01 Episode: Programming: ADDIE To The Rescue

Camp Stories

Use a simple framework to create a strong training strategy
By Dan Shortridge
Camp directors who feel overwhelmed by the challenge of staff training are far from alone.
If training is stuck in a rut, the staff week program isn’t properly preparing the team, training materials are years old, or you’re rushing to create visual aids at the last minute, both you and the team could benefit from using a tried-and-true training framework to maximize effectiveness.
It’s certainly tempting to dive in and start in the middle by creating handouts and flip charts. As a trained, veteran camp professional, you know what to teach, after all. But the advantage of using a framework is in the careful planning.
The ADDIE framework is a thoughtful, five-step process that goes beyond simply standing at the front of a room with a slide deck or flipchart. While other models are used in training and instructional design worlds, ADDIE is one of the longest-serving and most durable—plus highly adaptable and easily understandable by people who don’t do training every day.