Delivering Happiness: A Path to Profits, Passion, and Purpose, Tony Hsieh
I took about 20 pages of notes on this book and ended up writing an article for other camp directors, because I was so inspired by Hsieh’s vision that Zappos be much more than just a shoe company. His focus on WOWing customers and creating a happy work culture are an inspiration.
READ MORE
Coach Wooden: The 7 Principles That Shaped His Life and Will Change Yours, Pat Williams
John Wooden, the greatest coach of all time, was a man of great character who lived out his values and taught his players to do the same. This book offers a great reminder to focus on the people we love, help others, and be true to ourselves. “If you’ve made each day a masterpiece, then by…
READ MORE
10 Ways to Better Understand Your Camper’s Experience
Your camper’s home from camp, and they had a great time. But what exactly was this camp thing all about? If you want to better understand your camper’s experience and how it impacted them, try one or more of these camp practices. You’ll start to better understand your camper’s experience, and you may just make…
READ MORE
Six Tips for Complaining Well: Guidelines for Parents
“Are you the person I file a complaint with?” Those were the man’s first words to me as I stepped out of the van I had just driven for five hours, following the bus carrying kids home after their stay at camp. “Umm, yes, sure,” I said. I was a bit taken aback. After 30…
READ MORE
A Happiness Boost
This morning I was on the receiving end of a telephone call that made me view my day and my life in a whole new light. The call was from my neighbor and friend who, despite a life full of huge challenges and trials – including being drafted and serving on the front lines in Vietnam –…
READ MORE
Parent Top 10
As I prepare for next month’s camp counselor training, I find myself reflecting—once again—that parents should get at least this much preparation before they start the job of raising kids. After all, just like camp counselors want to have a positive impact on their campers and thrive in their work, parents, too, want to have…
READ MORE
5 Mid-Life Lessons
“Every laugh line on your face made you who you are today.” This One’s for the Girls (Martina McBride) In April, I read a post on Anne Lamott’s Facebook page where she compiled a list of “every single thing” she knows after living on this planet for 61 years. Her 14 observations (#2 was my…
READ MORE
5 Steps to Help Kids Resolve Conflicts
The Conflict Resolution Wheel I’ve always considered myself non-confrontational and I do my best to avoid conflict. In researching ways to teach kids conflict resolution skills, I’ve discovered that avoidance is actually a choice on the “Conflict Resolution Wheel.” I’m primarily a “walk away” or “go play with somebody else” conflict resolver. And, perhaps because…
READ MORE
One Simple Way to Increase Happiness
In two weeks, I’ll be graduating with my master’s degree in Psychology. Why at 46 did I decide to go back to school? Mid-life crisis reframing was definitely part of it, but I was also compelled to return to school because I was inspired by the new field of positive psychology. Positive psychology focuses on…
READ MORE
“Pay it Forward” Day is April 30
No act of kindness, however small, is ever wasted. -Aesop I usually rush through the day thinking about what I need to get done and consumed by all the stuff that weighs on my time and my brain. And yet, being aware of those around me and doing a simple act of kindness can change…
READ MORE
Focusing on our Kids’ Strengths
Every Monday morning I get an email with my kids’ current grades. Typically, I scan over them for any assignments or subjects with lower grades. I scroll past the A’s, because those don’t grab my attention. Like most people, I’ve been conditioned to look for weaknesses in myself and in my kids, and it’s not…
READ MORE
Secondary Homesickness: When Your Camper doesn’t want to go BACK to Camp
“I don’t want to go back!” Two or three times each year, I get a call from a returning camper’s parent who is baffled that their once-happy camper is now saying she doesn’t want to return to camp. From what the parent saw and heard last summer, camp was a great experience. So why is…
READ MORE