Sometimes it’s the little things that make it easier to be productive. Lately I’ve been using several apps that have helped me to get more accomplished, save things for later, or calm down my stressed-out self. I’ve taken a moment to share some of the apps that are making my life easier. Find the ones that you like best --there is a wide variety of helpful tools available.
Pages Manager: Facebook
If you have a Facebook page for your camp and want an easier way to stay connected with it on your phone, then you should download Pages Manager. I use this app to access our main camp page, our friends page, and our conference page. It lets me easily shift between all three pages, make updates, read messages, boost posts, and see notifications. It’s a great way to keep connected on a work phone without going through your personal Facebook account.
Hours Tracker
There are days when I know I’ve done a lot in the office but I can’t tell you a single thing that I accomplished. I downloaded this app a week ago to try to get perspective around how I’m spending my work hours and what I’ve accomplished. I like that I can customize my own labels and tags. A few that I have created are: registration software, staff meeting, email/phone calls, feeding the animals, etc. You can also export the data or go back and add time.
Head Space
There are times when you are feeling pressure and you need help to wind down. This is a great app to help you learn about meditation and how to do it. The first 10 sessions are free. When I’ve got 10 minutes and need to refocus, take a break, or before a big phone call/meeting I can start this meditation app to help me clear my mind and focus on what’s next.
Pinterest
I will gladly admit that I am a Pinterest junkie! I love scrolling through and saving ideas for later or making boards with images that I love. I’ve found it's a great way for me to save ideas for camp like newsletter topics, fundraising ideas, program ideas, and more. I created a board for staff training where I collect ideas in one place to organize the treasures I find online. When it’s time to plan staff training I can share those ideas easily with my program staff by forwarding them through Pinterest or Facebook Messenger.
What’s working for you? Take a moment to share a favorite app or trick of the trade in the UMCRM Facebook Group.
Sarah Ratz is the Director of Judson Collins Center in the UMC's Michigan Area. She also chairs the Member Services Committee of the UMCRM Association Board of Directors. She enjoys travel, crafting, animals of all kinds, and board games, in addition to her contagious passion for outdoor ministry.
