If staffing has felt harder or more uncertain than it used to, you are not alone. Camp staffing looks different now, and many camp professionals are being asked to do more with less time, fewer resources, and higher expectations.
The Staffing Strategy Lab was created for that exact reality.
This pre-conference session is designed for camp professionals across roles, experience levels, and camp models who want real support and practical tools they can use as they prepare for summer 2026 and beyond. Not theory. Not more to-do lists. Just thoughtful time to work on the staffing challenges that matter most at your camp.
A Working Session That Meets You Where You Are
This is not a sit-and-get session. The Staffing Strategy Lab is a hands-on, working experience built around a choose-your-own-adventure format, so you can focus on what you need most right now. That might be recruiting, hiring, building belonging before camp starts, or figuring out how to keep your best people coming back.
The goal is simple. You leave with something done.
With limited time and bandwidth in mind, this session is intentionally designed to help you walk out with:
- Clear priorities you feel good about
- Concrete next steps you can actually tackle
- Strategies that reflect the real needs of today’s camp staff
So, let’s dive in. Why should you join the many camp professionals who have said yes to a less stressful summer?
1. You Leave with a Staffing Plan, Not Just Good Ideas
We all love a session that sparks inspiration. But inspiration doesn’t always turn into action once you are back at camp. This lab is different. You will spend the afternoon actively strengthening and filling in the gaps of your 2026 staffing plan while you are in the room.
Why it matters: One focused afternoon now can save you countless hours later.
2. It Respects Your Time and Your Energy
Camp professionals are balancing a lot, and this session honors that. The flexible format allows you to spend your time where it is most useful to you, without sitting through content you don’t need.
Why it matters: You leave feeling supported and prepared.
3. You Get Support from People Who Truly Understand Camp Staffing
This is not generic advice. Participants receive real-time coaching and feedback from the Project Real Job team, grounded in what camp staffing looks like right now. Whether you are refining your recruitment messaging, rethinking interviews, or planning how to build connection and belonging before staff arrive, you will have experienced guides alongside you.
Why it matters: Having someone who gets it help you think it through beats figuring it out alone.
4. Stronger Staffing Systems Make the Whole Summer Better
Recruiting, hiring, belonging, and retention are deeply connected. This lab helps you step back and build systems that support your staff from the very first touchpoint through the end of the season and beyond.
The result is fewer last-minute staffing crises, stronger staff culture, and more people who want to come back year after year.
Why it matters: When staffing is stronger, everything else feels doable.
5. A Small Investment with Real, Lasting Impact
For $59 and one extra afternoon, you gain:
- A customized staffing plan for 2026
- Tools you can put to work immediately
- Strategies you can share with your leadership team
- Confidence that your staffing approach is thoughtful, aligned, and realistic
Compared to the cost of staff turnover, unfilled positions, or rushed decisions (panic hiring!), this is a small investment that pays off all summer long.
Quick Facts for Decision-Makers
When: 1:00 to 5:15 PM, pre-conference Cost: $59 per person What you leave with: A clear, actionable staffing plan for 2026 that is built, refined, and ready to use