The Camp Owners Podcast

Find show notes and more at https://gocamp.pro/ownerspod/valuation

What is a camp worth in today’s changing market? Season 7 of The Camp Owners Podcast kicks off with camp consultant Robert Lebby, who breaks down the current state of camp sales, valuations, buyer interest, and the financial forces shaping the industry. From understanding valuation multiples to navigating bank lending, owner financing, and preparing for a future sale, this episode is packed with practical insights for camp owners at any stage. Whether you’re thinking about selling now or simply planning for what comes next, this conversation will help you better understand the value of your camp and the market around it.

• 05:09 Meet Robert Lebby
• 08:06 Building Camp Owner Networks
• 10:30 Bankruptcy Fallout Explained
• 18:19 Buyer Interest Surges
• 26:53 Selling Prep And Finding Buyers
• 33:25 Market Shifts And Valuation Basics
• 36:03 Valuation Variables
• 37:23 Free Cash Explained
• 38:51 Multipliers and Ranges
• 42:29 Banks and Interest Rates
• 43:53 Owner Financing Basics
• 49:27 Tax Strategies and Depreciation
• 52:24 Private Equity in Camps
• 53:28 Industry Values and Transparency
• 58:02 Bankruptcy Valuations Recap
• 59:26 Selling Timeline Advice

-

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

-

• Robert Lebby

-

Campminder has the most robust offerings of features out there. But more importantly, every feature works together to create a full, seamless system that helps camps run more efficiently. Visit them today at campminder.com

Your staff work late into the night to create perfect camper schedules. Prevent mid-summer burnout with Camptivities — the smart scheduling software that saves time, reduces mistakes, and keeps your team energized. Find out more at camptivities.com

---

Fill out the 2026 Podcast Survey by February 28th and enter your email for a chance to with a $250 gift card from our friends at Gopher Sport. Find it at gocamp.pro/podsurvey

Find show notes and more at https://gocamp.pro/ownerspod/building-a-vision

Launching a brand-new camp from scratch is no small feat, and in the final episode of season 6, Lauren Beckwith and Stacey Levy pull back the curtain on how they turned a shared vision into Camp Eastwood. Drawing on decades of experience at some of the industry’s most respected camps, they share practical insights on everything from designing age appropriate programming to creating culture, traditions and staff systems before the first camper even arrived. Whether you’re dreaming about starting a camp, refreshing your current program, or simply love hearing how great camp ideas come to life, this episode is packed with thoughtful leadership lessons and real world strategy. It’s an inspiring look at what it takes to build something meaningful from the ground up and why intentionality matters every step of the way.

• 04:52 Meet Camp Eastwood
• 06:58 Friendship Origin Story
• 10:06 Why Eastwood Exists
• 14:09 Property Site Setup
• 17:00 Timeline Roles Split
• 20:46 How They Got Asked
• 26:10 Building Program Philosophy
• 34:55 Designing For Young Kids
• 39:27 Forest Friends Values
• 41:37 Session Length Flexibility
• 43:04 Staff Training Approach
• 46:57 Reset Between Sessions
• 52:05 Developmental Programming Wins
• 54:18 Mentorship Leadership Lessons
• 56:51 Rapid Fire Favorites

-

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

-

• Lauren Beckwith - Co-Director - Camp Eastwood
• Stacey Levy - Co-Director - Camp Eastwood

-

Your staff work late into the night to create perfect camper schedules. Prevent mid-summer burnout with Camptivities — the smart scheduling software that saves time, reduces mistakes, and keeps your team energized. Find out more at camptivities.com

---

Fill out the 2026 Podcast Survey by February 28th and enter your email for a chance to with a $250 gift card from our friends at Gopher Sport. Find it at gocamp.pro/podsurvey

Find all the show notes at https://gocamp.pro/ownerspod/coaching-staff

Why do some staff shut down when given feedback and how can leaders break through? In this episode, your hosts sit down with Dave Brown, LCSW, to explore brain-aligned strategies that help young staff actually hear, process, and act on feedback. Listen in as they unpack the “mentor’s dilemma” and share practical tools like transparency statements, belonging stories, and low stakes check-ins that build trust while maintaining high standards. If you’re looking to strengthen your feedback culture without sacrificing relationships, this episode offers clear, actionable approaches you can start using right away.

• 07:00 From Social Work To Camp
• 08:21 Launching Fence Post Learning
• 11:40 Why Feedback Feels Hard
• 12:45 Mentor’s Dilemma 
• 15:55 Fragility Causes
• 21:53 High Standards, High Support
• 26:04 Transparency Statements Tool
• 29:15 Building Feedback Culture
• 33:51 Training Middle Managers
• 36:29 Why Feedback Breaks Down
• 37:42 Trusting Others With Feedback
• 40:42 Why Connection Matters
• 46:04 Belonging Stories Tool
• 50:15 Balance Scale Support
• 53:52 Mentoring Campers 

-

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

-

• Dave Brown, LCSW - Founder - Fence Post Learning, Director - Mountain Camp

Coping Mechanisms from Fence Post Learning

10 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young People

Your staff work late into the night to create perfect camper schedules. Prevent mid-summer burnout with Camptivities — the smart scheduling software that saves time, reduces mistakes, and keeps your team energized. Find out more at camptivities.com

---

Fill out the 2026 Podcast Survey by February 28th and enter your email for a chance to with a $250 gift card from our friends at Gopher Sport. Find it at gocamp.pro/podsurvey

Find all the show notes at https://gocamp.pro/ownerspod/campfire-effect

What if belonging wasn’t left to chance, but intentionally designed? In this episode of The Camp Owners Podcast, Matt Kaufman unpacks “The Campfire Effect,” revealing how camps can use brain chemistry to foster deeper connection, resilience and growth. From navigating homesickness to building powerful staff cultures, this conversation offers practical strategies rooted in the simple idea that stress plus support creates lasting impact. Whether you work in camps, schools or teams, you’ll walk away with actionable ways to create environments where people truly feel they belong.

• 04:20 Matt’s Camp Origin Story
• 06:55 Why He Wrote Campfire Effect
• 10:38 Engineering Belonging at Camp
• 14:53 Neurochemicals and Dopamine Goals
• 19:53 Stress Plus Support Equals Growth
• 24:57 Training Staff to Support Campers
• 28:50 Camp Beyond Camp
• 32:13 Belonging Culture Non-negotiables
• 32:53 Welcoming New Staff Right
• 39:18 Belonging by Design
• 41:31 Inspect Your Rituals
• 44:58 Healthy Dopamine 

-

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

-

• Matt Kaufman - Director - Camp Ramaquois

-

The Campfire Effect: How to Engineer Belonging in a Disconnected World

Matt’s Website

Your mission is campers. Ours is making their experience coordinated and connected. 

Whereabouts is the only camper management system that keeps Parents, Admin, and Staff in sync in real time — so every camper’s day runs with confidence, clarity, and care. Check them out whereaboutsapp.io

---

Fill out the 2026 Podcast Survey by February 28th and enter your email for a chance to with a $250 gift card from our friends at Gopher Sport. Find it at gocamp.pro/podsurvey

Find all the show notes at https://gocamp.pro/ownerspod/best-medicine

Summer camp isn’t just fun, it may be one of the most effective tools we have to support children’s health. In this episode of The Camp Owners Podcast, Associate Professor Keith Brazendale speaks about compelling research showing how camp environments can help combat childhood obesity. From the power of structured days and unintentional physical activity, to the role camps can play for low income families, this conversation connects research directly to camp operations and advocacy. You’ll also hear bold ideas about partnerships with schools and pediatricians, including what it could look like for doctors to “prescribe” camp. If you care about the impact camps have beyond the summer, this is a must listen.

• 06:12 The Impact of Summer Camps on Children's Health
• 08:10 The Structured Days Hypothesis
• 16:11 The Importance of Summer Camps for Low-Income Families
• 23:10 Promoting Camps Through Schools
• 29:36 Impact of Summer on Low Income Families
• 30:22 Logistical Challenges and Potential Solutions
• 31:32 The Role of Schools and Scholarships
• 32:19 Health Outcomes and the Faucet Theory
• 32:37 Summer School vs. Summer Camp
• 33:26 Promoting Healthier Children Through Camps
• 36:46 Unintentional Physical Activity at Camps
• 38:23 Pediatricians Prescribing Summer Camps
• 42:07 Pilot Study on Camp Prescriptions

-

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

-

• Keith Brazendale - Associate Professor - University of Central Florida, Department of Health Sciences

-

Keith’s Article: Could This Be a Simple Solution to Reducing Childhood Obesity?

Your staff work late into the night to create perfect camper schedules. Prevent mid-summer burnout with Camptivities — the smart scheduling software that saves time, reduces mistakes, and keeps your team energized. Find out more at camptivities.com

---

Fill out the 2026 Podcast Survey by February 28th and enter your email for a chance to with a $250 gift card from our friends at Gopher Sport. Find it at gocamp.pro/podsurvey

*This is a piece of sponsored content by our friends from Camptivities and Whereabouts. We are so grateful for Ryan and the Camptivities team for their support of many Go Camp Pro podcasts and we're excited to bring you this episode to share more about Whereabouts and it's intentional design - Check them out whereaboutsapp.io*

--

In this episode, Travis sits down with Ryan Rosen, a 28-year camp veteran and owner of a premier Los Angeles day camp, to discuss the intersection of "tech-free" camp philosophy and high-efficiency logistics. Ryan shares the origin story of Whereabouts, an innovative app designed to bridge the communication gap between parents and camp offices. From the "Spirit of Kaizen" to real-time attendance reconciliation, this conversation explores how small, iterative improvements in camp tech can lead to massive gains in safety, staff sanity, and parent satisfaction.

Key Takeaways include:

• The Spirit of Kaizen: Success isn't always about massive overhauls; it’s about the "incremental improvement" of systems. By questioning why "we’ve always done it this way," directors can identify stagnant procedures - like where T-shirts are handed out or how attendance is taken - and refine them for a better experience.
• Closing the "Lunchtime Gap": Many camps don't fully reconcile bus lists with group rosters until midday. Ryan explains how real-time widgets allow directors to know exactly who is on-site before the morning assembly even ends, meeting modern parent expectations for safety and transparency.
• Passive vs. Active Engagement: There is a fine line between "convenient" tech and "isolating" tech. Ryan discusses moving away from passive check-ins (like unattended QR codes) toward "human-powered" technology that prompts staff with camper birthdays or medical alerts during the check-in process.
• Empowering Gen-Z and Alpha Staff: Modern summer staff are digital natives. Asking them to manage complex paper-and-pen systems often leads to errors. Providing them with intuitive, mobile-first tools like Whereabouts aligns with their skills and reduces operational friction.
• Tech-Enabled Emergency Safety: Beyond daily attendance, the episode highlights the importance of "Emergency Pods." In the event of a wildfire or evacuation, having a cellular-connected system to track which kids are on which bus in real-time is a critical safety upgrade for any modern camp.

---

Thanks to Camptivities and Whereabouts for sponsoring!

Your mission is campers. Ours is making their experience coordinated and connected.

Whereabouts is the only camper management system that keeps Parents, Admin, and Staff in sync in real time - so every camper’s day runs with confidence, clarity, and care. Check them out at whereaboutsapp.io

---

Fill out the 2026 Podcast Survey by February 28th and enter your email for a chance to with a $250 gift card from our friends at Gopher Sport. Find it at gocamp.pro/podsurvey

Find all the show notes at https://gocamp.pro/ownerspod/work-smarter

Running a camp is demanding, but it doesn’t have to be exhausting. Your host Howie and guest host Jordanna from the Day Camp Pod, are joined by systems expert Victoria Golden of Polaris Solutions to explore how camp owners and directors can work smarter, not harder. From taming expense tracking to building task and project management systems that actually stick, this conversation is packed with practical, real world ideas you can apply right away. Victoria brings a fresh, thoughtful perspective on using technology and systems to reduce friction while still preserving the personal, relationship driven heart of camp. You’ll hear honest insights about change management, staff buy in and protecting institutional knowledge. If you’re feeling stretched thin and looking for smarter ways to run your camp more effectively, this episode is a must listen!

• 03:17 Victoria Golden's Journey and Expertise
• 08:39 Challenges in Camp Operations
• 11:17 Implementing Efficient Systems
• 14:53 Succession Planning and Institutional Knowledge
• 17:33 Navigating Camp Management Software
• 18:44 Adapting to New Technologies
• 25:38 The Importance of Relationships in Camp Management
• 28:43 Challenges in Implementing Changes at Camp
• 29:28 Building Trust and Buy-In from Staff
• 30:36 Effective Communication and Problem Solving
• 32:11 Optimizing Camp Operations: Tools and Techniques
• 33:54 The Importance of Task Management Systems
• 35:14 Balancing Efficiency with Personal Touch
• 44:01 Reflecting and Iterating on Systems
• 47:15 Rapid Fire Questions with Victoria
• 49:21 Connecting with Victoria and Final Thoughts

-

• Howie Grossinger - Co-owner/Director - Camp Robin Hood, Partner - Camp Walden & Madawaska Camps
• Jordanna Grossinger, Director - Camp Robin Hood

-

• Victoria Golden - Managing Director - Polaris Solutions

-

Your mission is campers. Ours is making their experience coordinated and connected. 

Whereabouts is the only camper management system that keeps Parents, Admin, and Staff in sync in real time — so every camper’s day runs with confidence, clarity, and care. Check them out whereaboutsapp.io

---

Fill out the 2026 Podcast Survey by February 28th and enter your email for a chance to with a $250 gift card from our friends at Gopher Sport. Find it at gocamp.pro/podsurvey

https://gocamp.pro/ownerspod/inside-out

What if you approached your camp the way a designer approaches a space - intentionally, thoughtfully and with the end experience always in mind? In this episode Howie Grossinger and Kelly Schuna are joined by Nelson Strickland for a conversation on how design theory can transform both camper and staff experiences. Nelson shares practical frameworks for creating spaces of candor, building strong learning circles and identifying the weak links that quietly hold camps back. You’ll also hear actionable insights on staff recruitment, retention and how to balance approachability with clear leadership. This episode is a must listen for camp owners and leaders who want to move beyond “the way we’ve always done it” and design a camp culture that truly works.

• 04:51 Nelson's Camp Journey
• 11:44 Design Theory in Camp Management
• 25:59 Creating Spaces for Candor
• 33:46 The Importance of Staff Connection
• 38:12 Empowering Leadership Teams
• 39:02 Balancing Autonomy and Wisdom
• 39:31 The Participation Principle
• 40:03 Applying Candor in Camp Operations
• 42:16 Internship Programs for Camp Staff
• 45:29 Accessibility in Camp Leadership
• 48:08 Staff Recruitment Strategies
• 49:28 Embracing New Perspectives in Camp
• 52:51 The Power of Saying No
• 54:02 The Role of Technology in Camps
• 01:00:42 The Importance of Learning Circles

-

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

-

So You Think You Can Camp 

Your mission is campers. Ours is making their experience coordinated and connected. 

Whereabouts is the only camper management system that keeps Parents, Admin, and Staff in sync in real time — so every camper’s day runs with confidence, clarity, and care. Check them out whereaboutsapp.io

---

Fill out the 2026 Podcast Survey by February 28th and enter your email for a chance to with a $250 gift card from our friends at Gopher Sport. Find it at gocamp.pro/podsurvey

https://gocamp.pro/ownerspod/succession-planning

In Episode 70 of the Camp Owners Podcast, hosts Howie Grossinger and Kelly Schuna dive into an insightful conversation with Jason Silberman, owner and director of Camp Matoka and president of CODA. Jason brings a unique blend of experience, candor, and forward thinking perspective that every camp professional, whether new to ownership or decades in, will appreciate. This episode unpacks the most pressing topics facing camp owners today, from the realities of staffing shortages to the growing need for thoughtful mental health support. Jason also shares his camp origin story, reminding listeners why passion and purpose still sit at the heart of this industry. You’ll hear practical guidance on succession planning, navigating regulatory challenges, and adapting to the evolving role of technology in daily operations. If you care about staying current in the constantly shifting world of camp ownership, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

04:11 Jason's Camp Journey and Role in CODA

06:11 Staffing Challenges and Solutions

15:09 Mental Health Support for Staff

26:48 Technology and Innovation in Camps

31:41 Addressing Nationwide Concerns in Camp Management

33:11 Guidance for New Camp Directors on Policy Writing

34:14 Leveraging Technology and Peer Networks

37:34 Regulatory Issues and Their Impact on Camps

42:09 Future of Camp Ownership and Succession Planning

47:21 CODA and Upcoming Events

-

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

-

Your staff work late into the night to create perfect camper schedules. Prevent mid-summer burnout with Camptivities — the smart scheduling software that saves time, reduces mistakes, and keeps your team energized. Find out more at camptivities.com

---

Fill out the 2026 Podcast Survey by February 28th and enter your email for a chance to with a $250 gift card from our friends at Gopher Sport. Find it at gocamp.pro/podsurvey

Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/ownerspod/succession-planning

Succession planning isn’t just about passing down a business—it’s about passing down a legacy. In this episode of the Camp Owners Podcast, hosts Howie Grossinger and Kelly Schuna sit down with Tammy Buss from Blue Roots to dive into the complex and deeply emotional world of family camp transitions. Whether you’re currently navigating ownership change or just starting to think about the future, this conversation offers invaluable perspective. Tammy shares her expertise in helping family-run organizations plan for the next generation - balancing tradition with innovation, emotion with practicality. Together, they unpack common challenges like communication breakdowns, emotional attachment, and differing visions for the camp’s future. You’ll walk away with tangible strategies to start these conversations early, keep relationships strong, and protect what matters most: the heart of your camp. This episode is a must-listen for any camp owner who wants to ensure their legacy not only survives but thrives, for generations to come.

Highlights:

• 03:56 Tammy's Camp Experience
• 05:27 Funny Camp Stories
• 08:03 Discussion on Succession Planning
• 08:19 Tammy's Journey into Consulting
• 11:29 Emotional and Strategic Challenges in Camp Succession
• 18:19 Family Dynamics in Succession Planning
• 23:52 Facilitating Family Conversations
• 26:10 Accountability and Hard Conversations
• 26:51 Family Dynamics in Business
• 28:02 Evolving Business Practices
• 29:17 Pressure on the Next Generation
• 31:36 Maintaining Family Business Legacy
• 34:13 Starting the Conversation Early
• 39:30 Role of Family Business Advisors
• 46:46 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

-

• The Business of Family Podcast with Tammy Buss

• Howie Grossinger - Co-owner/Director - Camp Robin Hood, Partner - Camp Walden & Madawaska Camps
• Kelly Schuna - Owner - Hidden Pines Ranch
• Tammy Buss - Founder and Family Business Advisor - Blue Roots

-

Your staff work late into the night to create perfect camper schedules. Prevent mid-summer burnout with Camptivities — the smart scheduling software that saves time, reduces mistakes, and keeps your team energized. Find out more at camptivities.com

---

Fill out the 2026 Podcast Survey by February 28th and enter your email for a chance to with a $250 gift card from our friends at Gopher Sport. Find it at gocamp.pro/podsurvey