Grow Your Camp – Détails, épisodes et analyse

In this episode Mark opens with a tribute to one of his earliest camp mentors, Neil Fichthorn, the longtime executive director at Sandy Cove. Mark shares the leadership lessons Neil taught him — including the phrase that became foundational to this podcast: “You can’t minister to empty beds.”

Carl’s quick camp marketing tip focuses on why your Google Business Profile may be quietly costing you bookings. He explains how local search results work, why reviews and categories matter, and how small profile updates can improve visibility for camps and retreat centers.

The featured conversation is with Casey Fuerst, owner of Tic Tac Toe Marketing, who spent 18 years serving at a Lutheran camp in Nebraska before launching an agency focused on camps and nonprofits. Casey shares how camp shaped her personally and why she now helps camps communicate more clearly.

The conversation explores one of the biggest problems Casey sees on camp websites: cluttered messaging. Using her “hall closet” analogy, she explains why trying to communicate everything at once confuses parents and retreat guests instead of helping them take action. The episode also covers Donald Miller’s StoryBrand framework and practical ways camps can simplify messaging, strengthen positioning, and improve marketing clarity.

Keywords

camp marketing, camp website design, StoryBrand for camps, camp messaging, Christian camp marketing

Sound Bites

• “If everybody thinks their stuff belongs on the front page of the website, it becomes the junk drawer.”
• “Clear is kind. Clever is not.”
• “Most organizations are communicating at an eight when customers only need a two.”

Hosts

Mark P. Fisher, Inspiring Growth
Carl Lefever, Improve & Grow

Guest

Casey Fuerst, Tic Tac Toe Marketing

Chapters

00:05 Introduction
02:11 Today's Topic: Messaging & Clarity
02:45 Quick Tip: Your Google Business Profile
10:19 Messaging and Brand Positioning
10:51 Meet Casey Fuerst
12:31 Casey's Camp Story
12:34 Personal Camp Stories and Experiences
13:37 The Impact of Camp Experiences on Young Adults
16:11 Marketing Insights for Camps
16:20 The Hall Closet Problem
19:28 The Importance of Clear Messaging
22:01 The StoryBrand Framework
22:11 The StoryBrand Framework in Action
25:14 Real-World Examples of Messaging Success
25:43 Finding Your One Message
28:14 Navigating New Audiences and Digital Marketing
28:56 Messaging Wins: Real Stories
31:14 Celebrating Podcast Milestones and Future Directions
38:56 Where Messaging Works Best
42:45 Reaching New Audiences
46:14 Wrap-Up & Celebrating Episode 10

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In this episode Mark shares a quick tip about rebooking—the most affordable and often overlooked path to growth. He explains why camps should aim for 60–80% rebooking, how it reflects guest experience, and why low rebooking points to a systems problem, not demand. He also outlines practical steps: know your numbers, pursue rebookings immediately, and protect dates.

Carl then interviews Kathi and Bob Terrell, who share how Emanuel Pines Camp grew from roughly $900,000 to over $2 million in a few years. Their story begins with a plateau—limited growth, aging facilities, and reactive leadership—until they chose to pursue growth intentionally and bring in outside perspective.

The biggest changes weren’t just marketing. They clarified positioning, improved first impressions, and focused on attracting the right audience. At the same time, they invested in their team with systems like the “I See You” recognition program and mission-driven onboarding to reinforce culture daily.

They also introduced tools like the “Peace Card” to train staff in customer service and ensure every guest interaction reflects their mission. Along with ongoing facility improvements and a focus on removing distractions, these changes strengthened experience and loyalty.

As demand increased, they adapted by adding staff, clarifying roles, and implementing virtual sales to improve responsiveness and conversion. The result was not just revenue growth, but stronger rebooking, healthier culture, and a more sustainable operation.

Keywords
camp marketing strategy, rebooking systems, guest experience, team culture, retreat center growth, virtual sales, camp leadership, first impressions, staff development

Sound Bites

• “If you’re below 50% rebooking, something is broken.”
• “We started looking at camp through someone else’s eyes.”
• “We just became more intentional about everything.”
• “Nothing is more important than attending to guest needs.”

Hosts

Mark P. Fisher, Inspiring Growth
Carl Lefever, Improve & Grow

Guests

Kathi Terrell & Bob Terrell, Emmanuel Pines Camp

Chapters
00:00 Episode Welcome
00:45 Quick Camp Marketing Tip: Rebooking
07:36 Bob and Kathy's Camp Journey
13:15 Understanding Emanuel Pines Camp
15:42 Challenges and Growth at Emanuel Pines
23:26 Key Changes Leading to Growth
23:56 Understanding Purposeful Growth Strategies
25:45 Cultivating Team Relationships and Culture
28:00 Mission-Driven Orientation and Guest Experience
30:20 The Peace Card: Enhancing Customer Service
35:24 Navigating Marriage and Leadership
40:20 Virtual Sales: A New Approach to Growth
46:30 Sustaining Marriage and Leadership in Camp Management
51:41 Podcast Intro Animation 16x9.mp4

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In this episode, Carl shares a practical marketing tip on turning past guests into your next booking engine—one of the fastest, most cost-effective ways to increase occupancy without chasing entirely new leads. By segmenting your audience and sending timely, relevant follow-up emails, camps can unlock a major source of repeat business that often goes underused.

Then Mark interviews Bob Briscoe, Executive Director of Williamsburg Christian Retreat Center, brings a long-term perspective shaped by decades in camping—from his early experiences as a camper and trail guide to leading the organization through seasons of change. That background informs how he approaches leadership, balancing mission, relationships, and financial sustainability.

The conversation walks through how the camp moved from inconsistent, “spiky” bookings to steady growth. Faced with unpredictable revenue and underperforming programs, Bob and his team made key decisions to simplify their offerings, focus on profitable guest groups, and invest in improving their marketing visibility. The result was fewer gaps, stronger midweek bookings, and significant growth in room nights—including doubling occupancy in one of their primary lodging facilities.

This episode highlights what actually drives sustainable growth: clear decisions about what to stop doing, systems that support consistent marketing, and the willingness to seek outside help when internal capacity runs thin.

Keywords
camp growth, retreat center marketing, camp occupancy, guest group strategy, camp revenue growth, digital marketing for camps, camp leadership, camp operations, retreat booking consistency

Sound Bites

• “Our bookings were spiky… full weekends and then crickets.”
• “The big change was answering the phone because it was ringing.”
• “You can’t afford the person you need—so get the right help another way.”
• “Be open to asking for help and being teachable.”

Hosts

Mark P. Fisher, Inspiring Growth
Carl Lefever, Improve & Grow

Guest

Bob Briscoe, Williamsburg Christian Retreat Center

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Format
00:05 Marketing Strategies for Camps
03:00 Bob Briscoe's Journey in Camp Leadership
06:05 Understanding Williamsburg Christian Retreat Center
09:12 Challenges and Changes in Camp Operations
12:14 Navigating Program Adjustments and Guest Groups
16:51 Innovative Retreat Solutions
17:58 Recognizing the Need for External Help
19:23 Evaluating Marketing Partnerships
22:15 Navigating Budget Approvals
24:20 Implementing Changes Post-COVID
26:37 Tracking Revenue Growth
28:24 Creative Strategies During Challenges
29:24 Future Growth Focus
31:07 Encouragement for Stuck Camp Directors
35:33 Personal Insights on Marriage Growth

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In this episode, Mark shares a practical tip on using virtual tours to help camps close more bookings by making it easier for planners to visualize and sell the experience internally.

Then Carl and Mark sit down with Dusty Ledbetter, Digital Outreach Manager at Camp Cho-Yeh, to unpack a different approach to summer camp marketing—one focused less on driving traffic and more on converting interest into action.

Dusty explains how his team built a system to capture leads, follow up quickly, and guide families through the decision process. Instead of relying on parents to register on their own, Camp Cho-Yeh uses targeted offers, structured landing pages, and a trained sales team to turn inquiries into conversations—and conversations into registrations.

The result: 300+ new camper registrations from paid campaigns, with significantly higher conversion rates than traditional camp marketing funnels.

This episode breaks down the full system—from Meta ads and messaging strategy to sales calls, follow-up processes, and lifetime value math. If your camp is generating interest but struggling to convert it into registrations, this provides a practical model to close that gap.

camp marketing, summer camp registration, lead generation, camp growth, Meta ads, Facebook ads, sales systems, conversion strategy, camp revenue, digital marketing for camps

• “The ad’s job isn’t to sell—it’s to stop the scroll and get the click.”
• “70% of the conversion happens after the click.”
• “About 88% of our qualified leads now turn into registrations.”

Mark P. Fisher, Inspiring Growth
Carl Lefever, Improve & Grow

Dusty Ledbetter, Camp Cho-Yeh

00:00 Introduction
02:00 Camp Marketing Tip: Virtual Tours That Close Deals
05:30 Dusty’s Camp Story and Background
10:00 The Problem with Traditional Camp Marketing Funnels
14:30 Why Traffic Alone Doesn’t Drive Registrations
18:00 Building a Lead Capture System for Summer Camp
22:00 The Role of Sales Calls in Camp Enrollment
27:00 Landing Page Strategy and Lead Offers
33:00 Meta Ads: Messaging, Creative, and Targeting
40:00 Lead Follow-Up Systems That Convert
44:00 Understanding Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC)
48:00 Lifetime Value (LTV) and Smarter Budgeting
52:00 Scaling Growth Through Testing and Iteration

Camp Cho-Yeh >

Summer Camp Landing Page >

Facebook Ad Library >

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In this episode, Carl shares a camp marketing tip on how answering unasked questions on your website can dramatically increase retreat inquiries. Then Mark sits down with John Schwieterman, Executive Director of Cross Oaks Camp and Retreat Center, to unpack how he transformed a struggling camp into a rapidly growing operation.

John shares the real story behind that growth—from cold calling hundreds of churches with limited results to implementing a system that now generates consistent inbound leads and an 88% close rate. They walk through the practical changes that made the difference, including website improvements, digital marketing strategy, and the leadership shift required to stop doing everything alone.

You’ll hear what actually worked, what didn’t, and how to think about growth as both an operational and strategic challenge. If you’re trying to fill more beds, increase bookings, or move your camp out of survival mode, this episode gives you a clear, real-world example of what that path can look like.

camp growth, retreat bookings, camp marketing, lead generation, website optimization, digital marketing, camp leadership, nonprofit growth, camp revenue, guest groups

• Why most camp websites fail to convert inquiries
• The shift from cold outreach to inbound lead generation
• Website structure and FAQ strategy for better conversions
• Using Google Ads and SEO to drive qualified leads
• Improving close rates with better lead quality
• The operational challenges that come with growth
• Leadership mindset: when and how to ask for help
• Measuring ROI on marketing investments

Mark P. Fisher, Inspiring Growth
Carl Lefever, Improve & Grow

John Schwieterman, Executive Director
Cross Oaks Camp and Retreat Center

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview
02:00 Camp Marketing Tip: Answering Unasked Questions
05:08 John’s Camp Story and Background
08:48 Challenges Facing Camp Growth
12:45 Early Growth Efforts and Cold Calling Strategy
18:48 Realizing the Need for Help
21:16 Investing in Marketing and Systems
23:24 Website and Lead Generation Transformation
27:46 Results: Higher Close Rates and Revenue Growth
30:29 The Operational Reality of Growth
31:54 Leadership Lessons and Asking for Help
33:08 Advice for Executive Directors
35:03 Understanding Marketing ROI
39:26 Time Management and Scaling Leadership

Cross Oaks Camp and Retreat Center >
Google for Nonprofits >
Grow Your Camp Podcast >

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In this episode, Mark shares a camp marketing tip about the importance of asking for and responding to reviews. Then Carl and Mark explore how camp websites can significantly boost guest group bookings by improving website structure, messaging, and inquiry processes. They share practical strategies, real-world examples, and a special offer to help camp leaders grow their retreat programs.

Keywords

camp website, guest groups, retreat bookings, marketing strategy, camp marketing, website optimization, inquiry funnel, camp revenue, digital marketing, camp leadership

Key Topics

Website structure for guest groups

Messaging and positioning for retreats

Inquiry and lead capture strategies

Case studies of successful camp websites

Special offer: Growth Action Plan

Hosts

Mark P. Fisher, Inspiring Growth

Carl Lefever, Improve & Grow

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Camp Growth Strategies

00:37 The Importance of Customer Reviews

05:13 Challenges in Camp Marketing

06:41 Personal Journey into Camp Ministry

10:09 Website Strategies for Guest Groups

12:09 Revenue Insights and Capacity Management

12:46 Maximizing Revenue Through Guest Group Rentals

13:32 The Disconnect in Camp Leadership Perspectives

15:09 Understanding Guest Group Needs

17:44 Creating an Effective Retreat Section on Websites

20:53 Essential Content for Retreat Websites

23:15 Key Questions for Potential Guests

25:53 The Importance of Inquiry Forms

28:13 The Pricing Debate: To Show or Not to Show?

37:51 Implementing Effective Website Changes for Growth

40:45 Growth Action Plan for Camps

Resources:

Improve and Grow Website Services - https://improveandgrow.com/

Cross Oak Camp - https://crossoakamp.com/

They Ask You Answer by Marcus Sheridan

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In this episode, Carl shares a tip on how camps can get to the top of Google quickly by leveraging the Google Ads grant and Mark interviews Ryan Moore from Kaleidoscope. Ryan shares insights on strategic planning, camp growth, and the importance of clarity and courage for camp leaders. Discover practical tips, inspiring stories, and a special offer for listeners to enhance your camp's impact and sustainability.

Keywords:

camp growth, strategic planning, camp leadership, camp marketing, Kaleidoscope, camp development, non-profit, camp strategy, camp sustainability, growth tips

Key Topics

The role of clarity and courage in camp growth

How strategic planning drives camp success

The importance of outcomes over features

Using data and assessment for growth

Stories of camp impact and transformation

Hosts

Mark P. Fisher, Inspiring Growth

Guest

Ryan Moore, Kaleidoscope, Inc

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Technical Setup

00:05 Welcome to the Grow Your Camp Podcast

01:25 Marketing Tip: Google Ads Grant for Nonprofits

04:51 Ryan Moore's Camp Connection and Story

08:07 Overview of Kaleidoscope's Services

12:18 Challenges Facing Camps: Clarity and Courage

17:25 Case Study: Strategic Planning Success

20:49 Conclusion and Call to Action

Resources

• Learn more about Kaleidoscope Consulting at https://kaleidoscopeinc.com/
• Register for the Google for Nonprofits program to access the Google Ads Grant at https://www.google.com/nonprofits/
• Submit a Topic to the Grow Your Camp Podcast via our website at https://growyourcamppodcast.com
• Talk to Carl at Improve & Grow about getting help setting up your Google Ad Grant at https://improveandgrow.com/

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In this episode, Mark shared a marketing tip called "Eat What You Kill", which covers the importance and benefits of having dedicated sales roles vs. shared, and the option of virtual sales support. Carl and Mark also interview Asaf Darash, CEO of RegPack, who shares how their innovative registration platform helps camps grow by increasing registration completion rates, reducing account receivables, and offering flexible payment options. Discover how technology can streamline camp operations and boost growth.

Keywords

Camp growth, camp sales strategy, camp registration software, summer camp payment plans, camp management, camp marketing, camp registration automation, camp software, camp registration tips, camp industry

Key Topics

Kill What You Eat: Benefits of Dedicated Sales Reps

RegPacks's innovative registration platform

Impact of camp stories on growth

Flexible installment payment systems

Reducing account receivables from 25% to 3-5%

Integrating marketing tools for measurable ROI

Hosts

Mark P. Fisher, Inspiring Growth

Carl Lefever, Improve & Grow

Guest

Asaf Darash, Founder and CEO at RegPack

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

00:39 Quick Camp Marketing Tip: Eat What You Kill

04:51 Introduction to RegPack and Its Unique Approach

14:44 The Power of Conditional Logic in Registration

24:46 Pricing Models and Support

28:20 Case Study: Transforming Camp Operations

32:04 Conclusion: Be Less Busy

Resources

RegPAC Official Website - https://regpacks.com

Inspiring Growth Virtual Sales - https://go.inspiringgrowth.biz/

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In this episode, Mark and Carl share a practical marketing insight before diving into a conversation with Molly Hooks from the American Forest Foundation on how camps can turn underutilized land into a new source of revenue.

The episode opens with a simple but often overlooked growth lever: your photos. Camps that replace empty facility shots with real, people-filled images can increase inquiries by reducing uncertainty and helping families picture themselves at camp.

From there, Molly explains how the Family Forest Carbon Program works and how camps can participate. With as little as 30 acres of eligible forest, camps can enroll and receive payments over time while maintaining their land for recreation and conservation. While the per-acre revenue is modest, it creates a steady income stream that can help offset rising costs and protect land from development.

Molly also shares how her own camp experiences shaped her passion for forestry and conservation, reinforcing the long-term impact camps have on how people value the outdoors.

The conversation walks through the enrollment process, what makes land eligible, and what camps can expect—including a customized forest management plan that supports long-term land health and stewardship. The result is a practical way to align mission, sustainability, and financial stability without changing how camps use their property.

Keywords
camp land management, forest conservation, carbon credits, camp revenue streams, Family Forest Carbon Program, American Forest Foundation, land stewardship, retreat center operations, property management for camps, conservation funding

Sound Bites

• “It’s not just revenue—it’s about conservation and stewardship.”
• “Most camps already have the acreage—they just haven’t leveraged it.”
• “This is another way to keep that land in your camp’s name.”

Hosts

Mark P. Fisher, Inspiring Growth
Carl Lefever, Improve & Grow

Guest

Molly Hooks, American Forest Foundation

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guests
00:05 Understanding the Family Forest Carbon Program
05:47 Molly's Camp Experience and Its Impact
11:45 Enrollment Process and Eligibility for Camps
16:36 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Resources:

Family Forest Carbon Program - https://familyforestcarbon.org

American Forest Foundation - https://www.forestfoundation.org

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In this episode of the Grow Your Camp Podcast, Mark shares a quick camp marketing tip called "Fortune is in the Follow-up: Speed Is the Hidden Sales Advantage". Carl shared a story about how working at a camp got him into digital marketing and also taught some key lessons on how to run a business based on missional principles. Then Mark and Carl discuss effective strategies for camp growth, emphasizing the importance of group rentals and quick follow-up in securing bookings. They explore the concept of 'full capacity' in camps, encouraging leaders to redefine what it means to be full and to maximize their facilities. The conversation also covers marketing tactics, including the use of SEO and Google Ads, as well as the benefits of Google Grants for nonprofits. The hosts share insights from their experiences working with various camps and provide actionable tips for attracting new groups and increasing revenue.

Key Takeaways

• Speed is a crucial advantage in securing group bookings.
• Camps should focus on group rentals to ensure financial stability.
• Defining what 'full' means can unlock additional capacity.
• Utilizing SEO can significantly improve visibility for camps.
• Google Grants can provide substantial advertising support for nonprofits.
• Group dynamics and meeting room management are key to accommodating multiple groups.
• Word of mouth is unreliable; proactive marketing is essential.
• Camps should aim for year-round bookings to maintain financial health.
• Understanding guest group needs can enhance service offerings.
• A well-structured website is vital for attracting new leads.

Sound bites

"The fortune is in the follow-up."

"Don't use the word full."

Chapters

00:00 The Fastest Way to Fill Your Camp

00:06 The Fortune is in the Follow Up

01:23 Episode Introduction

02:15 Maximizing Group Rentals for Camp Success

06:00 Understanding Camp Capacity and Utilization

09:03 Strategies for Attracting New Groups

14:39 Building a Lead-Ready Website

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If this episode was helpful to you:

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Keywords

camp growth, group rentals, marketing strategies, nonprofit camps, Google Ads, SEO, camp management, fundraising, hospitality, retreat centers

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