The CampHacker Podcast

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Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/camphacker/the-enrollment-cliff

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Preparing for the Demographic Shift of 2028

Join Travis Allison, Jake Sorenson, Eric Wittenberg, and Stefanie Gillman as they discuss the massive demographic shifts threatening the summer camp industry. The conversation centers on the "enrollment cliff", a sharp decline in birth rates that is already impacting higher education and is set to hit the camp industry's median age group by 2028. They explore why camps must move beyond their historically white, middle-class roots and start engaging diverse communities, alumni networks, and even older populations to ensure survival.
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• Travis - Joyful Belonging Newsletter by Casper ter Kuile
• Jake - Kenn Gronbach Demographer
• Eric - Innovation Accounting
• Stefanie - The Unstuck Box

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• Travis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp Pro
• Jake Sorenson, Sacred Playgrounds Director
• Eric Wittenberg, Camp Machine and Camp Stack CEO
• Stefanie Gillman, Hofstra Summer Camps Director

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UltraCamp

Running camp comes with enough moving parts. UltraCamp keeps registration, payments, and communication in one place—so you can spend less time juggling systems and more time building an incredible camp experience. Learn more at ultracampmanagement.com/camphacker.

Whereabouts

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/

Our free Resilient Camp Blueprint diagnostic is available at: https://camp.mba/travis

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!

Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/camphacker/iil-sam-t

Hello everybody and welcome back to the CampHacker Podcast. In this edition of the unique Intentionally Intentional interview series, Executive Producer Matt Wilfrid dives deep with Sam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor at Crystal Lake Park District, ACA Illinois Board Chair, and co-host of the long-running Day Camp Podcast.

Moving through rounds of memories, insights, and beliefs, Sam shares the bedrock truths that guide her 30+ years in the youth development field. This conversation is essential listening for any camp leader who struggles with balancing organizational growth, financial pressure, and the core mission of providing a quality experience. Sam brings her signature "do a lot with a little" philosophy to tough topics like gaining (and maintaining) parent trust, managing imposter syndrome, and setting non-negotiable boundaries for staff accountability.

Key Takeaways for Camp Professionals

• The Non-Negotiable Accountability: Learn Sam's precise strategy for handling parent complaints: always support staff first by gathering the full story. Accountability to children's safety and wellbeing, however, is the only non-negotiable line, with immediate action required for inappropriate behavior.
• The Park District Edge on Scaling: Sam reveals her decision rule when mission and money pull in different directions. She explains how to identify the "tipping point" where any further site expansion or growth would compromise the quality and core philosophy of the camp program.
• Fighting Imposter Syndrome: Sam shares powerful advice for younger professionals dealing with self-doubt. Her truth—that you have to work to put yourself "at the table"—is tempered by the need for mentorship and the confidence to own your expertise.
• Gaining Parent Trust in a Short Time: Discover the deep, impactful nature of short-term parent relationships in camping. Sam reflects on a powerful moment where a golf cart, a cheering crowd, and an overnight experience built unbreakable trust with a camper's father.
• The Unending Camp Career: Sam reassures listeners that a career in camping is as wide and varied as any other, encompassing everything from directorship to training, consulting, and building industry resources like the Day Camp Podcast.-

• Matt Wilfrid, Executive Producer of Podcasting - Go Camp Pro
• Sam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor - Crystal Lake Park District

Our free Resilient Camp Blueprint diagnostic is available at: https://camp.mba/travis

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!

Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/camphacker/fundraising-strategies-for-2026

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If you’re still fundraising like it’s 2019, you’re leaving money and mission on the table. In this deep-dive update, Travis Allison, Joe Richards, and Heather Withrow unite to discuss what actually works in the current landscape of camp development.

From securing $650,000 "bespoke" gifts to using AI as a "body double" for accountability, this episode covers the tactical shift from broad campaigns to personalized, intentional relationship building. Whether you are an Executive Director struggling to find time to call donors or a development professional looking to modernize your tech stack, this episode provides a roadmap for sustainable growth.

Key Takeaways:

• The Shift to Bespoke Asks: Heather highlights the power of "permission-based fundraising." Instead of cold asks, she builds proposals around specific donor "friction points."
• Monthly Giving & Alumni: Travis discusses the success of targeting staff alumni for operational monthly gifts. Because alumni know the "grind," they are the perfect group to fund the unglamorous essentials of camp life.

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• Travis - Adaptive Listening Book, by Nicole Lowenbraun, and Maegan Stephens
• Joe - The Comet Browser
• Heather - Giving USA (Canadian Version: Canada Helps)

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• Travis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp Pro
• Joe Richards, Executive Director of Pearce Williams
• Heather Withrow, President of Jumonville

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UltraCamp

Running camp comes with enough moving parts. UltraCamp keeps registration, payments, and communication in one place—so you can spend less time juggling systems and more time building an incredible camp experience. Learn more at ultracampmanagement.com/camphacker.

Camptivities

If you’re still making camp schedules in spreadsheets, you know how draining it is and how often mistakes slip in. Enter Camptivities. It’s made by camp people, for camp people - to save time, cut errors, and make camp run smoother. Be the change your camp needs - explore smarter scheduling today at camptivities.com

Our free Resilient Camp Blueprint diagnostic is available at: https://camp.mba/travis

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!

Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/camphacker/iil-jordanna

Join Matt on Intentionally Intentional Leaders for a deep-dive conversation with Jordanna Grossinger, Director of Camp Robin Hood and a prominent voice in the summer camp industry. Through the unpredictable format of a 20-sided dice roll, Jordanna explores the intersection of childhood nostalgia - from Tamagotchis to Hit Clips - and the serious business of modern camp leadership.

The discussion centres on the evolution of staff support, moving beyond simple "time off" to a culture of active, hands-on mentorship. Jordanna shares her journey of slowing down her professional timeline, the importance of the "Kids in Camp" initiative, and why the most courageous act a leader can perform is letting go of the reins to let others shine.

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Find out more about the Kids in Camp Fireside Gala here:

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/fireside-gala-the-ultimate-camp-reunion-tickets-1974523534043 

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Key Takeaways for Camp Professionals

• The Power of Validation: Jordanna reflects on a pivotal childhood moment where a CIT validated her homesickness rather than trying to "fix" it. This underscores the importance of empathy over instruction when building trust with campers.
• Support vs. Time Off: A major insight for day camp professionals: physical breaks or snacks are often less effective than active, on-the-job support. When supervisors step in to co-lead or cover a cabin, it reduces the pressure on staff to be "Level 10" at all times.
• The "Bump It Up" Philosophy: To protect staff's mental and emotional health, Camp Robin Hood utilizes a "bumping it up" strategy. By normalizing the act of asking for help, they’ve turned "not having the answer" from a perceived failure into a celebrated team strength.
• Curiosity Over Judgment: Using the "invisible backpack" metaphor, Jordanna explains why assuming people are fundamentally good leads to better leadership. Approaching a struggling staff member with curiosity about what they are "carrying" is more effective than reacting to their performance.
• People Before Programs: When camp margins and missions compete, the North Star must always be the care and concern for people. Investing in inclusion and mental health is not just a moral choice, but a strategic one that ensures the long-term sustainability of the camp community.
• Slowing the Timeline: For young and emerging professionals (and children of camp owners), there is often a rush to prove one's worth. Jordanna discusses the value of "slowing down the train" to allow for more organic, sustainable growth within an organization.

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• Matt Wilfrid, Consultant & Executive Producer of Podcasting at Go Camp Pro
• Jordanna Grossinger, Director - Camp Robin Hood

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Rate and Review the CampHacker Show

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Our free Resilient Camp Blueprint diagnostic is available at: https://camp.mba/travis

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!

Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/camphacker/lessons-from-visiting-camps

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Join Travis Allison and guests Ari Polsky, Elizabeth Kaplan, and Dan Kirsch from JCamp 180 as they share their unique perspectives from visiting dozens of camps this past summer. Discover the trends they're seeing across the industry—from the return of "normalcy" to the challenges with seasonal staff resilience and housing. This episode is packed with actionable insights on how camps are creatively solving problems, the power of asking donors for help, and simple systems (like a dining hall clipboard!) that can streamline your camp's operations. 

Key Takeaways Include:

• Staffing Challenges & Solutions: The trend of staff lacking problem-solving confidence and the "week-to-week" commitment struggle continues. However, creative solutions like upgraded adult-style housing and strategic pay bumps are helping retain key staff.
• Fundraising through Authenticity: Don't be afraid to show donors the "unvarnished" truth. Authentic storytelling—even unpolished videos—can be more powerful than slick productions. Let donors see the real impact and challenges; they want to help.

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• Travis - ShortWave AI Email Agent
• Elizabeth - Meal Announcement Clipboard!
• Dan - DiVine Video
• Ari - Don't Get Accustomed to Average Podcast Episode

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• Travis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp Pro
• Elizabeth Kaplan - Jcamp180 Program Coordinator, [email protected]
• Dan Kirsch - Jcamp180 Consultant, [email protected]
• Ari Polsky - Jcamp180 Consultant, [email protected]

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Rate and Review the CampHacker Show

(Thank you!)

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UltraCamp

Running camp comes with enough moving parts. UltraCamp keeps registration, payments, and communication in one place—so you can spend less time juggling systems and more time building an incredible camp experience. Learn more at ultracampmanagement.com/camphacker.

Whereabouts

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/

Our free Resilient Camp Blueprint diagnostic is available at: https://camp.mba/travis

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!

Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/camphacker/iil-matt-k

In this episode of Intentionally Intentional Leadership, host Travis Allison sits down with Matt Kaufman, Director at Camp Ramaquois and author of the upcoming book, The Campfire Effect. Matt brings his background in engineering and systems thinking to a deeply insightful conversation that tackles the big questions around running a successful, impactful camp.

Matt shares the life-altering disappointment that led him to his calling in camping, the profound impact of intentional camp traditions, and how his background informs Camp Ramaquois' use of data and AI to buy back intentional time. From the confidence found leading a first-grade group to the absolute necessity of transparency when making tough decisions, this episode explains why nothing at a great camp is accidental - it's all engineered for learning and growth.

Key Takeaways for Camp Professionals

• Camp is Not Magic—It's Science: Matt's upcoming book, The Campfire Effect, connects camp traditions, rituals, and relationships directly to brain science (specifically five key chemicals) to show that what we do at camp is the ideal environment for children and adults to learn and thrive.
• Data-Driven Intentionality: Learn how Camp Ramaquois uses data and technology to improve the camp experience. Matt differentiates between efficiency AI (like summarizing intake forms) and opportunity AI (like using retention numbers to identify red flags and inform better decisions).
• The Power of Tradition and Ritual: Matt shares how simple traditions, like the "Crocodile Hunter Hat" ceremony, are not just silly fun, but powerful tools for building culture and reinforcing core values in campers.
• Changing Habits is Changing People: Matt believes people can change, but only through intentional effort and by understanding how to replace bad habits with good ones. This philosophy applies to improving staff management, personal health, and communication skills.
• Candor is Non-Negotiable: When a crisis hits (like COVID), Matt's duty as a director is to have complete transparency with families. Trust is the foundation of camp, and even though honesty is hard in the short run, it wins in the long run.

• Travis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp Pro
• Matt Kaufman, Director - Camp Ramaquois

Our free Resilient Camp Blueprint diagnostic is available at: https://camp.mba/travis

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!

Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/camphacker/the-resilient-camp-blueprint

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This episode tackles the core challenge facing camp leaders: chronic overwhelm and burnout. Travis explains how camp professionals can break the cycle of feeling like they have to "do it all" and instead focus on building simple, resilient systems. Learn about the 'Path' framework, the power of a "two-second lean," and how small, incremental changes can lead to massive improvements in your camp's efficiency, community, and financial health. Plus, get an eye-opening look at how AI tools can save you hours every week, giving you the time and energy back to focus on the human side of camp leadership.

Key Takeaways Include:

• Overwhelm is the Enemy of Progress: Many camp directors are so overworked and overwhelmed that they cannot step back to consider improvements—even if they know those changes would make their lives better. The goal is to create the time and space to think strategically.
• Start Small for Momentum: Don't try to tear down and rebuild your entire camp operation. Start with tiny, incremental changes, like making something 5% better, or implementing the Two-Second Lean philosophy, to build momentum and develop a culture of continuous improvement
• Three Pillars of Resilience: Resilience isn't just about bouncing back—it's about building strong foundations in three areas: Financial, Operational (day-to-day systems like staffing and maintenance), and Community (trust, appeal, and staff retention).

• Travis - Notebook LM
• Chris - The Resilient Camp Blueprint

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• Travis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp Pro
• Chris Hudson, Camp Consultant and Director - Camp Highlight

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Rate and Review the CampHacker Show

(Thank you!)

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UltraCamp

Running camp comes with enough moving parts. UltraCamp keeps registration, payments, and communication in one place—so you can spend less time juggling systems and more time building an incredible camp experience. Learn more at ultracampmanagement.com/camphacker.

Camptivities

If you’re still making camp schedules in spreadsheets, you know how draining it is and how often mistakes slip in. Enter Camptivities. It’s made by camp people, for camp people - to save time, cut errors, and make camp run smoother. Be the change your camp needs - explore smarter scheduling today at camptivities.com

Our free Resilient Camp Blueprint diagnostic is available at: https://camp.mba/travis

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!

Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/camphacker/iil-chris-h

Dungeons & Directors: Chris Hudson’s Wild Card Ride on Love, Awe, and Camp

In this unique installment of the CampHacker Podcast's Intentionally Intentional Leaders series, Executive Producer Matt Wilfrid sits down with Chris Hudson, consultant, speaker, youth development specialist, and co-host of this very podcast. Using the unpredictable roll of a 20-sided die (D20), Chris explores pivotal memories, profound insights, and fundamental beliefs that have shaped his 30+ years in camping and social work.

The conversation is a moving journey that touches on the power of Dungeons & Dragons as a childhood refuge, the influence of Mary Poppins and Willy Wonka on his leadership style, and his essential work with Planet Chris Consulting to make camps more inclusive and equitable. Chris shares why love is his "religion" and what he believes camp is uniquely positioned to deliver that schools and screens can't: the ability to live in a diverse, empathetic community. This episode is a raw, inspiring listen for any camp professional committed to intentional leadership and building a better future for their campers.

Key Takeaways for Camp Professionals

• Behavior Isn't Always the Issue: Chris advocates for taking camper behavior less seriously, especially minor infractions. He challenges camp professionals (especially those with teaching backgrounds) to move past ableist expectations and focus their attention on the core values of safety and belonging.
• The Power of Connection and Love: Discover why Love feels like a religion to Chris. He discusses how empowering kids to bring out "everything they have to bring out"—their complete, authentic selves—is the highest form of respect and leadership.
• Camp's Unique Position: Camp is argued to be a necessary "third space" uniquely positioned to teach children how to live in community. It's the environment where kids learn to embrace diversity and solve problems on their own, lessons critical for navigating the world that screens and traditional schooling often fail to provide.
• The Foundation of Inclusive Work: Chris addresses the horrific current climate for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) work, urging camp leaders to call him to work through the emotional process of dismantling old, often racist structures within their camp's foundation. He emphasizes that the work must be done if you truly care for all children.
• Guiding Principles for Staff and Campers: Learn Chris's three guiding principles to bring a calming and effective energy to any interaction: "I love you so very much," "I'm interested in what you have to say," and "Everything's gonna be all right."

• Matt Wilfrid, Executive Producer of Podcasting - Go Camp Pro
• Chris Hudson, Co founder of Camp Highlight and Camp Consultant at Planetchris Consulting.

Our free Resilient Camp Blueprint diagnostic is available at: https://camp.mba/travis

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!

Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/camphacker/how-to-hire-a-camp-consultant

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Are you feeling stuck running the same old systems? This episode pulls back the curtain on why hiring an outside camp consultant is an investment, not an expense. Travis and Chris, both experienced consultants, dive into the critical value proposition they bring: fresh eyes to combat "camp myopia," rapid shortcuts to save significant staff time, and invaluable expertise forged by working with hundreds of other camps. The conversation also provides practical advice on how to select the right consultant, how to talk about budget, and the unexpected benefits of accountability and institutional protection that an outside expert can provide. 

Key Takeaways Include:

• Understanding Your Value: Calculate the cost of your own time (salary + benefits) to understand how much you save when a consultant fast-tracks a project that would have taken you months.
• The Shortcut Economy: Consultants bring battle-tested tools, systems, and lessons learned from dozens of other camps, providing instant, high-value shortcuts to accelerate revenue generation, improve staff culture, or optimize operations.
• Overcoming Sticker Shock: Consultants are open to discussing the budget. Be upfront about what you can afford, as many are willing to scale services or help you find initial revenue to cover their costs, treating the engagement as an investment in your future.

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• Travis - CleanShot MacOS App
• Chris - Removepaywall Website

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• Travis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp Pro
• Chris Hudson, Co founder of Camp Highlight and Camp Consultant at Planetchris Consulting.

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Rate and Review the CampHacker Show

(Thank you!)

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UltraCamp

Running camp comes with enough moving parts. UltraCamp keeps registration, payments, and communication in one place—so you can spend less time juggling systems and more time building an incredible camp experience. Learn more at ultracampmanagement.com/camphacker.

Camptivities

If you’re still making camp schedules in spreadsheets, you know how draining it is and how often mistakes slip in. Enter Camptivities. It’s made by camp people, for camp people - to save time, cut errors, and make camp run smoother. Be the change your camp needs - explore smarter scheduling today at camptivities.com

Our free Resilient Camp Blueprint diagnostic is available at: https://camp.mba/travis

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!

Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/camphacker/welcoming-and-including-1st-year-staff

How to Make Every New Staff Member Feel Included and Supported from Day One

This week on the Camp Hacker Podcast, Chris Hudson, Travis Allison, and Kim Aycock dive into how to make camp's most beloved "magic moments" genuinely welcoming and inclusive for both first-year staff and new campers. The crew challenges the notion that camp success relies on "magic," arguing that true inclusion comes from intentionality, strong communication, and better systems. 

Key Takeaways Include:

• Segment Your Communication: Avoid overwhelming new staff with an 80-page PDF. Break down essential information into multiple mediums (audio, video, simple graphics) and frequently reinforce the most crucial rules and camp lingo to appeal to different learning styles
• Make Tiny Pockets of Safety: Intentionality means equipping new people with little wins before they arrive. Teach them one song, one chant, or one ritual via video before the first day so they can immediately participate and feel like an insider.

• Travis - Simple tricks for defensive calendaring to take back control of your time, by Andy Polaine
• Chris - I wrote this for you, by Iain S. Thomas
• Kim - How to Work with Complicated People, by Ryan Leak

• Travis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp Pro
• Chris Hudson, Camp Consultant and Director - Camp Highlight
• Kim Aycock, Camp Consultant and Staff Trainer - https://kimaycock.com/

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Rate and Review the CampHacker Show

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UltraCamp

Running camp comes with enough moving parts. UltraCamp keeps registration, payments, and communication in one place—so you can spend less time juggling systems and more time building an incredible camp experience. Learn more at ultracampmanagement.com/camphacker.

Camptivities

If you’re still making camp schedules in spreadsheets, you know how draining it is and how often mistakes slip in. Enter Camptivities. It’s made by camp people, for camp people to save time, cut errors, and make camp run smoother. Be the change your camp needs - explore smarter scheduling today at camptivities.com

Our free Resilient Camp Blueprint diagnostic is available at: https://camp.mba/travis