Code-Switching at Camp

10/17/23 • 35 min

Stay strapped in. Jack is joined by Nelson Strickland and Quarius Lucas for PART 2.
This episode is all about understanding the language of your peers and creating a workspace that cherishes diversity. Nelson and Quarius talk more about creating spaces that encourage individuals to express themselves, and the detrimental effects of policing language.
They delve into how you can foster an environment working with young people that doesn’t force people to change their language or way of being but instead appreciates and celebrates it. (We're looking at you "Whoopty" by CJ.) Quarius and Nelson talk about how to foster a sense of community within the camp that makes people want to return and what leadership needs to do to make that happen.
If you're looking for a fresh perspective on why it's important to let people speak their authentic language, without the pressure to change, this is the pod for you.
1. "If you don't understand us, we're probably not talking to you."
2. Pass the aux!
3. How do YOU make it so that staff can be themselves and let their guard down? (White folks have to do some work, have to take the risks.)
Producer Note: From the start Nelson shares that "code-switching" may not be the best term for what they discuss. As someone working to create more visibility through SEO, I am 100% using it to capture more listeners. #ThatsMarketingBaby

Keep up to date with The Summer Camp Society. Join the membership to stay connected with fellow camp professionals and see what's new on Instagram.
Listen on Spotify | Apple Music

Keep up to date with The Summer Camp Society. Join the membership to stay connected with fellow camp professionals and see what's new on Instagram.
Listen on Spotify | Apple Music

Previous Episode

Give People Keys: Staff Retention

Buckle up. Jack is joined by Nelson Strickland and Quarius Lucas to talk staff retention!
They throw out ideas and strategies that you can do right now, including but not limited to video game nights, listening to Drake's new album and bar-cades.
They discuss the role of technology in building relationships and the importance of staying ~hip~ with culture and technology. Nelson and Jack look at how understanding and bridging the generational gap can foster a more inclusive and creative work environment. Plus, they touch on the vital role of trust in the delegation process.
Jack, Nelson and Quarius don't stop there, but the episode does. Stay tuned for more insights in our next episode where they tackle the topic of code switching at camp.
Producer EmJ’s takeaways:

Y'ALL. We have GOT to get better at delegating. Its said time and time again on the podcast. Here's resource from The Management Center that can help you conceptualize how to delegate.
Camp in a compilation of skills, camp is not a skill.
Put your money (read: budget) where your mouth (read: ideas) is. Are we going to talk about paying staff to do what they're good at or be about it and plan for it?

Keep up to date with The Summer Camp Society. Join the membership to stay connected with fellow camp professionals and see what's new on Instagram.
Listen on Spotify | Apple Music

Next Episode

Gathering is an Art

[Hello! You are invited to listen to our mini-sode about the "Art of Gathering" by Priya Parker. It is approximately 42 minutes long and you can do what you'd like as you listen. EmJ and Allison Klee discuss and brainstorm ways to be more explicit in order to be more inclusive. More detail is below.]

Ever been to a gathering that left you feeling... well, left out? EmJ and Klee have! In this episode we discuss the lessons from Priya Parker's book, "The Art of Gathering" and navigate the art of crafting experiences that matter, whether you're at a summer camp or a barcade.

We deep dive into what "generous exclusivity" is and explore ways to guard the guest list, ensuring that the purpose of the gathering is met and the right expectations are set. Klee and EmJ recount personal experiences that make us think about icebreakers and how those who aren't in positions of power can adapt to new situations by leading with curiosity and questions.

If you're looking to better your ability to bring people together, this is the pod for you.

Where do we go from here according to Producer EmJ:

Rename things! How can you change the name of your current gatherings so it clearly states the goal?
Send this to someone in your space that plans events
Make a social rule for your next gathering!

Producer Note: We recognize the phrase "totem pole" was used inappropriately on this episode after publishing. A better phrase is "least significant" or "bottom of the food chain", according to KOJO Institute.

Keep up to date with The Summer Camp Society. Join the membership to stay connected with fellow camp professionals and see what's new on Instagram.
Listen on Spotify | Apple Music

Cabin Chat with Jack Schott - Code-Switching at Camp

Transcript

Speaker 100:00:04.966

Welcome to the Summer Camp Society podcast . Each episode we're joined with guests to go over and explore some wild ideas , find tangible takeaways and , mostly , have fun .

Speaker 100:00:15.039

Mj from the editing room here . This is part two with Querious and Nelson . Last week they spoke about staff retention and touch points throughout the year , and now