The Hidden Cost of Camp Careers: Stress, Retention, and the Future of Our Field
Recommended Audience
Type of Course
Core Competency
Cost
Member: $39
Nonmember: $79
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Behind the laughter and lifelong memories, year-round camp professionals face long hours, high stress, and mounting pressures that threaten the sustainability of our field. A recent survey of more than 450 camp leaders revealed sobering insights: most experience significant emotional and physical strain, nearly a quarter are considering leaving their positions, and the net promoter score for recommending a camp career is negative. Yet, the same survey shows strong loyalty, deep meaning, and a passion for the mission that cannot be ignored. This recorded webinar will unpack the key findings — from work-life balance and compensation to organizational culture and stress levels — and explore their implications for the future of camp leadership. We’ll also highlight actionable strategies for boards, executives, and professionals to improve retention, reduce burnout, and ensure our camps remain vibrant for generations to come.
David Phillips is the principal of Immersive1st, a firm specializing in fundraising, planning and visioning, governance, program creation, executive recruitment, and acute organizational analysis. A lifelong communal professional with a trademark British sense of humor, his passion is doing important things with good people that make a difference. He holds an MSW in Social Work from the University of Pittsburgh, focusing on community organizing and development. He lives in Florida with Karen (whom he met at camp). They have two adult children and a dog called Murray. David travels the country, causing "good trouble," and his not-so-secret passion is football (the real one!).
- Understand the current realities of year-round camp careers.
- Identify the biggest risks to staff retention and well-being.
- Explore practical solutions for boards and leadership teams.
- Gain tools to support a healthy, sustainable professional culture in camping.
Earn 1 CEC for this asynchronous course. More information on CECs can be found here.
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