Coworking as summer camp?

Community
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At Collective Agency in Portland Oregon we’re starting to look at vision and values again, we update every now and then.

I’m trying to find an overall metaphor/unifying theme of what most members want – in the past it was “cozy fireplace” (which worked great for years) and “small democratic city” (which could have worked but didn’t totally work), but we’re outgrowing those for something even better.

Part of what I’m trying to figure out is: when someone leaves or quits or chooses not to be there anymore, what is the metaphor (how do you tell people in a way that makes them want to be here even more, or at least not any less, or how do you think of it/feel about someone not being there who used to be)?

Recently we had something that seemed like a summer camp reunion, with some past members, current members, recently joined members, everybody seemed happy to see each other. http://collectiveagency.co/2014/09/16/chapman-swifts/ I’m wondering if “summer camp” is a theme that might work for a co-working place, and if anyone here has thought about it, what works about it as a metaphor, what doesn’t work. We have optional activities, people each have ongoing program commitments which ideally they are passionate about and committed to, people make friends who ideally they hang out with here and outside of here, etc. Differences from summer camp: it’s year-round, people are paying for themselves, and they live nearby. Are there any other differences?

Personal values that members have expressed a desire for (that we love having here and want even more of) include: friendships, laughter, expressing appreciation, inspiration, learning.

Does anyone know any vision statements of summer camps?

Also, I’m starting to put together a booklet of improv games for members and staff to organize activities such as lunch and thinking about doing sales. Has anyone done a games format to coworking (or community organizing or project management)?

Thanks,

Alex

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Alex Linsker

Collective Agency’s Community Organizer / Proprietor

(503) 517-6900 http://collectiveagency.co

Tax and Conversation’s Statewide Community Organizer

(503) 517-6904 taxandconversation.com

(503) 369-9174 mobile (503) 517-6901 fax

322 NW Sixth Ave, Suite 200, Portland, Oregon 97209

2

I don’t know of a particular summer camp vision statements, but I’ve had several of our members describe their experience/impressions this way (each one qualifying, “in the best way possible”).

They described a bit more detail, including the generational aspect of the community (the seniors & the freshmen, anybody?). The welcomingness and comradery, the support to be daring and try new things, the sharing of stories and experiences.

So I don’t have much to add except, I’m with you (and our members are with you) on the comparison. :slight_smile:

Excited to see how this thread unfolds.

-Alex

P.s. Two out of three of our staff members are improv vets. I don’t consider this a coincidence and I think it will become part of our training going forward.

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/ah

On Tue, Sep 16, 2014 at 8:38 PM, Alex Linsker [email protected] wrote:

At Collective Agency in Portland Oregon we’re starting to look at vision and values again, we update every now and then.

I’m trying to find an overall metaphor/unifying theme of what most members want – in the past it was “cozy fireplace” (which worked great for years) and “small democratic city” (which could have worked but didn’t totally work), but we’re outgrowing those for something even better.

Part of what I’m trying to figure out is: when someone leaves or quits or chooses not to be there anymore, what is the metaphor (how do you tell people in a way that makes them want to be here even more, or at least not any less, or how do you think of it/feel about someone not being there who used to be)?

Recently we had something that seemed like a summer camp reunion, with some past members, current members, recently joined members, everybody seemed happy to see each other. http://collectiveagency.co/2014/09/16/chapman-swifts/ I’m wondering if “summer camp” is a theme that might work for a co-working place, and if anyone here has thought about it, what works about it as a metaphor, what doesn’t work. We have optional activities, people each have ongoing program commitments which ideally they are passionate about and committed to, people make friends who ideally they hang out with here and outside of here, etc. Differences from summer camp: it’s year-round, people are paying for themselves, and they live nearby. Are there any other differences?

Personal values that members have expressed a desire for (that we love having here and want even more of) include: friendships, laughter, expressing appreciation, inspiration, learning.

Does anyone know any vision statements of summer camps?

Also, I’m starting to put together a booklet of improv games for members and staff to organize activities such as lunch and thinking about doing sales. Has anyone done a games format to coworking (or community organizing or project management)?

Thanks,

Alex

–
Alex Linsker

Collective Agency’s Community Organizer / Proprietor

(503) 517-6900 http://collectiveagency.co

Tax and Conversation’s Statewide Community Organizer

(503) 517-6904 taxandconversation.com

(503) 369-9174 mobile (503) 517-6901 fax

322 NW Sixth Ave, Suite 200, Portland, Oregon 97209

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