Find all the show notes at https://gocamp.pro/ownerspod/work-smarter

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

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• Howie Grossinger - Co-owner/Director - Camp Robin Hood, Partner - Camp Walden & Madawaska Camps
• Jordanna Grossinger, Director - Camp Robin Hood

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• Victoria Golden - Managing Director - Polaris Solutions

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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

Want 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.

https://gocamp.pro/ownerspod/inside-out

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

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• 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

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So You Think You Can Camp

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

Want 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.

https://gocamp.pro/ownerspod/succession-planning

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

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• 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

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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

Want 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.