TSCS PODCAST 14: International Staff, Resource Your Staff
14 | International Staff, Resource Your Staff
In this podcast we are talking big ideas, actual and actionable takeaways, and lots of fun with the camp community and professionals!
Did you know there aren’t many summer camps in Ireland? That’s where we got this week’s guests! Allison Krabill is joined by Erin Stewart and Megan Lynch (both from Northern Ireland) to talk international staffing at camps!
They share how they got to American camps and their experiences. Both share the importance of front loading what to expect and emphasis the costs and equal pay for international staff.
If you’re looking for perspective on what your international staff need, this is the pod for you.
Producer EmJ’s takeaways:
The overloading and oversharing is helpful for all staff, and even more so for international staff coming into an unknown area. (What are American customs and culture that we need to explicitly explain?)
There is balance between making sure international staff have a unique experience and feeling like they’re a part of the whole staff. That being said, bring everyone cheese curds.
“Cultural Stipend”.
What to LEARN MORE FROM CAMP PROFESSIONAL PEERS? — become a member
SHOW NOTES:
Check out Megan’s Session “So You Have Hired International Staff... Now What?” at ACA New England!
Erin Stewart
Erin is the Assistant Director at Camp Akeela, a summer camp for neurodivergent kids. She first started working in camping in 2012 when she was an international counselor for the first time, and over the years worked through the ranks as Adventure Staff and Program Director. She accepted a position as a Camp Director in 2016, and has been directing since then. Erin loves being outside, has over 30 plants, and cannot swim.
To get in contact, email erinstewart099@gmail.com
Megan lynch
Megan Lynch is the Assistant Director for Day Camp at Aldersgate Camp and Retreat Center in Rhode Island, where she first served as an International Counselor from Northern Ireland in 2010. Megan has worked in childcare settings for over 15 years. She has two daughters who are excited to be campers. Megan is in the Nerdfighter community which was founded by John and Hank Green and focuses on how to make the world a better place. Megan also enjoys a good cup of tea.
To get in contact, email megan@campaldersgate.com
Allison Krabill
Allison Krabill first chanted the camp name to light the magic campfire at age 6 and quickly became that one kid that never stops talking about camp. At 28, she became one of the youngest YMCA executive directors in the country as she led YMCA Camp Immokalee through doubling the budget, master planning, board restructuring, capital improvements, and more. She loves being a camp director to camp directors through TSCS and will never turn down a game of a Gaga.
To get in contact, email allison@thesummercampsociety.com
The Summer Camp Society Podcast is edited and produced by EmJ Juszczyk.
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