Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!

Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/camphacker/the-enrollment-cliff

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Preparing for the Demographic Shift of 2028

Join Travis Allison, Jake Sorenson, Eric Wittenberg, and Stefanie Gillman as they discuss the massive demographic shifts threatening the summer camp industry. The conversation centers on the "enrollment cliff", a sharp decline in birth rates that is already impacting higher education and is set to hit the camp industry's median age group by 2028. They explore why camps must move beyond their historically white, middle-class roots and start engaging diverse communities, alumni networks, and even older populations to ensure survival.
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• Travis - Joyful Belonging Newsletter by Casper ter Kuile
• Jake - Kenn Gronbach Demographer
• Eric - Innovation Accounting
• Stefanie - The Unstuck Box

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• Travis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp Pro
• Jake Sorenson, Sacred Playgrounds Director
• Eric Wittenberg, Camp Machine and Camp Stack CEO
• Stefanie Gillman, Hofstra Summer Camps Director

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UltraCamp

Running 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.

Camptivities

If 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.com

Free Resilient Camp Blueprint Diagnostic: https://camp.mba/travis

Take 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

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!

Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/camphacker/iil-sam-t

Hello 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 Professionals

• The 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.-

• Matt Wilfrid, Executive Producer of Podcasting - Go Camp Pro
• Sam Thompson, Recreation Supervisor - Crystal Lake Park District

Free Resilient Camp Blueprint Diagnostic: https://camp.mba/travis

Take 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

Have some feedback? A topic suggestion? Text us!

Find full show notes and links at: https://gocamp.pro/camphacker/fundraising-strategies-for-2026

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If 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.

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• Travis - Adaptive Listening Book, by Nicole Lowenbraun, and Maegan Stephens
• Joe - The Comet Browser
• Heather - Giving USA (Canadian Version: Canada Helps)

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• Travis Allison, Summer Camp Consultant - Go Camp Pro
• Joe Richards, Executive Director of Pearce Williams
• Heather Withrow, President of Jumonville

-

Rate and Review the CampHacker Show

(Thank you!)

-

UltraCamp

Running 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.

Camptivities

If 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.com

Free Resilient Camp Blueprint Diagnostic: https://camp.mba/travis

Take 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