When a basketball coach needs to get his team on track he calls a time out and the team huddles. In football the huddle is where the quarterback calls the play, getting his entire team on the same page.
Doing a regular huddle can be an effective tool for leaders in summer camps to get their team on the same page. A quick, daily gathering of key players can help with communication and coordination. The investment of just a few minutes can make a huge difference.
1. Have a clear purpose. Make everyone knows the purpose and desired outcome for the huddles.
2. Structure your content. Have a clear plan that you use for every huddle and stick to it.
3. Prepare some questions to stimulate discussion. "What are we hearing from the campers?" "Is there an area we're not currently meeting expectations?" "Are we seeing any recurring issues with the counselors?"
4. Check for understanding. Make sure your message is heard and understood.
5. Recap and reinforce. Who is going to do what.
Welcome to the Summer Camp Leadership blog. For those of us who lead summer camps, making a positive difference in the lives of young people is our passion. Turning that passion into a reality, however, takes more than the ability to lead songs, teach archery or plan craft projects. Creating camp experiences that truly transform lives takes leadership. Leadership that creates a vision for the future, leadership that inspires and engages others, leadership that remains focused and stays the course. My hope is through this blog you'll find ideas, inspiration and tools to help you be a great summer camp leader.