A special, timely interlude from our friends at the Day Camp Pod:

Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/day-camp-pod/ppp-era-aca

Timely info for American Camps - Jan/Feb 2021

For many camps and small businesses in the United States, the Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program was a lifesaver- enabling us to keep our best people employed which we navigated the uncharted waters of the covid-19 pandemic. 

Starting January 13, the second round of PPP has been made available to qualifying businesses, as well as other resources like the Employer Retention Credit. While most of us may be good at running a summer camp, this other stuff is both supremely important and pretty darn confusing- which is why we have called for an EMERGENCY Podcast with ACA National Chair Scott Brody and the great Steve Baskin - so that we can better grasp the options that can ensure our financial solvency as we enter the 2021 camp season.

Tune in to hear about:

• What we need to know about the PPP situation
• The issues of timing, and filing for forgiveness
• What’s coming down the pike.

Do you have a suggestion for a future show? Let us know by email: [email protected]

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Important Links:

• Andrew Ziv’s thorough explanation of ERC & PPP - https://andrewziv.substack.com/p/breaking-down-the-employer-retention
• SBA / PPP - https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/coronavirus-relief-options/paycheck-protection-program
• IRS / ERC - https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/faqs-employee-retention-credit-under-the-cares-act

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YOUR HOSTS:

• Andy Pritikin, Owner/Director - Liberty Lake Day Camp

GUESTS:

• Scott Brody, Owner & Director - Camps Kenwood & Evergreen
• Steve Baskin, Executive Director - Camp Champions, Camp Pinnacle, Partner - Everwood Day Camp

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SPONSORS:

Thanks to our wonderful sponsors who help make this Go Camp Pro podcast possible:

• AM Skier Insurance    http://www.amskier.com/
• Commercial Recreation Specialists (CRS)   https://crs4rec.com/

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Please review and subscribe!

If you’ve gotten even one good thing from the Day Camp Pod, we would be so grateful if you left us a review and subscribed to this show in your favourite Podcast app.

It’s so easy! 

Just click here: https://ratethispodcast.com/dcp  

Thanks, Camp Pro!

Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/ownerspod/camp-marketing-in-2021

After an unprecedented year, we need an unprecedented marketing strategy. 

Today we are talking to Eric Wittenberg the creator of Camper Machine, a company that assists camp owners in camper recruitment and retention. Eric’s knowledge of the camp industry is extensive as he has been a camp owner himself. 

Eric will provide insight into the things camp owners should be thinking when it comes to keeping campers coming back and how to attract new families to your camp. Given the continued challenges provided by COVID-19, we look forward to hearing how our current reality impacts the approaches we should be taking with camp marketing.

Tune-in to this episode to hear about

• What should camp owners be thinking about most when it comes to marketing. 
• Prioritizing Recruitment and Retention 
• Approaches - Digital Advertising, referral incentives (clients and staff), Open Houses
• Learn more about Camper Machine

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Bonus Resources:

• batchgeo.com for looking at the zip codes of your camper base
• Quarantine Funnel Tech-cceleration

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Thanks for listening!

If you have a suggestion or guest for a for a show, please email our producer, Matt at [email protected].

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What Inspires You? 

Things that inspire our hosts and guests to be the best Camp Owners they can be.

• Kelly: Women in Camp Summit (annual event each Nov/Dec for women in the camp industry)
• Howie: Book “The Soul of an Entrepreneur” - Work and Life Beyond the Startup myth - David Sax
• Eric: Quote “maybe what’s bad is good and what’s good is bad” - when the world is upside down, maybe look at it upside down. A chance to change our perspective

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Host Links:

• Howie Grossinger - Co-owner/Director - Camp Robin Hood, Partner - Camp Walden & Madawaska Camps 
• Kelly Schuna - Owner - Hidden Pines Ranch
• Eric Wittenberg, Chief Marketing Officer, Camper Machine

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Thanks to our sponsor - CampBrain!

CampBrain provides management and registration software to camps and conference centers. Serving 1300+ camps since 1994, with a dedicated staff of 45+ providing personal, caring support and building beautiful, intuitive software.
For more information visit them at https://www.campbrain.com/

Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/ownerspod/camp-marketing-in-2021

After an unprecedented year, we need an unprecedented marketing strategy. 

Today we are talking to Eric Wittenberg the creator of Camper Machine, a company that assists camp owners in camper recruitment and retention. Eric’s knowledge of the camp industry is extensive as he has been a camp owner himself. 

Eric will provide insight into the things camp owners should be thinking when it comes to keeping campers coming back and how to attract new families to your camp. Given the continued challenges provided by COVID-19, we look forward to hearing how our current reality impacts the approaches we should be taking with camp marketing.

Tune-in to this episode to hear about

• What should camp owners be thinking about most when it comes to marketing. 
• Prioritizing Recruitment and Retention 
• Approaches - Digital Advertising, referral incentives (clients and staff), Open Houses
• Learn more about Camper Machine

-

Bonus Resources:

• batchgeo.com for looking at the zip codes of your camper base
• Quarantine Funnel Tech-cceleration

-

Thanks for listening!

If you have a suggestion or guest for a for a show, please email our producer, Matt at [email protected].

-

What Inspires You? 

Things that inspire our hosts and guests to be the best Camp Owners they can be.

• Kelly: Women in Camp Summit (annual event each Nov/Dec for women in the camp industry)
• Howie: Book “The Soul of an Entrepreneur” - Work and Life Beyond the Startup myth - David Sax
• Eric: Quote “maybe what’s bad is good and what’s good is bad” - when the world is upside down, maybe look at it upside down. A chance to change our perspective

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Host Links:

• Howie Grossinger - Co-owner/Director - Camp Robin Hood, Partner - Camp Walden & Madawaska Camps 
• Kelly Schuna - Owner - Hidden Pines Ranch
• Eric Wittenberg, Chief Marketing Officer, Camper Machine

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Thanks to our sponsor - CampBrain!

CampBrain provides management and registration software to camps and conference centers. Serving 1300+ camps since 1994, with a dedicated staff of 45+ providing personal, caring support and building beautiful, intuitive software.
For more information visit them at https://www.campbrain.com/

Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/ownerspod/save-next-summer

If we want to SAVE NEXT SUMMER - we need to act NOW. 

On today’s show we are excited to welcome the creators of SAVE NEXT SUMMER, a camp advocacy movement spearheaded by our guests. Many States and Provinces have still not provided guidance for camps to open in 2021, our guests have created a resource for campers, parents and camp pros to have their voices heard by their local governments. We are excited to have the guys join Kelly and I and learn more about the work they are doing on how private camp pros can support the effort.

We’re excited to introduce our guests for today's show, Mike Stillson from Valley Trails Summer Camp in Southern California and Andy Moeschberger from Gold Arrow Camp in the Sierra National Forest in California.

Tune-in to this episode to hear about

• Tell us more about the SAVE NEXT SUMMER initiative 
• What was the motivation for creating SAVE NEXT SUMMER? 
• In what ways can camps participate? 

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Thanks for listening!

If you have a suggestion or guest for a for a show, please email our producer, Matt at [email protected].

-

What Inspires You? 

Things that inspire our hosts and guests to be the best Camp Owners they can be.

• Kelly: Guest on NPR discussion on when we’re asked to reflect back on this time by our grandchildren, what will we say when asked “what did you do to help others during that time?”
• Howie: Book by Simon Sinek “Together is Better” Quote: “working hard for something we don’t care about is called stress, working hard for something we love is called passion”
• Mike: The power of camp and how important that is now more than ever. Also the support of the community and feedback from families for what we gave to them during summer 2020
• Soy: Copy-paste Mike’s answer please:) Also, Brene Brown’s podcast with Dolly Parton and her advice to not look away when someone is in pain.

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Host Links:

• Howie Grossinger - Co-owner/Director - Camp Robin Hood, Partner - Camp Walden & Madawaska Camps 
• Kelly Schuna - Owner - Hidden Pines Ranch
• Mike Stillson - Executive Director - Valley Trails valleytrails.com or [email protected]
• Andy “Soy” Moeschberger - Camp Director - Gold Arrow Camp or www.savenextsummer.com 

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Thanks to our sponsor - CampBrain!

CampBrain provides management and registration software to camps and conference centers. Serving 1300+ camps since 1994, with a dedicated staff of 45+ providing personal, caring support and building beautiful, intuitive software.
For more information visit them at https://www.campbrain.com/

Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/ownerspod/save-next-summer

If we want to SAVE NEXT SUMMER - we need to act NOW. 

On today’s show we are excited to welcome the creators of SAVE NEXT SUMMER, a camp advocacy movement spearheaded by our guests. Many States and Provinces have still not provided guidance for camps to open in 2021, our guests have created a resource for campers, parents and camp pros to have their voices heard by their local governments. We are excited to have the guys join Kelly and I and learn more about the work they are doing on how private camp pros can support the effort.

We’re excited to introduce our guests for today's show, Mike Stillson from Valley Trails Summer Camp in Southern California and Andy Moeschberger from Gold Arrow Camp in the Sierra National Forest in California.

Tune-in to this episode to hear about

• Tell us more about the SAVE NEXT SUMMER initiative 
• What was the motivation for creating SAVE NEXT SUMMER? 
• In what ways can camps participate? 

-

Thanks for listening!

If you have a suggestion or guest for a for a show, please email our producer, Matt at [email protected].

-

What Inspires You? 

Things that inspire our hosts and guests to be the best Camp Owners they can be.

• Kelly: Guest on NPR discussion on when we’re asked to reflect back on this time by our grandchildren, what will we say when asked “what did you do to help others during that time?”
• Howie: Book by Simon Sinek “Together is Better” Quote: “working hard for something we don’t care about is called stress, working hard for something we love is called passion”
• Mike: The power of camp and how important that is now more than ever. Also the support of the community and feedback from families for what we gave to them during summer 2020
• Soy: Copy-paste Mike’s answer please:) Also, Brene Brown’s podcast with Dolly Parton and her advice to not look away when someone is in pain.

-

Host Links:

• Howie Grossinger - Co-owner/Director - Camp Robin Hood, Partner - Camp Walden & Madawaska Camps 
• Kelly Schuna - Owner - Hidden Pines Ranch
• Mike Stillson - Executive Director - Valley Trails valleytrails.com or [email protected]
• Andy “Soy” Moeschberger - Camp Director - Gold Arrow Camp or www.savenextsummer.com 

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Thanks to our sponsor - CampBrain!

CampBrain provides management and registration software to camps and conference centers. Serving 1300+ camps since 1994, with a dedicated staff of 45+ providing personal, caring support and building beautiful, intuitive software.
For more information visit them at https://www.campbrain.com/

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

Camp Owners are responsible for making their camp an inclusive, welcoming and affirming space for participants and staff of all sexes and gender identities. Period. 

Today we are discussing what Howie and I feel is a really important topic in our world today and in the camp industry - gender. 

A 2019 Pew Research stuff found that 35 percent of Generation Z say they personally know someone who uses gender-neutral pronouns like “they” and “them,” compared to a quarter of millennials who said the same. 

There are a number of progressive camps in our industry that serve LGBTQ+ youth as well as camps leading the way with “all gender cabins.”  

We are looking foward to discussing how camps can be progressive and proactive vs. reactive in serving both campers and staff who identify as gender-neutral, transgender, cisgender or as a member of the LGBTQ+ community.

A big thanks to Michael Waxman, camp alumnus and social worker, for joining us in this extremely important conversation.

Tune-in to this episode to hear about

• Why do you think it’s important for camp owners to be talking about gender as it relates to campers and staff?
• What do you think are the most pressing issues for camps when it comes to gender?
• Any advice to camp owners who want to make their camp an inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ campers and staff

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Thanks for listening!

If you have a suggestion or guest for a for a show, please email our producer, Matt at [email protected].

-

What Inspires You? 

Things that inspire our hosts and guests to be the best Camp Owners they can be.

• Kelly: Wolfpack by Abby Wambach 
• Howie: BARNGA - An Intercultural Simulation Game - https://youtu.be/j9KMksUIH2Q 
• Michael: “Us Kids” documentary about kids from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland Florida

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Host Links:

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

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Thanks to our sponsor - CampBrain!

CampBrain provides management and registration software to camps and conference centers. Serving 1300+ camps since 1994, with a dedicated staff of 45+ providing personal, caring support and building beautiful, intuitive software.
For more information visit them at https://www.campbrain.com/

Find full notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/ownerspod/lgtbq-at-campCamp Owners are responsible for making their camp an inclusive, welcoming and affirming space for participants and staff of all sexes and gender identities. Period. Today we are...

Find full notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/ownerspod/2021-registration

No matter what Summer 2021 looks like, we’ve got to get people registered first! Here are the ins and outs of a registration season like no other!

Today, we have two seasoned camp owners with us to share their 2020 experiences and to give us some perspective on the trends they are seeing in 2021 registration. Both of our guests operate overnight camps and can provide a unique perspective on their approaches to getting their campers to return in 2021 and what they are doing to attract new campers. We’re thrilled to welcome David Miller from Camp Starlight in Pennsylvania and Jeff Bradshaw from Camp Wenonah in Bracebridge Ontario.

Tune-in to this episode to hear about

• How was your summer? Give us some insight into how 2020 went for you
• In what way did registration for 2021 change from what you traditionally do?
• How is registration going/what’s the response been? What have been successful aspects of your approach? If anything hasn’t landed so well, what has it been?
• Any advice to camp owners who haven’t launched registration yet? 

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Thanks for listening!

If you have a suggestion or guest for a for a show, please email our producer, Matt at [email protected].

-

What Inspires You? 

Things that inspire our hosts and guests to be the best Camp Owners they can be.

• David: His work with “Global Camps Africa” and how they were able to pivot dramatically this summer and offer virtual programming
• Jeff: 7 words to inspire “Create something that can survive your demise”
• Howie: AppleTV+ show “Dear” - is this something that we can do with camp counselors and use at training
• Kelly: Video by Camp Ronald McDonald for Good Times about your “Echo”

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Host Links:

• Howie Grossinger - Co-owner/Director - Camp Robin Hood, Partner - Camp Walden & Madawaska Camps 
• Kelly Schuna - Owner - Hidden Pines Ranch
• David Miller - Co-Owner & Director - Camp Starlight
• Jeff Bradshaw - Founder and Executive Director - Camp Wenonah

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Thanks to our sponsor - CampBrain!

CampBrain provides management and registration software to camps and conference centers. Serving 1300+ camps since 1994, with a dedicated staff of 45+ providing personal, caring support and building beautiful, intuitive software.
For more information visit them at https://www.campbrain.com/

Find full notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/ownerspod/2021-registrationNo matter what Summer 2021 looks like, we’ve got to get people registered first! Here are the ins and outs of a registration season like no other!Today, we have two seasoned...

Find out more at: https://gocamp.pro/ownerspod/takin-care-of-business

In a financial year like no other, we’re thrilled to welcome Jonathan Gold to The Camp Owners Podcast!

On the 11th episode of The Camp Owners Podcast, we are taking care of business. We sit down with Jonathan Gold where we get his insight into all things business, the cash crunch and all financial considerations to make 2021 an amazing summer for our campers, family and staff.

Tune-in to this episode to hear about

• How has what you experienced have you thinking about the financial road ahead?
• What are some things all owners should be thinking about? 
• How should we think about our intentions in operating in 2021 with the way parents might be thinking about camp next summer?
• Much much more!

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Thanks for listening!

If you have a suggestion or guest for a for a show, please email our producer, Matt at [email protected].

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What Inspires You? 

Things that inspire our hosts and guests to be the best Camp Owners they can be.

• Jonathan: Relevance of Camp - I know for an absolute fact that we need to be open for kids this summer.  The power of play and camp is the last venue that we can teach them that, especially amidst the pandemic. “If you want to improve your game, you don’t focus on your strengths, you focus on your weaknesses.”
• Howie: Quote from 1987 from Michael Brandwein at staff training: Participation Principle:  “People take better care of things they help create.”
• Kelly: Quote by Simon Sinek from his book “Infinite Game”: “The path to a victory is finite. The path to fulfillment is infinite ⇒ To live a life for fulfillment is to live as if there is no finish line ⇒ to play the infinite game.”

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Host Links:

• Howie Grossinger - Co-owner/Director - Camp Robin Hood, Partner - Camp Walden & Madawaska Camps 
• Kelly Schuna - Owner - Hidden Pines Ranch
• Jonathan M. Gold, MBA, PhD, Camp Owner/Director - The Arbor Group of Camps

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Thanks to our sponsor - CampBrain!

CampBrain provides management and registration software to camps and conference centers. Serving 1300+ camps since 1994, with a dedicated staff of 45+ providing personal, caring support and building beautiful, intuitive software.
For more information visit them at https://www.campbrain.com/