I'm the Pine Ridge Day Camp & Equestrian Center Director, Kelie Cook, and this is 'How I Camp'

Name: Kelie Cook

Name of Camp: Pine Ridge Day Camp & Equestrian Center

Location: Somerville, AL

Years in the Camp Industry: 14

One word that best describes your approach to camp management: Transparency

Take us through a day at camp under your leadership. What does a typical day look like from start to finish?

Campers arrive, and as staff check in they tell me about the funny stories from the busses (our kids are bussed in), once campers are all in activities I touch base with my leadership team to go over what needs to get done throughout the day and then we divide and conquer!

Describe the heart of your camp. What's the central area or the main hub where activities or gatherings take place?

The Dining Hall. We only serve 1 meal a day (lunch) but it is centrally located within camp to where you can see all of camp by standing outside in the pavilion.

What are some essential tools, apps, or equipment you rely on to keep camp operations running smoothly?

WeatherBug on stormy tells has my lightning alert! We kind some pretty good storms in the south.

What’s a challenge you’ve recently faced at camp, and how are you working to overcome it?

Getting counselor to think creatively and come up with out of the box programs! We're adjusting training this year, and when I'm able I jump in and do something fun and creative from my camper days that the current counselors have never heard of.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received about managing a successful and enjoyable camp?

Take time for yourself! It is extremely important as the director to take breaks as well. The work will still be there tomorrow.

What book, podcast, or resource do you think every camp director should read or listen to, and why?

ScampLife The Other Side, I'm biased as I'm one of the hosts :)

How do you organize and prioritize camp tasks and responsibilities, especially during the busy summer season?

My outlook calendar is my best friend! That and sticky notes.

What’s the most creative excuse you’ve heard from a camper trying to get out of an activity, and how did you respond?

I've had some campers come up with some crazy things - but

If you could invent a new, wildly popular camp activity that perfectly captures the spirit of your camp, what would it be and why? I'm a big fan of mortal poodle - its a team building game with a person who is blind folded with a pool noodle and they are trying to hit the other team's blindfolded person - but the pool noodles are filled with paint