Why HOA Boards Should Think Like Camp Counselors

Let’s be honest—being on an HOA board can feel like running a summer camp... but with fewer s’mores and more complaints about siding colors.

You’ve got residents who all want different things. You’ve got a budget that mysteriously disappears faster than bug spray. And somehow, you’re expected to keep everything running smoothly, with a smile on your face and a clipboard in hand.

Sound familiar?

Here’s why HOA boards might have more in common with camp counselors than you think—and how embracing that mindset can actually make your job a little easier:

☀️ 1. Plan Ahead, or Prepare for Chaos

Camp counselors don’t just wing it. They’ve got color-coded schedules, daily activities, and backup plans for when it rains.

The same goes for property maintenance. Planning ahead for painting projects, wood replacement, and power washing (instead of waiting until it’s an emergency) makes the whole “camp” happier.

Tip: Schedule your big projects before peak season. Summer is ideal, but crews book fast—so think like a counselor: plan early, avoid chaos.

🧢 2. You Can’t Make Everyone Happy—But You Can Communicate Well

There’s always one kid who hates canoeing and one resident who’s furious about the shade of “Warm Gray.”

As a board, your job isn’t to please everyone—it’s to make informed, fair decisions and explain them clearly.

Tip: Communicate project timelines, what residents can expect, and why certain choices were made. It builds trust—even with the cranky camper in Unit 2A.

🔨 3. Keep the Campgrounds Clean

No one wants to play capture-the-flag in poison ivy, just like no one wants to host a barbecue next to peeling trim or splintered decks.

Preventative maintenance keeps your “camp” looking sharp and feeling safe.

Tip: Walk your property like a camp director—what needs touching up, replacing, or refreshing before guests (and grandkids!) come for the summer?

🤝 4. Pick the Right Staff (and Treat Them Well)

Great counselors make the camp experience unforgettable. Same goes for your vendors.

Choose a painting and maintenance partner that communicates well, shows up on time, and respects your residents. Bonus points if they’ve seen it all and still smile.

Tip: Want to see our camp credentials? MS Craftsmen has been helping property managers and boards like yours keep things smooth for years—and we’re always happy to lend an extra flashlight.

🌲 5. Create a Community, Not Just a Checklist

Sure, you’ve got rules to enforce and budgets to balance. But what you’re really building is a place people love to live.

A little bit of planning, a touch of humor, and the right support can go a long way in making that happen.

So go ahead—grab your clipboard.

Channel your inner camp counselor.

And remember: even the best camps need a fresh coat of paint now and then.

Partnering with MS Craftsmen

We’ve built our reputation on being the contractor property managers and associations trust. Why? Because we understand the commercial world. We know what you need—and we deliver with professionalism, reliability, and care.

Want help planning your next “camp activity” (aka maintenance project)?

Let’s talk.