Episode 49: Class is in Session - The Director's School
SHOW NOTESYou know how to create an incredible camp experience. But who taught you how to build a budget, develop a strategic plan, or keep your organization financially sustainable?Kelie and Shauna welcome Dr. Megan Owens of BlueSky Recreation Consulting to discuss the business skills camp professionals are often expected to learn on the job.Megan introduces The Director’s School, a new educational experience developed with ACA Illinois. Through small cohorts, practical exercises, and group projects, the school helps camp professionals build knowledge they can bring back to their organizations.They also talk candidly about taking on leadership responsibilities without proper onboarding, learning from people outside your usual camp network, and why understanding the business matters—even when someone else handles your organization’s finances.IN THIS EPISODEThe business knowledge gap in camp professional developmentHow The Director’s School combines instruction, practice, and collaborationChoosing a learning level based on your experience and responsibilitiesBuilding connections across different types of camps and organizationsWhy business knowledge strengthens both your camp and your careerApplication requirements, costs, and financial assistanceTHREE LEVELS OF LEARNINGLevel 1: FoundationsFinance, human resources, risk management, and ethical decision-making for emerging professionals and those new to the camp field.Level 2: Organizational PlanningConnecting budgets, strategic plans, risk management, and evaluation to the operation of an entire camp.Level 3: Strategy and SustainabilityLong-term vision, organizational systems, financial sustainability, and growth for experienced camp leaders.Placement considers what you have actually done and what you need to learn, rather than relying only on your title or years in the field.THE DIRECTOR'S SCHOOL: IMPORTANT DETAILSDates: January 18–22, 2027Location: Q Center in St. Charles, IllinoisApplication deadline: October 31, 2026Cost: $2,000, including four nights in a private room, meals, instruction, textbooks, and resources; travel is additionalApplication deposit: $500, refundable if you are not acceptedApplication materials: A one-page cover letter, a resume of up to two pages, a one-page letter of support, and responses to the online application questionsLearn more about The Director’s SchoolReview application instructionsAsk about registration or financial assistanceEPISODE CHAPTERSApproximate timestamps.00:00 — Welcome back and a personal check-in03:19 — Introducing Dr. Megan Owens and The Director’s School06:10 — The knowledge gap behind the school’s creation11:15 — Matching applicants with the right learning level19:21 — Learning through practice, projects, and collaboration30:06 — Networking across different types of camps34:48 — Breaks, relationship-building, and the Q Center39:47 — A closer look at the three learning levels47:30 — Why business knowledge matters when someone else handles it54:51 — Application requirements and the review process59:08 — Connecting with Megan and meeting the instructors1:02:55 — What we’re reading1:09:07 — Cost, what’s included, and financial assistanceCONTACTContact Dr. Megan Owens: BlueSky Recreation ConsultingBOOK RECOMMENDATIONSMegan’s Rec: Reinventing Organizations by Frederic LalouxKelie’s Rec: Never Eat Alone by Keith FerrazziShauna’s Rec: I’’m Gonna Get You Back by Elena ArmasWant to add to our conversation? Have a question you want us to discuss?Email Us: [email protected]
