The Camp Owners Podcast

Rethinking Camp from the Inside Out - with Nelson Strickland - The Camp Owners Podcast #71

https://gocamp.pro/ownerspod/inside-outHow Nelson Strickland Uses Design Theory, Candor and Learning Circles to Strengthen Camp CultureWhat 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 Journey11:44 Design Theory in Camp Management25:59 Creating Spaces for Candor33:46 The Importance of Staff Connection38:12 Empowering Leadership Teams39:02 Balancing Autonomy and Wisdom39:31 The Participation Principle40:03 Applying Candor in Camp Operations42:16 Internship Programs for Camp Staff45:29 Accessibility in Camp Leadership48:08 Staff Recruitment Strategies49:28 Embracing New Perspectives in Camp52:51 The Power of Saying No54:02 The Role of Technology in Camps01:00:42 The Importance of Learning Circles-Your Hosts:Howie Grossinger - Co-owner/Director - Camp Robin Hood, Partner - Camp Walden & Madawaska CampsKelly Schuna - Owner - Hidden Pines RanchNelson Strickland - Board Co-Chair - Camp Jamison-Episode Links:So You Think You Can Camp Thanks to our sponsors:WhereaboutsYour 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.ioWant easier hiring and stronger teams? Set up intentional systems to retain your best people and consistently recruit passionate, high‑fit staff—then watch results compound.Take your free Resilient Camp Blueprint Diagnostic at https://camp.mba/travis. Can your camp take another year of staff strain, long days, and parent communication headaches? Put systems in place now to retain returners and recruit high‑fit staff so the season bends, not breaks.Take your free Resilient Camp Blueprint Diagnostic at https://camp.mba/travis.

Keeping Current in the World of Camp Ownership - with Jason Silberman - The Camp Owners Podcast #70

https://gocamp.pro/ownerspod/succession-planningYour Guide to Staying Ahead in a Changing Camp WorldIn 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 CODA06:11 Staffing Challenges and Solutions15:09 Mental Health Support for Staff26:48 Technology and Innovation in Camps31:41 Addressing Nationwide Concerns in Camp Management33:11 Guidance for New Camp Directors on Policy Writing34:14 Leveraging Technology and Peer Networks37:34 Regulatory Issues and Their Impact on Camps42:09 Future of Camp Ownership and Succession Planning47:21 CODA and Upcoming Events-Your Hosts:Howie Grossinger - Co-owner/Director - Camp Robin Hood, Partner - Camp Walden & Madawaska CampsKelly Schuna - Owner - Hidden Pines RanchJason Silberman - Owner and Director - Camp Matoaka-Thanks to our sponsors:CamptivitiesYour 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.comWant easier hiring and stronger teams? Set up intentional systems to retain your best people and consistently recruit passionate, high‑fit staff—then watch results compound.Take your free Resilient Camp Blueprint Diagnostic at https://camp.mba/travis. Can your camp take another year of staff strain, long days, and parent communication headaches? Put systems in place now to retain returners and recruit high‑fit staff so the season bends, not breaks.Take your free Resilient Camp Blueprint Diagnostic at https://camp.mba/travis.

Keeping It in the Family: Succession Strategies for Camp Owners - with Tammy Buss - The Camp Owners Podcast #69

Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/ownerspod/succession-planningNavigating Family Succession in Camp Ownership 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 Experience05:27 Funny Camp Stories08:03 Discussion on Succession Planning08:19 Tammy's Journey into Consulting11:29 Emotional and Strategic Challenges in Camp Succession18:19 Family Dynamics in Succession Planning23:52 Facilitating Family Conversations26:10 Accountability and Hard Conversations26:51 Family Dynamics in Business28:02 Evolving Business Practices29:17 Pressure on the Next Generation31:36 Maintaining Family Business Legacy34:13 Starting the Conversation Early39:30 Role of Family Business Advisors46:46 Final Thoughts and Contact Information-Episode Links:The Business of Family Podcast with Tammy BussYour Hosts:Howie Grossinger - Co-owner/Director - Camp Robin Hood, Partner - Camp Walden & Madawaska CampsKelly Schuna - Owner - Hidden Pines RanchTammy Buss - Founder and Family Business Advisor - Blue Roots-Thanks to our sponsors:CamptivitiesYour 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.comWant easier hiring and stronger teams? Set up intentional systems to retain your best people and consistently recruit passionate, high‑fit staff—then watch results compound.Take your free Resilient Camp Blueprint Diagnostic at https://camp.mba/travis. Can your camp take another year of staff strain, long days, and parent communication headaches? Put systems in place now to retain returners and recruit high‑fit staff so the season bends, not breaks.Take your free Resilient Camp Blueprint Diagnostic at https://camp.mba/travis.

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-rosenThe Data-Informed Camp: Using Business Intelligence to Build Stronger SummersIn 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 Camps07:44 The Importance of Data in Camp Operations12:46 Balancing Heart and Head in Decision Making17:59 Effective Use of Surveys22:14 Proactive Communication with Families32:07 Key Performance Indicators for Camps35:26 Evaluating Camp Programs with Business Intelligence36:31 Understanding Camper and Staff Feedback36:54 Measuring Program Success and Improvement37:32 Addressing Camper Experience and Feedback40:25 Introducing Business Intelligence to Your Team42:40 Using Data to Enhance Camp Experience45:45 Balancing Data and Mission in Camp Management51:03 Practical Tips for Camp Professionals56:18 Rapid Fire Camp Questions with Ryan Rosen-Episode Link:Camptivities Article: Evaluating Your Summer Through the Lens of Business Intelligencehttps://www.camptivities.com/blog/2025/09-02evaluatecampbusinessintelligenceYour Hosts:Howie Grossinger - Co-owner/Director - Camp Robin Hood, Partner - Camp Walden & Madawaska CampsKelly Schuna - Owner - Hidden Pines RanchRyan Rosen - Owner & Director - Camp Kinneret & Founder - Camptivities-Thanks to our sponsor:CamptivitiesYour 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

How To Facilitate The Most Important 90 Minutes Of Your Summer - with Steve Maguire - The Camp Owners Podcast #67

Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/ownerspod/first-90-steveSteve Maguire: Igniting Your Staff for an Unforgettable Camp SeasonAs we close out another season of The Camp Owners Podcast, we stick with tradition and try to provide some staff training inspiration to launch all of you into another happy, healthy and successful camp summer.Today, we have Steve Maguire, who many of us have seen at camp conferences, have had at our camps and above all, someone who has provided incredibly helpful insight into working with our staff, assessing and improving our operations and generally providing very fresh perspectives on how to make camp better for everyone. He also does it with unmatched energy which we hope to harness today!Highlights:04:55 Steve Maguire's Journey into the Camp World22:20 The Power of Movement in Training24:37 The Importance of First Impressions30:49 Setting Expectations and Addressing Early Issues31:46 The Importance of Immediate Action34:23 Overhiring and Staff Management Strategies37:14 Cultural and Behavioral Observations53:46 Personal Reflections and Professional Balance56:20 Rapid Fire Questions and Closing Remarks-Your Hosts:Howie Grossinger - Co-owner/Director - Camp Robin Hood, Partner - Camp Walden & Madawaska CampsKelly Schuna - Owner - Hidden Pines RanchSteve Maguire, Speaker, Trainer, Teacher and more - Go Turnstone-Thanks to our sponsors:CampBrainCelebrating 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/ownerspodCamptivitiesActivity 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