Hiring Camp Parents: How to Hire & Work With Your Campers’ Parents Effectively

Breakout Block Three: Monday/3:00pm

This session explores the practical realities of hiring camp parents and setting them up for success. We’ll discuss philosophies around selecting the right parents, preparing them for the role, and understanding when this staffing model works well, and when it doesn’t. The session also covers how to navigate difficult situations, such as when a camper isn’t thriving or when the staff member isn’t a good fit, as well as the range of compensation options, including barter arrangements and reduced-tuition salaries.

Attendees will learn how to decide who to hire and how to prepare them for the role, how to approach compensation, and how to effectively manage challenges that arise with camp parents.

More About David

David, a native of Newton, Massachusetts grew up as a camper in Maine, where he spent 12 summers as a camper, counselor, Hockey Specialist, and Division Head. He graduated from New York University and, prior to entering the camping industry, worked in the entertainment industry as a casting director, talent manager, and independent film producer. His lifelong dream to be a director of a summer camp became a reality in 1999 when he purchased Camp Starlight. He currently resides in Florida with his wife Allison and his two children Hayley and Griffin.