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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

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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

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UltraCamp

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Camptivities

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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-jordanna

Join 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.

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Find out more about the Kids in Camp Fireside Gala here:

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/fireside-gala-the-ultimate-camp-reunion-tickets-1974523534043

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Key Takeaways for Camp Professionals

• The 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.

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• Matt Wilfrid, Consultant & Executive Producer of Podcasting at Go Camp Pro
• Jordanna Grossinger, Director - Camp Robin Hood

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Rate and Review the CampHacker Show

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