Navigating a Pivot During a Pandemic
How Camp Holiday Trails Used Their Strategic Plan to Guide the Hard Work of Adaptation and A Quick Love Note To Them
I always assumed when I went into this work that my “favorite” clients, the ones I think about long after the project is over, would be those whose work centers on my own personal passions. Then I met Camp Holiday Trails.
“ As someone that works on strategic plans for a living, I couldn’t have made up a more perfect example of how having a strategic plan can help you navigate situations you never could have imagined during the planning process…like a global pandemic.”
The Spark Mill first worked with Camp Holiday Trails(CHT) on a strategic plan back in 2017 and I had the pleasure of being one of the primary consultants on the project. CHT’s mission is to create a community that empowers children and teens with medical needs to thrive. What that looks like in practice is providing a camp opportunity for young people whose medical diagnosis would otherwise prevent them from attending camps; giving them a chance to feel like a kid, not a sick kid, or a different kid –just a kid at camp. As a parent and a human, of course, I felt their work was incredibly important. However, I spent my childhood on softball fields and basketball courts and carry no fond reminiscences of sleep-away camps in the woods. I also have no personal relationships with any youth who might be potential campers at CHT. Ergo, I did not anticipate becoming absolutely taken by this camp, its story, and its people.
Alas, I was and we have remained in touch off and on over the years, with periodic check-ins or a celebratory note when something in their strategic plan resulted in a success. Today I received the most incredible email from their Executive Director, Tina LaRoche, that literally moved me to tears. Within seconds of receiving it, I began this blog convinced that everyone should hear the story about how a camp in the hills of Charlottesville has creatively shifted their services to be in relationship with the kids that rely on them all while using their available resources to help the community during these pandemic times.
What Now?!
After a brief moment of “What are we going to do?” last April, Camp Holiday Trails took stock of their opportunities and their resources, ran it through their strategic plan, and got to work.
They looked at their tangibles – a camp, lodging, a dining hall, and medical facilities –and saw the opportunity.
CHT housed essential UVA hospital workers at the camp
They donated all of their food to the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank
They donated their medical supplies to Hospice of the Piedmont
They have also found creative ways to assist their neighbors while alleviating some of the financial stress brought on by the pandemic. This was not new to them as how to monetize their assets and skills when camp was not in session was a major topic of our strategic planning work. They have really excelled in this area!
Rented the camp to 2 local day camps for the summer
Assisted another local camp with counseling support
Continue to rent space to a preschool during the week
Listed some of their lodgings on Airbnb for folks who are tired of being cooped up in their own home
As for the campers, in 2017 CHT identified keeping their campers virtually connected to the camp and one another after they went home as a significant priority. Beginning the work then and building on it ever since, they were well-positioned for the pandemic pivot. The CHT board president led the organization through an internal strategic plan update and here is what Camp Holiday Trails 2021 will look like:
CHT Everywhere: Online Camp - building on our 2020 program, where we will redefine and build out both live and asynchronous camp activities with our skilled counselors, with a focus on virtual activities filmed on-site at CHT. We will reach existing and new campers, including those in hospitals, hospice, Ronald McDonald Houses, and more. (Also a great way for campers to also stay connected after their in-person camp session.)
CHT Everywhere: Pop-up Camps - we will take the camp show on the road! A CHT van/camper will take camp counselors and camp activities to partners throughout the Mid-Atlantic region for short, small group camps in outdoor spaces. We will reach both existing and new campers and bring the CHT spirit to children and teens with medical needs, where they are.
CHT Day Camp: working with our Medical Advisory Committee and the American Camp Association Field Guide, we will pilot a day camp for children and teens age 7-17 with a medical need, and their siblings. Traditional CHT activities will be adapted for safety, and include arts & crafts, swimming, horses, zip line, and more. Counselors will be housed on-site to minimize exposure.
As someone that works on strategic plans for a living, I couldn’t have made up a more perfect example of how having a strategic plan can help you navigate situations you never could have imagined during the planning process…like a global pandemic. I couldn’t be more excited for Camp Holiday Trails and look forward to hearing more updates as they continue to innovate and do the hard work.
