The Tool Belt #1: Three Tools to Streamline Camp Operations

This is The Tool Belt, the newsletter that helps camp directors work smarter, not harder. 

We’re like a camp conference session for your mind - without the delayed flight.

Today’s estimated read time: 2 mins 13 seconds

🔥 Three Tools to Streamline Camp Operations

Camp Directors are the hardest working folks out there. That said, usually our tactic for getting more done is what a programmer would call “brute force”: ram head against wall until it crumbles.

There’s a time and place for more effort (Opening Day, anyone?). But today, we’re talking about ways to do more with less.

Here are three (free!) tools to help you become more effective at camp:

Zapier

I find a lot of camp office work amounts to “take some data from one system and put it in another system.” Thankfully, there’s a tool that exists to automate those kinds of tasks: Zapier. Zapier allows you to connect different software and pass data between them when certain events happen. Here’s a few things I use it for at camp:

• Ping Slack when someone fills out a staff application

• Add each staff survey response from Wufoo into a Google sheet

• When parents reply to our survey email, put their responses into a Google sheet

You get the idea!

APIs

API stands for Application Programming Interface. It’s code that allows you to access your data from different software systems, and they’re what allow tools like Zapier to function. If a tool that you use isn’t on Zapier, check if the tool has an available API. For example, Campminder has both an API and an app on Zapier. (Note: If you don’t write code, you’ll need some help from a developer or from our next tool in order to use APIs.)

ChatGPT

You probably already know ChatGPT, but it has some great applications for camp work. Need to write a tricky email to a parent? Have it give you a draft. Brainstorming program ideas? Give it a prompt and see what it can do. Writing a blog for camp’s website? Feed a past example into Chat and see if it can mimic camp’s voice. There are plenty of ways to become more efficient using ChatGPT while keeping the human element of camp. 

🔦 Tool Spotlight: MinistrySafe

MinistrySafe helps churches and camps keep kids safe from abuse. They teach leaders how to spot danger, train staff, and set up safety rules. Their goal is to protect kids and make places of community and fun safe for everyone.

⛺️ Around the Campfire

A discussion on the ACA forum about alumni databases. How do you manage alumni contact info and keep in touch with them?

🤣 The LOL Lodge

Until next time,

Peter “Blob King” Elbaum