The Camp Owners Podcast

Hosted by Go Camp Pro

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May 2026

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The Camp Owners Podcast from Go Camp Pro - A space for camp owners to talk about the unique aspects of camp ownership and get inspired by each other. We sit down with camp industry experts, leaders and fellow camp owners to hear how the camp dream transpired for them, learn from each other and discuss some of the biggest issues in the private camp industry.

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May 20, 2026Episode 761 hr 6 min

Building a Vision from the Ground Up - With Lauren Beckwith and Stacey Levy - The Camp Owners Podcast #76

Find show notes and more at https://gocamp.pro/ownerspod/building-a-vision Creating Camp Culture Before the First Camper Arrives: Inside the Journey of Turning a Camp Dream Into Reality Launching a brand-new camp from scratch is no small feat, and in the final episode of season 6, Lauren Beckwith and Stacey Levy pull back the curtain on how they turned a shared vision into Camp Eastwood. Drawing on decades of experience at some of the industry’s most respected camps, they share practical insights on everything from designing age appropriate programming to creating culture, traditions and staff systems before the first camper even arrived. Whether you’re dreaming about starting a camp, refreshing your current program, or simply love hearing how great camp ideas come to life, this episode is packed with thoughtful leadership lessons and real world strategy. It’s an inspiring look at what it takes to build something meaningful from the ground up and why intentionality matters every step of the way. 04:52 Meet Camp Eastwood 06:58 Friendship Origin Story 10:06 Why Eastwood Exists 14:09 Property Site Setup 17:00 Timeline Roles Split 20:46 How They Got Asked 26:10 Building Program Philosophy 34:55 Designing For Young Kids 39:27 Forest Friends Values 41:37 Session Length Flexibility 43:04 Staff Training Approach 46:57 Reset Between Sessions 52:05 Developmental Programming Wins 54:18 Mentorship Leadership Lessons 56:51 Rapid Fire Favorites - Your Hosts: Howie Grossinger - Co-owner/Director - Camp Robin Hood , Partner - Camp Walden & Madawaska Camps Kelly Schuna - Owner - Hidden Pines Ranch - Your Guests: Lauren Beckwith - Co-Director - Camp Eastwood Stacey Levy - Co-Director - Camp Eastwood - Thanks to our sponsors: 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 --- Fill out the 2026 Podcast Survey by February 28th and enter your email for a chance to with a $250 gift card from our friends at Gopher Sport. Find it at gocamp.pro/podsurvey

April 22, 2026Episode 751 hr 8 min

Coaching Staff Who Struggle to Receive Feedback - with Dave Brown - The Camp Owners Podcast #75

Find all the show notes at https://gocamp.pro/ownerspod/coaching-staff High Standards, Real Buy In: Feedback Strategies Staff Will Actually Hear and Use Why do some staff shut down when given feedback and how can leaders break through? In this episode, your hosts sit down with Dave Brown, LCSW, to explore brain-aligned strategies that help young staff actually hear, process, and act on feedback. Listen in as they unpack the “mentor’s dilemma” and share practical tools like transparency statements, belonging stories, and low stakes check-ins that build trust while maintaining high standards. If you’re looking to strengthen your feedback culture without sacrificing relationships, this episode offers clear, actionable approaches you can start using right away. 07:00 From Social Work To Camp 08:21 Launching Fence Post Learning 11:40 Why Feedback Feels Hard 12:45 Mentor’s Dilemma 15:55 Fragility Causes 21:53 High Standards, High Support 26:04 Transparency Statements Tool 29:15 Building Feedback Culture 33:51 Training Middle Managers 36:29 Why Feedback Breaks Down 37:42 Trusting Others With Feedback 40:42 Why Connection Matters 46:04 Belonging Stories Tool 50:15 Balance Scale Support 53:52 Mentoring Campers - Your Hosts: Howie Grossinger - Co-owner/Director - Camp Robin Hood , Partner - Camp Walden & Madawaska Camps Kelly Schuna - Owner - Hidden Pines Ranch - Your Guests: Dave Brown, LCSW - Founder - Fence Post Learning , Director - Mountain Camp Episode Links: Coping Mechanisms from Fence Post Learning 10 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young People Thanks to our sponsors: 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 --- Fill out the 2026 Podcast Survey by February 28th and enter your email for a chance to with a $250 gift card from our friends at Gopher Sport. Find it at gocamp.pro/podsurvey

March 18, 2026Episode 7456 min

The Campfire Effect - with Matt Kaufman - The Camp Owners Podcast #74

Find all the show notes at https://gocamp.pro/ownerspod/campfire-effect Using Brain Chemistry to Engineer Belonging What if belonging wasn’t left to chance, but intentionally designed? In this episode of The Camp Owners Podcast, Matt Kaufman unpacks “The Campfire Effect,” revealing how camps can use brain chemistry to foster deeper connection, resilience and growth. From navigating homesickness to building powerful staff cultures, this conversation offers practical strategies rooted in the simple idea that stress plus support creates lasting impact. Whether you work in camps, schools or teams, you’ll walk away with actionable ways to create environments where people truly feel they belong. 04:20 Matt’s Camp Origin Story 06:55 Why He Wrote Campfire Effect 10:38 Engineering Belonging at Camp 14:53 Neurochemicals and Dopamine Goals 19:53 Stress Plus Support Equals Growth 24:57 Training Staff to Support Campers 28:50 Camp Beyond Camp 32:13 Belonging Culture Non-negotiables 32:53 Welcoming New Staff Right 39:18 Belonging by Design 41:31 Inspect Your Rituals 44:58 Healthy Dopamine - Your Hosts: Howie Grossinger - Co-owner/Director - Camp Robin Hood , Partner - Camp Walden & Madawaska Camps Kelly Schuna - Owner - Hidden Pines Ranch - Your Guests: Matt Kaufman - Director - Camp Ramaquois - Episode Links: The Campfire Effect: How to Engineer Belonging in a Disconnected World Matt’s Website Thanks to our sponsors: 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 whereaboutsapp.io --- Fill out the 2026 Podcast Survey by February 28th and enter your email for a chance to with a $250 gift card from our friends at Gopher Sport. Find it at gocamp.pro/podsurvey

February 11, 2026Episode 7353 min

Summer Camp: The Best Medicine - with Keith Brazendale - The Camp Owners Podcast #73

Find all the show notes at https://gocamp.pro/ownerspod/best-medicine Camp & Childhood Obesity: A Conversation with Associate Professor Keith Brazendale Summer camp isn’t just fun, it may be one of the most effective tools we have to support children’s health. In this episode of The Camp Owners Podcast , Associate Professor Keith Brazendale speaks about compelling research showing how camp environments can help combat childhood obesity. From the power of structured days and unintentional physical activity, to the role camps can play for low income families, this conversation connects research directly to camp operations and advocacy. You’ll also hear bold ideas about partnerships with schools and pediatricians, including what it could look like for doctors to “prescribe” camp. If you care about the impact camps have beyond the summer, this is a must listen. 06:12 The Impact of Summer Camps on Children's Health 08:10 The Structured Days Hypothesis 16:11 The Importance of Summer Camps for Low-Income Families 23:10 Promoting Camps Through Schools 29:36 Impact of Summer on Low Income Families 30:22 Logistical Challenges and Potential Solutions 31:32 The Role of Schools and Scholarships 32:19 Health Outcomes and the Faucet Theory 32:37 Summer School vs. Summer Camp 33:26 Promoting Healthier Children Through Camps 36:46 Unintentional Physical Activity at Camps 38:23 Pediatricians Prescribing Summer Camps 42:07 Pilot Study on Camp Prescriptions - Your Hosts: Howie Grossinger - Co-owner/Director - Camp Robin Hood , Partner - Camp Walden & Madawaska Camps Kelly Schuna - Owner - Hidden Pines Ranch - Your Guests: Keith Brazendale - Associate Professor - University of Central Florida, Department of Health Sciences - Episode Links: Keith’s Article: Could This Be a Simple Solution to Reducing Childhood Obesity? Thanks to our sponsors: 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 --- Fill out the 2026 Podcast Survey by February 28th and enter your email for a chance to with a $250 gift card from our friends at Gopher Sport. Find it at gocamp.pro/podsurvey

February 9, 202632 min

How "Whereabouts" is Solving the Camp Director’s Biggest Headache - with Ryan Rosen

Clipboards, Kaizen, and Connection: Revolutionizing Camp Attendance with Ryan Rosen *This is a piece of sponsored content by our friends from Camptivities and Whereabouts . We are so grateful for Ryan and the Camptivities team for their support of many Go Camp Pro podcasts and we're excited to bring you this episode to share more about Whereabouts and it's intentional design - Check them out whereaboutsapp.io * -- In this episode, Travis sits down with Ryan Rosen, a 28-year camp veteran and owner of a premier Los Angeles day camp, to discuss the intersection of "tech-free" camp philosophy and high-efficiency logistics. Ryan shares the origin story of Whereabouts , an innovative app designed to bridge the communication gap between parents and camp offices. From the "Spirit of Kaizen" to real-time attendance reconciliation, this conversation explores how small, iterative improvements in camp tech can lead to massive gains in safety, staff sanity, and parent satisfaction. Key Takeaways include: The Spirit of Kaizen: Success isn't always about massive overhauls; it’s about the "incremental improvement" of systems. By questioning why "we’ve always done it this way," directors can identify stagnant procedures - like where T-shirts are handed out or how attendance is taken - and refine them for a better experience. Closing the "Lunchtime Gap": Many camps don't fully reconcile bus lists with group rosters until midday. Ryan explains how real-time widgets allow directors to know exactly who is on-site before the morning assembly even ends, meeting modern parent expectations for safety and transparency. Passive vs. Active Engagement: There is a fine line between "convenient" tech and "isolating" tech. Ryan discusses moving away from passive check-ins (like unattended QR codes) toward "human-powered" technology that prompts staff with camper birthdays or medical alerts during the check-in process. Empowering Gen-Z and Alpha Staff: Modern summer staff are digital natives. Asking them to manage complex paper-and-pen systems often leads to errors. Providing them with intuitive, mobile-first tools like Whereabouts aligns with their skills and reduces operational friction. Tech-Enabled Emergency Safety: Beyond daily attendance, the episode highlights the importance of "Emergency Pods." In the event of a wildfire or evacuation, having a cellular-connected system to track which kids are on which bus in real-time is a critical safety upgrade for any modern camp. --- Thanks to Camptivities and Whereabouts for sponsoring! 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 --- Fill out the 2026 Podcast Survey by February 28th and enter your email for a chance to with a $250 gift card from our friends at Gopher Sport. Find it at gocamp.pro/podsurvey

January 21, 2026Episode 7253 min

Work Smarter, Not Harder - with Victoria Golden - The Camp Owners Podcast #72

Find all the show notes at https://gocamp.pro/ownerspod/work-smarter From Overwhelm to Organized: Building Systems That Actually Work Running a camp is demanding, but it doesn’t have to be exhausting. Your host Howie and guest host Jordanna from the Day Camp Pod , are joined by systems expert Victoria Golden of Polaris Solutions to explore how camp owners and directors can work smarter, not harder. From taming expense tracking to building task and project management systems that actually stick, this conversation is packed with practical, real world ideas you can apply right away. Victoria brings a fresh, thoughtful perspective on using technology and systems to reduce friction while still preserving the personal, relationship driven heart of camp. You’ll hear honest insights about change management, staff buy in and protecting institutional knowledge. If you’re feeling stretched thin and looking for smarter ways to run your camp more effectively, this episode is a must listen! 03:17 Victoria Golden's Journey and Expertise 08:39 Challenges in Camp Operations 11:17 Implementing Efficient Systems 14:53 Succession Planning and Institutional Knowledge 17:33 Navigating Camp Management Software 18:44 Adapting to New Technologies 25:38 The Importance of Relationships in Camp Management 28:43 Challenges in Implementing Changes at Camp 29:28 Building Trust and Buy-In from Staff 30:36 Effective Communication and Problem Solving 32:11 Optimizing Camp Operations: Tools and Techniques 33:54 The Importance of Task Management Systems 35:14 Balancing Efficiency with Personal Touch 44:01 Reflecting and Iterating on Systems 47:15 Rapid Fire Questions with Victoria 49:21 Connecting with Victoria and Final Thoughts - Your Hosts: Howie Grossinger - Co-owner/Director - Camp Robin Hood , Partner - Camp Walden & Madawaska Camps Jordanna Grossinger , Director - Camp Robin Hood - Your Guests: Victoria Golden - Managing Director - Polaris Solutions - Thanks to our sponsors: 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 whereaboutsapp.io --- Fill out the 2026 Podcast Survey by February 28th and enter your email for a chance to with a $250 gift card from our friends at Gopher Sport. Find it at gocamp.pro/podsurvey

December 30, 2025Episode 711 hr 11 min

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

https://gocamp.pro/ownerspod/inside-out How Nelson Strickland Uses Design Theory, Candor and Learning Circles to Strengthen Camp Culture What 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 Journey 11:44 Design Theory in Camp Management 25:59 Creating Spaces for Candor 33:46 The Importance of Staff Connection 38:12 Empowering Leadership Teams 39:02 Balancing Autonomy and Wisdom 39:31 The Participation Principle 40:03 Applying Candor in Camp Operations 42:16 Internship Programs for Camp Staff 45:29 Accessibility in Camp Leadership 48:08 Staff Recruitment Strategies 49:28 Embracing New Perspectives in Camp 52:51 The Power of Saying No 54:02 The Role of Technology in Camps 01:00:42 The Importance of Learning Circles - Your Hosts: Howie Grossinger - Co-owner/Director - Camp Robin Hood , Partner - Camp Walden & Madawaska Camps Kelly Schuna - Owner - Hidden Pines Ranch Nelson Strickland - Board Co-Chair - Camp Jamison - Episode Links: So You Think You Can Camp Thanks to our sponsors: 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 whereaboutsapp.io --- Fill out the 2026 Podcast Survey by February 28th and enter your email for a chance to with a $250 gift card from our friends at Gopher Sport. Find it at gocamp.pro/podsurvey

November 19, 2025Episode 7056 min

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

https://gocamp.pro/ownerspod/succession-planning Your Guide to Staying Ahead in a Changing Camp World In 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 CODA 06:11 Staffing Challenges and Solutions 15:09 Mental Health Support for Staff 26:48 Technology and Innovation in Camps 31:41 Addressing Nationwide Concerns in Camp Management 33:11 Guidance for New Camp Directors on Policy Writing 34:14 Leveraging Technology and Peer Networks 37:34 Regulatory Issues and Their Impact on Camps 42:09 Future of Camp Ownership and Succession Planning 47:21 CODA and Upcoming Events - Your Hosts: Howie Grossinger - Co-owner/Director - Camp Robin Hood , Partner - Camp Walden & Madawaska Camps Kelly Schuna - Owner - Hidden Pines Ranch Jason Silberman - Owner and Director - Camp Matoaka - Thanks to our sponsors: 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 --- Fill out the 2026 Podcast Survey by February 28th and enter your email for a chance to with a $250 gift card from our friends at Gopher Sport. Find it at gocamp.pro/podsurvey

October 22, 2025Episode 6951 min

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-planning Navigating 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 Experience 05:27 Funny Camp Stories 08:03 Discussion on Succession Planning 08:19 Tammy's Journey into Consulting 11:29 Emotional and Strategic Challenges in Camp Succession 18:19 Family Dynamics in Succession Planning 23:52 Facilitating Family Conversations 26:10 Accountability and Hard Conversations 26:51 Family Dynamics in Business 28:02 Evolving Business Practices 29:17 Pressure on the Next Generation 31:36 Maintaining Family Business Legacy 34:13 Starting the Conversation Early 39:30 Role of Family Business Advisors 46:46 Final Thoughts and Contact Information - Episode Links: The Business of Family Podcast with Tammy Buss Your Hosts: Howie Grossinger - Co-owner/Director - Camp Robin Hood , Partner - Camp Walden & Madawaska Camps Kelly Schuna - Owner - Hidden Pines Ranch Tammy Buss - Founder and Family Business Advisor - Blue Roots - Thanks to our sponsors: 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 --- Fill out the 2026 Podcast Survey by February 28th and enter your email for a chance to with a $250 gift card from our friends at Gopher Sport. Find it at gocamp.pro/podsurvey

September 25, 2025Episode 681 hr 2 min

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 - 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 - 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