The lifecycle of 1 Camp Logistics Captain

So what does being Captain mean?

To start with it is almost a year long commitment to plan, execute, and review the 3-Day event itself. I strongly believe a great working relationship between the captains and 360 staff is vital to the success of the event.

Here's the perspective from Camp Logistics

Planning

Early during the year, crew coordinators will start sending out rosters to captains. Prior experience helps a captain know how many people needed to accomplish the assigned duties. Otherwise, new captains will have to rely on the crew coordinator and coaches.

I would like to help change this by creating a central location that all crew captains in 14 cities can use to help them run a better event.

A captain has to think about the schedule of events and the needs of people resource throughout the event.

In my San Diego world, I get the opportunity to plan around several activities because we not only set up camp, my team is on the route as well. Thanks to my wonderful crew coordinator Amy Schwager.

Throughout the year a captain has to communicate with the team to ensure people understand what is expected of them, inform them of changes, influence participation in 3-Day activities, and keep an eye on attrition.

Execution

Once the event arrives, captains must assemble their teams for any last minute updates. The event begins and everyone attends to their duties. It is very important that the captain understands all the moving parts within their purview as well as some external moving parts. For example, if you are the captain of a Grab & Go, you should know the level of your supplies and when you might run out. This could be based on the walker count that has already passed your station. External factors might include staff opening up the route early or opening camp early. This will require some adjustment by the captain of any team.

In the end, my philosophy is that every ounce of effort should be left on the field. Going home tired and worn out means we did the best we could to make it a great event for the walkers.

Review

Following the event and after some well deserved rest, each captain begins to assess the results of the event. This is the time to reflect on what went well and what could use some improvement.

For example, I would like to think that in 2006, the several suggestions our team had for different means of trash receptacles, led to the implementation of metal frames in 2007. They don't blow over and they are easy to change!

The Unspoken

Each captain always considers the people aspect of the event. After all this is a people event. It is up to the captain to find ways for their team to have lots of fun while doing the hardest work many people have ever done. While trying to remind people this is for charity, in the heat of the moment, it's not always easy to remember. So here are a few guidelines that I have used over the years for my team:

1. Don't ask anyone to do anything you wouldn't do yourself

2. Bend like the willow, have feathers like a duck

3. In the face of adversity or an angry walker...SMILE

4. Communicate and communicate often

5. Give yourself to the event...it's the energy that runs the whole thing

~Andrew