buy shoes?

Starbucks - made me think differently about how I consumed coffee (it should be social) and how much I am willing to pay for good coffee.

$4 for a cup of coffee? sure!

I think differently about a lot of things and I think it is time we start thinking differently about camp. Here are some things that I believe we should look at differently:

1. Re:Think Marketing – customer service is the new marketing! If we want our customers to be loyal to us than we should be loyal to them. Take care them, listen to them, communicate with them and treat them like they matter.
2. Re:Think Programs - I want my programs to be recreational, intentional and purposeful. If they can’t be those then we shouldn’t be offering them. Our customers deserve quality programs.
3. Re:Think Leadership - the camp director has to provide the leadership and create the culture at camp. This cannot be delegated away.
4. Re:Think Training – staff training doesn’t end when the campers arrive. Provide opportunities for on-going training that takes place outside of a staff meeting. Coach, give feedback and follow-up with staff. We are providing a foundation for long term success for these counselors.
5. Re:Think Quality - how do you define and measure quality? If you don’t know it will be hard to know if you are delivering a quality product. I measure quality by enrollment, retention rate and customer feedback – how do you measure it at your program?

We are living in an amazing time when we can share ideas and learn from people around the world. What are you doing to re:think or re:imagine what camp can be? Does camp have to happen at your camp site? Can camp happen in a school classroom or a hospital room?  Think Different and maybe you can change the world.