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Do camp leaders need to be parents?
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Some of the best camp directors I know aren’t parents themselves. And even without little (or big) ones running around at home, they’re also exceptional at building deep, trusting relationships with families. Because the question isn’t whether a camp pro has kids of their own. The question is whether they genuinely care about the parents who trust them with theirs. Follow that? Boards and owners who are evaluating leadership candidates have to know the distinction is critical. Understanding the Emotional RealityWant a complete understatement? Being a parent is an emotional rollercoaster. Parents can’t always explain why they’re anxious about drop-off or why they need that third email update. But they are, and they do. But camp pros don’t need firsthand parenting experience to connect with that reality. They need to start with empathy. Listening without trying to fix every little thing. Checking in because they genuinely want to know how a kid is doing. These things go a long way, and maybe the whole way, in filling any gap that parental inexperience might leave. Parents spot the difference immediately, even if they can’t put it into words. Transfer the Skills Already ThereMost camp directors (parents or not) are already phenomenal at relationships with their staff. They check in regularly and celebrate all of the wins along the way. They notice when someone’s struggling and are lightning quick to offer support. They build genuine relationships, not just summertime transactional ones. The same care needs to extend to parents. Think about the energy directors put into making a new counselor feel welcomed and valued. Those “how are things really going?” conversations. They follow up when something seems off. Parents need that same attention. A quick email or text with, “Hey, how’s [child’s name] doing?” can often go further than any well-crafted marketing campaign. What Parents Actually WantParents aren’t looking to camps to get parenting advice. They’re not asking anyone to solve tricky family dynamics or 100% fix their kid’s challenges. They want to know their child is safe and seen. They want to “do business” with camp people who show real-life interest, not just when enrollment opens or when a problem crops up. The directors (parent or not) who succeed understand this at their core. Newsflash: parents talk to other parents. Their emotional trust drives referrals far more than facility upgrades or cool programming. When parents feel genuinely loved and cared for by camp leadership, they will advocate for you. When they sense coldness or transactional communication, they stay quiet, even if their kid had a great summer. This can’t be faked. Parents know when a director enjoys talking to them or is merely tolerating it. What This Means for HiringGreat camp leaders aren’t the ones winning the parenting experience contest. They’re the ones who genuinely show up for camp families, have lots of empathy (with a side dish of even more empathy), and who understand that parents are partners, not obstacles to clear away. Boards and owners evaluating candidates should look for: How do they talk about parents? Do they light up or shut down? That tells you everything. Sincerely, Senior Consultant at Immersive1st Learn more about Immersive1st's Approach |
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