Turning Camp Data into Smarter Decisions - with Ryan Rosen - The Camp Owners Podcast #68

Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/ownerspod/smart-data-rosen

The Data-Informed Camp: Using Business Intelligence to Build Stronger Summers

In this season six kickoff episode, hosts Kelly Suna and Howie Grossinger sit down with camp owner and industry leader Ryan Rosen to explore the concept of business intelligence (BI) in the camp world. Ryan, a self-proclaimed "data guy," shares how camps can move beyond relying on gut feelings and broad numbers to make smarter, more strategic decisions. They discuss how to use data as a mirror—not a master—to strengthen a camp's core mission and improve the experience for campers and staff alike.

Ryan highlights that BI is a mindset of curiosity and critical thinking, emphasizing Albert Einstein's quote: "Not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted." The conversation delves into practical, actionable strategies for leveraging the data camps already have, from registration logs to staff surveys, to uncover hidden insights and drive meaningful change.

Highlights:

• 04:35 Understanding Business Intelligence in Camps
• 07:44 The Importance of Data in Camp Operations
• 12:46 Balancing Heart and Head in Decision Making
• 17:59 Effective Use of Surveys
• 22:14 Proactive Communication with Families
• 32:07 Key Performance Indicators for Camps
• 35:26 Evaluating Camp Programs with Business Intelligence
• 36:31 Understanding Camper and Staff Feedback
• 36:54 Measuring Program Success and Improvement
• 37:32 Addressing Camper Experience and Feedback
• 40:25 Introducing Business Intelligence to Your Team
• 42:40 Using Data to Enhance Camp Experience
• 45:45 Balancing Data and Mission in Camp Management
• 51:03 Practical Tips for Camp Professionals
• 56:18 Rapid Fire Camp Questions with Ryan Rosen

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Episode Link:

• Camptivities Article: Evaluating Your Summer Through the Lens of Business Intelligence
  • https://www.camptivities.com/blog/2025/09-02evaluatecampbusinessintelligence

Your Hosts:

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

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Thanks to our sponsor:Camptivities

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