Staying busy is rarely a problem.

During the winter it is easy to find things to do in the camp office.  Staying busy is rarely a problem.  But are you staying busy doing the right things?

I have conversations with camps around the country and often find myself asking them a couple of simple questions….why and how?  Why are you focused on that?  How is that helping your Camp meet its goals?  Is that a priority? 

I often find camps working on things that, although interesting or fun, are not necessarily helping them meet their current goals.  Why and How are simple tests.  Be honest, why are you focused on that and how is it helping?

If your camp is full, and running well, making or exceeding a budget that covers expenses, funds depreciation and puts a little money away for a rainy day - good for you.  If your staff are all hired, registration is complete and everything is ready for next summer - fantastic!  If your camp is as safe as it can be, and every program has been reviewed for safety practices, then you are doing really well. If not, maybe you need to ask yourself why and how.

Does this project improve, promote or help achieve....

Create a simple test. Does this project improve, promote or help achieve…. 

• Camp’s mission and strategic Plan
• Camper and staff safety (physical, emotional, other)
• Camper enrollment - meeting or exceeding budgeted goals
• Staff recruitment and training
• Camp facility prep (safe, clean, maintained and attractive)
• Camper retention - campers desire to return

I would encourage you to be honest in your evaluation.  Remove the emotion from it and look at it from the perspective of an investment.  What will be your return on investment?  Is it worth the staff time and energy you are placing on it?  Or could there be a better use of your and your team’s time?

Staff time - your time - is one of your largest resources

I get it.  Not everything needs to be about the bottom line.  That is not what I am suggesting.  I am however encouraging you to look at where and how you invest your resources. Staff time - your time - is one of your largest resources.  We need to take care of our staff team.  Many of the projects we choose to spend time on can be fun, interesting or something we want to do ourselves.  And often in camp, if we don’t do it ourselves, we are afraid it won’t get done.  However, that does not mean it is something we NEED to be doing.  That does not make it an operational priority.

Your and your team’s time is a resource.  Use it wisely.  Create a plan, test the plan, then stick to the plan. Invest your resources wisely.