Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/ownerspod/camp-corporate

In this episode of the Camp Owners Podcast, guest Mario Del Cueto from Mountain Camp Marin shares valuable strategies from his corporate experience that he integrates into camp management. From improving team communication, enhancing interviews, and capturing valuable performance data to solving problems and getting feedback from parents, campers, and staff, Mario provides actionable insights. He also dives into innovative onboarding practices, leveraging the 80-20 rule, and abundant recognition systems. Listen for practical tips on how to apply these learnings to elevate your camp operations. Join hosts Howie Grossinger and Kelly Schuna as they explore these themes in depth with Mario.

Highlights:

• 03:46 Introducing Mario
• 05:32 Mario's Journey from Corporate to Camp
• 09:35 Corporate Best Practices for Camps
• 10:37 The Importance of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
• 14:01 Scoring and Evaluating Camp Staff
• 26:21 Streamlining the Application Process
• 37:18 Onboarding and Training Insights from the Corporate World
• 39:51 Addressing Staff Struggles Early
• 43:08 Creating a Culture of Feedback
• 44:05 Empowering Staff with the Better Board
• 45:40 Lessons from Business Books for Camps
• 47:05 Stakeholder Input: Campers, Parents, and Staff
• 50:15 Recognition and Rewards at Camp
• 59:41 Applying the 80/20 Rule in Camp Management
• 01:04:24 Answer-First Communication
• 01:06:17 Rapid-fire Questions

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Links from this episode at: https://gocamp.pro/ownerspod/camp-corporate

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• Howie Grossinger - Co-owner/Director - Camp Robin Hood, Partner - Camp Walden & Madawaska Camps
• Kelly Schuna - Owner - Hidden Pines Ranch
• Mario Del Cueto, Camp Director - Mountain Camp Marin

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Celebrating 30 years, CampBrain camp management software not only provides a great tool and caring support for your best ever workdays, but a delightful registration experience for parents. Discover what more than 1800 camps know and how you can love your software too, visit https://www.campbrain.com/ownerspod

Activity schedules are the backbone of every camper’s experience. If there’s a staffing change, it’s really hard to find a person that knows your camp and the nuance your schedule takes. Come check out Camptivities to learn more about our scheduling tools,  designed for camps by camp people. Find out more at camptivities.com

Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/ownerspod/director-insights

With conference season fast approaching and many of us well into our “off-season” to-do list, we are excited to welcome Nick Teich from Fairwinds Camp Consulting to the Camp Owners Podcast. Nick has been a presenter at many ACA events and his recent article in Camping Magazine called Camp Director Insights — And the Importance of It All made us curious about unpacking his findings and to explore some of the big takeaways from the article.

Highlights:

• 03:38 Introducing Nick Teich
• 05:04 Nick's Camp Journey
• 06:32 Insights from the Camp Director Survey
• 09:18 The Need for More Helping Hands
• 15:37 Balancing Middle Management
• 29:31 Setting Expectations with Parents
• 32:01 Onboarding and Orientation for New Campers
• 34:01 Mental Health and Code of Conduct
• 35:30 Proactive Communication and Preparation
• 37:09 Year-Round Engagement and Staffing
• 40:15 Mental Health and Staff Recruitment Challenges
• 45:22 Remembering the Why: The Importance of Camp
• 48:34 Rapid-Fire Camp Questions with Nick

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• Article: Camp Director Insights — And the Importance of It All - https://www.acacamps.org/article/camping-magazine/camp-director-insights-importance-it-all 
• Article: What positions do summer camps employ on their year-round teams? - https://www.consultforcamp.com/post/what-positions-do-summer-camps-employ-on-their-year-round-teams 

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• Howie Grossinger - Co-owner/Director - Camp Robin Hood, Partner - Camp Walden & Madawaska Camps
• Kelly Schuna - Owner - Hidden Pines Ranch
• Nick Teich - Founder and Principal - Fairwinds Camp Consulting

Celebrating 30 years, CampBrain camp management software not only provides a great tool and caring support for your best ever workdays, but a delightful registration experience for parents. Discover what more than 1800 camps know and how you can love your software too, visit https://www.campbrain.com/ownerspod

Activity schedules are the backbone of every camper’s experience. If there’s a staffing change, it’s really hard to find a person that knows your camp and the nuance your schedule takes. Come check out Camptivities to learn more about our scheduling tools,  designed for camps by camp people. Find out more at camptivities.com

Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/ownerspod/family-foley

In this episode of The Camp Owners Podcast, hosts Kelly Schuna and Howie Grossinger continue their conversation with Alli and Marie from Camp Foley. They delve into the family's recent leadership transition as Marie retires and Allie takes the helm of the camp. The group discusses the history of Camp Foley, the challenges and learnings of transitioning leadership, and offers tips for families undergoing similar transitions at their camps. Additionally, they highlight the importance of communication, flexibility, and clarity of responsibilities. Tune in for insights on third-generation camp leadership and the invaluable perspectives from the women of Camp Foley.

Highlights:

• 02:42 Family Transition at Camp Foley
• 04:25 Marie’s Transition Experience
• 09:59 Alli’s Journey to Leadership
• 11:56 Navigating Responsibilities and Roles
• 16:14 Succession Planning and Challenges
• 21:03 Looking Ahead: Allie’s Vision
• 32:12 Rapid Fire Questions

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• Howie Grossinger - Co-owner/Director - Camp Robin Hood, Partner - Camp Walden & Madawaska Camps
• Kelly Schuna - Owner - Hidden Pines Ranch
• Marie Schmid, Owner/Executive Director, Camp Foley
• Alli Faricy, Director, Camp Foley

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Celebrating 30 years, CampBrain camp management software not only provides a great tool and caring support for your best ever workdays, but a delightful registration experience for parents. Discover what more than 1800 camps know and how you can love your software too, visit https://www.campbrain.com/ownerspod

Activity schedules are the backbone of every camper’s experience. If there’s a staffing change, it’s really hard to find a person that knows your camp and the nuance your schedule takes. Come check out Camptivities to learn more about our scheduling tools,  designed for camps by camp people. Find out more at camptivities.com

Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/campahead/scenario-planning-101

In this episode of Camp Ahead, hosts Joe, Jess, and KJ  expand on the idea of scenario planning as an essential tool for thinking about the future. They discuss key drivers such as climate change, economics, demographics, technological advancements, and social shifts that can shape the next decade of summer camps. Through imaginative scenario planning, they aim to prepare the industry for both positive and challenging futures. Tune in as they explore the potential impacts of AI, climate mitigation, and more on the world of summer camps.

• 01:46 Recap and Introduction to Scenario Planning
• 05:33 Key Drivers for the Future of Camps: Economic and Staff Considerations
• 07:55 Environmental and Technological Impacts on Camps
• 15:09 Social Drivers and Equity in Future Camps
• 20:33 Imagining Positive Futures: Pronoia vs. Paranoia
• 25:36 The Impact of Camp and Nature
• 26:04 Funding and Philanthropy in Camping
• 29:31 The Value of Experiential Learning
• 30:12 Community and Indigenous Relationships

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• The Book: Imaginable by Jane McGonigal:
  • https://janemcgonigal.com/2021/12/17/imaginable-how-to-see-the-future-coming-and-feel-ready-for-anything-even-things-that-seem-impossible-today/
• https://poe.com/UOScenarioCreator
• https://urgentoptimists.org/

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Jess Elfring-Roberts - Executive Director, Episcopal Camps & Conference Centers

Joe Richards - Executive Director, Pearce Williams Summer Camp and Retreat Facility

KJ Williams -  Camp Director, Phantom Lake YMCA Camp

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A huge thanks to our sponsors for making this possible.

Campify:

Is creating your camp schedule a headache? Does it limit the experience of campers or staff? Campify is software that does the heavy lifting for you - taking care of group, elective, and specialist scheduling based on your custom scheduling rules.

Interested in learning more? Visit campify.io/CampAhead to schedule a demo or create a free trial today.

Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/campahead/intro-to-mental-time-travel

In this inaugural episode of the Camp Ahead podcast, Joe Richards, KJ Williams, and Jess Elfring-Roberts dive into the concept of future-proofing the summer camp industry. They discuss the importance of mental time travel, scenario planning, and preparing for larger global issues like climate change, financial instability, demographics, and migration. The hosts share their personal experiences and outline the goals for the podcast, emphasizing the need for proactive thinking to ensure the long-term success of camps. 

This episode sets the stage for exploring how the camp community can adapt and thrive amidst uncertainties.

• 00:58 Meet the Hosts
• 01:51 The Concept of Future Scenarios
• 03:46 Pandemic Reflections
• 06:43 Proactive vs. Reactive Planning
• 30:08 Thinking Big: Managing Smaller Challenges
• 31:10 Climate Migration and Its Impacts
• 33:12 Demographic Shifts in Camping
• 38:09 The Importance of Collaboration

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• The Book: Imaginable by Jane McGonigal:
  • https://janemcgonigal.com/2021/12/17/imaginable-how-to-see-the-future-coming-and-feel-ready-for-anything-even-things-that-seem-impossible-today/
• https://poe.com/UOScenarioCreator
• https://urgentoptimists.org/

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Jess Elfring-Roberts - Executive Director, Episcopal Camps & Conference Centers

Joe Richards - Executive Director, Pearce Williams Summer Camp and Retreat Facility

KJ Williams -  Camp Director, Phantom Lake YMCA Camp

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A huge thanks to our sponsors for making this possible.

Campify:

Is creating your camp schedule a headache? Does it limit the experience of campers or staff? Campify is software that does the heavy lifting for you - taking care of group, elective, and specialist scheduling based on your custom scheduling rules.

Interested in learning more? Visit campify.io/CampAhead to schedule a demo or create a free trial today.

Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/ownerspod/milestones-2024

In this episode of the Camp Owners Podcast, Kelly Schuna and Howie Grossinger talk to Marie Schmid and Alli Faricy from Camp Foley about celebrating their 100th anniversary. They discuss planning tips, lessons learned, and details from the milestone event. Topics include scheduling, event activities, alumni engagement, and maintaining camp traditions. This episode offers valuable insights for camp owners planning similar celebrations.

Highlights:

• 02:55 Introducing Marie and Ali from Camp Foley
• 03:41 Marie and Ali's Origin Stories
• 06:28 Planning the 100th Anniversary
• 08:06 Executing the Celebration
• 15:13 Challenges and Solutions
• 23:48 Event Highlights and Activities
• 30:25 Tips and Suggestions for Milestone Celebrations

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• Howie Grossinger - Co-owner/Director - Camp Robin Hood, Partner - Camp Walden & Madawaska Camps
• Kelly Schuna - Owner - Hidden Pines Ranch
• Marie Schmid, Owner/Executive Director, Camp Foley
• Alli Faricy, Director, Camp Foley

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Celebrating 30 years, CampBrain camp management software not only provides a great tool and caring support for your best ever workdays, but a delightful registration experience for parents. Discover what more than 1800 camps know and how you can love your software too, visit https://www.campbrain.com/ownerspod

Activity schedules are the backbone of every camper’s experience. If there’s a staffing change, it’s really hard to find a person that knows your camp and the nuance your schedule takes. Come check out Camptivities to learn more about our scheduling tools,  designed for camps by camp people. Find out more at camptivities.com

Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/ownerspod/j-gold-crossover

In this crossover episode from the Day Camp Pod, Join Andy Pritikin, Sam Thompson, and Justin Pritikin as they delve into the inspiring story of Jonathan Gold, a successful operator of three large private day camps in New Jersey. In this episode, Jonathan shares his journey, the risks and challenges he took on, and the lessons learned along the way. The second half brings in Justin to discuss how the next generation of camp operators can succeed. The conversation covers everything from financial planning in the camp business to the evolving career paths for young camp professionals. Plus, get insights into the current state of the day camp industry and valuable tips for prospective camp owners and directors. Tune in for an episode full of wisdom and practical advice.

Highlights:

• 01:41 Meet Jonathan Gold
• 05:29 First Steps in the Camp Industry
• 13:06 Taking Over Meadowbrook Day Camp
• 17:46 Acquiring Oak Crest Day Camp
• 26:17 Expanding to Multiple Camps
• 27:12 Reviving a Dormant Camp
• 32:50 Financial Realities of Camp Management
• 37:11 Entrepreneurial Drive in Camp Ownership

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• Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day Camp
• Sam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor - Crystal Lake Park District
• Jonathan M. Gold, MBA, PhD, Camp Owner/Director - the Arbor Group of Camps
• Justin Pritikin, Director of Staff - Everwood Day Camp

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Celebrating 30 years, CampBrain camp management software not only provides a great tool and caring support for your best ever workdays, but a delightful registration experience for parents. Discover what more than 1800 camps know and how you can love your software too, visit https://www.campbrain.com/ownerspod

Activity schedules are the backbone of every camper’s experience. If there’s a staffing change, it’s really hard to find a person that knows your camp and the nuance your schedule takes. Come check out Camptivities to learn more about our scheduling tools,  designed for camps by camp people. Find out more at camptivities.com

Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/ownerspod/new-owner-jason-samuel

Join Kelly and Howie on the Camp Owners Podcast as they delve into the journey of Jason Samuel, the new owner of The Nature Place. Jason shares insights from his transition from a sailing instructor to camp owner, the rich history of The Nature Place, and the challenges faced, especially during the pandemic. Discover the importance of networking, financing strategies, and leveraging support systems within the camp industry. Learn about the complexities of transitioning leadership, maintaining camp culture, and overcoming financial hurdles. 

Tune in for valuable lessons and advice on navigating camp ownership, enhancing camp experiences, and sustaining legacies.

• 00:00 Introduction to the Episode
• 00:30 Podcast Overview and Sponsors
• 02:25 Introducing Jason Samuel & Jason's Journey into Camping
• 07:27 The Appeal of Day Camps
• 09:07 Purchasing The Nature Place
• 15:30 Networking and Finding Camps for Sale
• 21:56 Financing the Camp Purchase
• 30:53 Navigating Lease Agreements
• 34:23 Making Improvements and Investments
• 37:26 Transition Challenges and Communication
• 46:42 Lessons Learned and Advice
• 52:46 Rapid Fire Questions
• Host Links:
• Howie Grossinger - Co-owner/Director - Camp Robin Hood, Partner - Camp Walden & Madawaska Camps
• Kelly Schuna - Owner - Hidden Pines Ranch
• Jason Samuel - Owner & Director - The Nature Place

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Celebrating 30 years, CampBrain camp management software not only provides a great tool and caring support for your best ever workdays, but a delightful registration experience for parents. Discover what more than 1800 camps know and how you can love your software too, visit https://www.campbrain.com/ownerspod

Activity schedules are the backbone of every camper’s experience. If there’s a staffing change, it’s really hard to find a person that knows your camp and the nuance your schedule takes. Come check out Camptivities to learn more about our scheduling tools,  designed for camps by camp people. Find out more at camptivities.com

Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/ownerspod/all-in-on-ai

In this episode of the Camp Owners Podcast, Howie and Kelly kick off Season 5 with a deep dive into the world of artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact on the camp industry. 

Joined by special guest Travis Allison, co-founder of GoCampPro, the discussion covers how AI can streamline camp operations, enhance communication with parents and staff, and provide valuable insights into effective practices. Travis shares practical examples and future projections for AI's role in camp management, emphasizing how these technologies can save time and improve overall efficiency without compromising the personal touch that defines the camp experience. Tune in to discover innovative ways to leverage AI in your camp's daily operations and beyond.

• The Google NotebookLM conversation Travis talked about
• Travis’ Camp AI Tool - https://campbot.org/
• Howie’s AI Music Tool - https://suno.com/

• Howie Grossinger - Co-owner/Director - Camp Robin Hood, Partner - Camp Walden & Madawaska Camps
• Kelly Schuna - Owner - Hidden Pines Ranch

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Celebrating 30 years, CampBrain camp management software not only provides a great tool and caring support for your best ever workdays, but a delightful registration experience for parents. Discover what more than 1800 camps know and how you can love your software too, visit https://www.campbrain.com/ownerspod

Activity schedules are the backbone of every camper’s experience. If there’s a staffing change, it’s really hard to find a person that knows your camp and the nuance your schedule takes. Come check out Camptivities to learn more about our scheduling tools,  designed for camps by camp people. Find out more at camptivities.com

Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/ownerspod/season-4-recap

On this last episode of The Camp Owners Podcast season 4, Howie and I are putting a wrap on the season. We are talking about some of our biggest takeaways from some of our guests. We're also talking about some of the new things that we're trying this summer, whether they are from things that didn't go well for us last year, whether they are from conferences and speakers, or some of the speakers or guests we had on our podcast so tune in for our reflections, what we learned, what we’re trying and what we are looking forward to for this camp season. So give it a listen and have a GREAT SUMMER!

• Unreasonable Hospitality
• Book: “Anxious Generation”
• Steve Baskin article re why kids need camp

• Howie Grossinger - Co-owner/Director - Camp Robin Hood, Partner - Camp Walden & Madawaska Camps
• Kelly Schuna - Owner - Hidden Pines Ranch

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CampBrain’s Camp Management Software not only provides a great management tool for your best ever workdays, but is a delightful registration experience for your parents. They take pride in building long-lasting relationships through their incredible support and love they show to each client. CampBrain is not only focused on your needs for summer 2024, but for the next 25 summers and beyond. To learn more about how they help 1700+ camps and how they can help you, visit with them at https://www.campbrain.com/ownerspod

Activity schedules are the backbone of every camper’s experience. If there’s a staffing change, it’s really hard to find a person that knows your camp and the nuance your schedule takes. Come check out Camptivities to learn more about our scheduling tools,  designed for camps by camp people. Find out more at camptivities.com