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.

Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/ownerspod/succession-planning

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

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• The Business of Family Podcast with Tammy Buss

• 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

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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.

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

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

• 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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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

Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/ownerspod/first-90-steve

As 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 McGuire's Journey into the Camp World
• 22:20 The Power of Movement in Training
• 24:37 The Importance of First Impressions
• 30:49 Setting Expectations and Addressing Early Issues
• 31:46 The Importance of Immediate Action
• 34:23 Overhiring and Staff Management Strategies
• 37:14 Cultural and Behavioral Observations
• 53:46 Personal Reflections and Professional Balance
• 56:20 Rapid Fire Questions and Closing Remarks

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• Howie Grossinger - Co-owner/Director - Camp Robin Hood, Partner - Camp Walden & Madawaska Camps
• Kelly Schuna - Owner - Hidden Pines Ranch
• Steve Maguire, Speaker, Trainer, Teacher and more - Go Turnstone

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Celebrating 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/ownerspod

Activity 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

Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/ownerspod/intentional-camp-brandwein

What's the secret to running a camp that truly changes lives? Michael Brandwein joins Howie Grossinger and Kelly Schuna to answer that question, sharing wisdom from his new book, "The Intentional Camp." This isn't just another conversation about fun and games; it's a deep dive into how camp owners can be incredibly intentional about developing character qualities in their campers. Brandwein challenges the "camp is magic" idea and offers concrete steps to make every activity—yes, even tie-dye!—a tool for growth. You'll hear practical tips for staff training, marketing your camp's purpose, and creating a camp culture where everyone understands the "why" behind what they do. Prepare to be inspired to make your camp more than just a summer experience, but a place where young people become their best selves.

Highlights:

• 07:37 The Intentional Camp: Book Introduction
• 11:11 The Magic of Camp and Intentionality
• 14:06 Implementing Intentional Practices at Camp
• 17:10 Engaging Staff and Leadership
• 28:28 Purposeful Picking and Training Techniques
• 39:07 Communicating Camp Values in Interviews
• 41:03 Pre-Camp Preparation and Partnering
• 44:51 Building Connections Among Staff
• 57:05 Marketing Your Camp's Unique Value
• 01:05:00 Rapid Fire Questions with Michael Brandwein

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Find them at: https://gocamp.pro/ownerspod/intentional-camp-brandwein

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• Howie Grossinger - Co-owner/Director - Camp Robin Hood, Partner - Camp Walden & Madawaska Camps
• Kelly Schuna - Owner - Hidden Pines Ranch
• Michael Brandwein, Speaker, Trainer and Author - https://www.michaelbrandwein.com

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Celebrating 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/ownerspod

Activity 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

Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/ownerspod/camp-corporate

In this episode of the Camp Owners Podcast, guest Mario Del Cueto from Mountain Camp Marin shares valuable strategies from his corporate experience that he integrates into camp management. From improving team communication, enhancing interviews, and capturing valuable performance data to solving problems and getting feedback from parents, campers, and staff, Mario provides actionable insights. He also dives into innovative onboarding practices, leveraging the 80-20 rule, and abundant recognition systems. Listen for practical tips on how to apply these learnings to elevate your camp operations. Join hosts Howie Grossinger and Kelly Schuna as they explore these themes in depth with Mario.

Highlights:

• 03:46 Introducing Mario
• 05:32 Mario's Journey from Corporate to Camp
• 09:35 Corporate Best Practices for Camps
• 10:37 The Importance of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
• 14:01 Scoring and Evaluating Camp Staff
• 26:21 Streamlining the Application Process
• 37:18 Onboarding and Training Insights from the Corporate World
• 39:51 Addressing Staff Struggles Early
• 43:08 Creating a Culture of Feedback
• 44:05 Empowering Staff with the Better Board
• 45:40 Lessons from Business Books for Camps
• 47:05 Stakeholder Input: Campers, Parents, and Staff
• 50:15 Recognition and Rewards at Camp
• 59:41 Applying the 80/20 Rule in Camp Management
• 01:04:24 Answer-First Communication
• 01:06:17 Rapid-fire Questions

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Links from this episode at: https://gocamp.pro/ownerspod/camp-corporate

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• Howie Grossinger - Co-owner/Director - Camp Robin Hood, Partner - Camp Walden & Madawaska Camps
• Kelly Schuna - Owner - Hidden Pines Ranch
• Mario Del Cueto, Camp Director - Mountain Camp Marin

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Celebrating 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/ownerspod

Activity 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