The CampHacker Podcast

Mission over Money, and Lifelong Camp Learning - with Sam Thompson - Intentionally Intentional Leaders

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/camphacker/iil-sam-tLessons from 8 Seasons of the Day Camp Pod: Sam Thompson's Essential Rules for Day Camp DirectorsHello 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 ProfessionalsThe 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.-Your HostsMatt Wilfrid, Executive Producer of Podcasting - Go Camp ProSam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor - Crystal Lake Park DistrictFree Resilient Camp Blueprint Diagnostic: https://camp.mba/travisTake it once a month to see how all of your work is progressing. Our free Resilient Camp Blueprint diagnostic is available at: https://camp.mba/travis

Fundraising strategies for 2026, with Joe Richards and Heather Withrow - CampHacker #222

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/camphacker/fundraising-strategies-for-2026-Strategies that work! The 2026 Playbook for Camp FundraisingIf 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.-Tool of the Week - Make Yourself a Better Camp DirectorTravis - Adaptive Listening Book, by Nicole Lowenbraun, and Maegan StephensJoe - The Comet BrowserHeather - Giving USA (Canadian Version: Canada Helps)-Your HostsTravis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp ProJoe Richards, Executive Director of Pearce WilliamsHeather Withrow, President of Jumonville- Rate and Review the CampHacker Show(Thank you!)-Thanks to our sponsors!UltraCampRunning 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.CamptivitiesIf 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.comFree Resilient Camp Blueprint Diagnostic: https://camp.mba/travisTake it once a month to see how all of your work is progressing. Our free Resilient Camp Blueprint diagnostic is available at: https://camp.mba/travis

Leading with Curiosity and the Courage to Slow Down - with Jordanna Grossinger - Intentionally Intentional Leaders

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/camphacker/iil-jordannaLeadership, Legacy, and the Magic of Day Camp with Jordanna GrossingerJoin 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.-Find out more about the Kids in Camp Fireside Gala here:https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/fireside-gala-the-ultimate-camp-reunion-tickets-1974523534043 -Key Takeaways for Camp ProfessionalsThe 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.-Your HostsMatt Wilfrid, Consultant & Executive Producer of Podcasting at Go Camp ProJordanna Grossinger, Director - Camp Robin Hood-Rate and Review the CampHacker ShowFree Resilient Camp Blueprint Diagnostic: https://camp.mba/travisTake it once a month to see how all of your work is progressing. Our free Resilient Camp Blueprint diagnostic is available at: https://camp.mba/travis

Lessons from Visiting Camps this Summer, with Elizabeth Kaplan, Dan Kirsch, and Ari Polsky - CampHacker #221

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/camphacker/lessons-from-visiting-camps-Fresh Eyes, Fresh Ideas: Lessons from a Summer of Site VisitsJoin 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.-Tool of the Week - Make Yourself a Better Camp DirectorTravis - ShortWave AI Email AgentElizabeth - Meal Announcement Clipboard!Dan - DiVine VideoAri - Don't Get Accustomed to Average Podcast Episode-Your HostsTravis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp ProElizabeth Kaplan - Jcamp180 Program Coordinator, ekaplan@hgf.orgDan Kirsch - Jcamp180 Consultant, dan@hgf.orgAri Polsky - Jcamp180 Consultant, apolsky@hgf.org-Rate and Review the CampHacker Show(Thank you!)-Thanks to our sponsors!UltraCampRunning 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.CamptivitiesIf 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.comFree Resilient Camp Blueprint Diagnostic: https://camp.mba/travisTake it once a month to see how all of your work is progressing. Our free Resilient Camp Blueprint diagnostic is available at: https://camp.mba/travis

An Engineer's Approach to Building Culture and Trust at Camp - with Matt Kaufman - Intentionally Intentional Leaders

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/camphacker/iil-matt-kEngineered for Intentionality: Matt Kaufman on Data, Habits, and The Campfire EffectIn 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 ProfessionalsCamp 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.Your HostsTravis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp ProMatt Kaufman, Director - Camp RamaquoisFree Resilient Camp Blueprint Diagnostic: https://camp.mba/travisTake it once a month to see how all of your work is progressing. Our free Resilient Camp Blueprint diagnostic is available at: https://camp.mba/travis