Based on his experiences at summer camp and his academic journey through the HBA (2008) and MBA (2011) programs at the Richard Ivey School of Business, Jay Gilbert writes in his book "The Cabin Path: Leadership Lessons Learned At Camp" about the everyday experiences at summer camp that transform counsellors and staff into strong and effective leaders.
As a former camp staff member for seven sensational summers, Jay knows from experience that teenagers at camp don't take the time to think about the everyday tasks and challenges they face, nor do they take the time to recognize the valuable learning points that result from a busy day at camp.
The Cabin Path will help camp counsellors and staff think more consciously about the experiences camp presents them so they can be more prepared to capitalize on the opportunities and challenges camp offers. The book is broken down into four main sections:
- The camp environment: Why camp is an amazing place for leadership development and growth
- The camp counsellor and camp staff: Discussing daily situations for personal growth, teamwork, and managing others
- Support, community and appreciation: The big picture on building relationships, leaving an impact, overcoming challenges and reflecting upon and appreciating experiences
- Tactics and everyday responsibilities: Highlighting similarities between camp and business when it comes to program planning, leading canoe trips, and dealing with emergency situations
Rather than taking a "how-to" approach that is similar to existing books in the summer camp space, Jay has focussed on the outcomes from camp, where he emphasizes the incredible skill sets summer camp staff develop that prepare them to be leaders when it's time to say goodbye to bug bites and dirty feet.
One notable area that Jay calls out as a parallel experience between camp and business is in his chapter on leading canoe trips. As a trip leader, there are dozens of managerial tasks that must be properly handled in order to ensure a successful, and enjoyable trip for all.
For example, the trip leaders must:
- Choose a route that is appropriate for the skill sets of the group they're leading (goal setting, and setting realistic expectations)
- Assign canoe groups (building strong, and equal teams)
- Deal with unpredictable weather (managing in uncertain times) and unhappy campers (customers)
- Assign roles upon arrival at the campsite (delegating)
- Encouraging campers to persevere through a long and challenging portage (coaching and pushing boundaries)
- Entertain after a long day of paddling (customer relationship management)
- And more...
While the book takes place in a summer camp setting, it is truly a life leadership book that has some relevant real life takeaways for all readers. Readers of advanced copies of the book across academia, business, and camping have found it to be a powerful resource that is enjoyable and easy to read.
Jay knew he had found the right title for the book when he landed on The Cabin Path. While the title fits with the theme of camp (cabin) and growth (path), it is also a metaphor for life. As Jay describes:
We start at the base of the cabin path, as excited and eager little campers in the youngest cabins. Each year we return, growing up cabin by cabin, and following in the footsteps of our role models who slept in the bunks we sleep in now. Eventually we reach the top of the path and lead the younger campers who are following us. Then the day comes when we return to camp at the base of the cabin path once again, but this time as the counsellors and leaders of those excited and eager little campers. We develop leadership skills and are given opportunities to lead older campers. As the cycle is completed from dependent camper to role model counsellor, "The Cabin Path" proves it is a metaphor for life. Along this path we grow and develop into new people and are continually shaped by those around us. Nowhere else in the world can you get an experience this rich and have so much fun.
The book is available for order online through www.cabinpath.ca. Visit Jay's website to read more about his leadership and camp consulting services.