Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Grow Your Camp
| Titre | Date | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| EP 26 | The Hidden Reason Camp Donors Stop Giving | 02 Nov 2026 | 01:05:47 | |
What if the reason your camp's fundraising feels like a grind is that you're treating donors like an ATM? Jim Dempsey and Jason Galicinski, co-founders of Fundraising Masterminds, have watched thousands of ministry events up close, and they noticed a pattern: the organizations that raise the most aren't the ones with the best auction or the most tickets sold. They're the ones building friends who want to own the mission with them. In this conversation, Jim and Jason open up what friend raising looks like for camps, why a leaky roof or an operating budget rarely inspires anyone, and the simple question that turns a need into an opportunity people want to be part of. They also discuss how a single vision dinner can become the starting point for long-term partnerships, and what camp directors can focus on in the final weeks of the year to strengthen year-end giving. Mark P. Fisher's Quick Camp Marketing Tip is about leadership: if you want a team that owns growth, give people a goal to own, not just a task to finish. Keywords camp fundraising, friend raising, vision dinner, Fundraising Masterminds, Perfect Vision Dinner, camp donor relationships, year-end fundraising, matching gifts, Giving Tuesday, capital campaign, camp leadership, camp growth Sound Bites “A transactional relationship is what you have with an ATM.” “They come into the program thinking, I want a hundred thousand dollars, and they walk away being like, I don't even care about the money. We just got a hundred and fifty new people that love us.” “As soon as you start thinking development as a ministry and that you're building relationships, then there is no difference between your ministry and fundraising.” Hosts Guest Chapters Resources Fundraising Masterminds Podcast If you’re enjoying the podcast, be sure to follow or subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes. Want to find your camp's biggest growth opportunities? Want Help Growing Your Camp? Music licensed through Soundstripe. | |||
| EP 25 | Don’t Cut What’s Growing Your Camp | 23 Oct 2026 | 01:07:53 | |
Growing your camp is exciting, but it can also create new pressures on budgets, staff, and leadership decisions. When expenses rise and money feels tight, cutting costs may seem like the obvious solution. Mark and Carl share real stories of camps that faced these challenges, including one that nearly cut its marketing budget despite record new guest group bookings, and another that discovered focusing on just two revenue streams offered a clearer path to growth than trying to improve five at once. These examples show camp leaders how to identify their biggest opportunities, understand what's really affecting revenue, and avoid decisions that could slow future growth. Mark and Carl also examine what it takes to turn more inquiries into bookings. From tracking close rates and following up consistently to training salespeople and giving them room to solve customer problems, they share practical ways to strengthen the sales process. You'll learn why a dedicated sales system matters more than commissions alone, how to evaluate whether a sales investment is paying off, and why sustainable camp growth requires both financial discipline and investing in the right people. Carl's Quick Camp Marketing Tip introduces the 80/20 rule: instead of trying to solve every problem or pursue every opportunity, identify the few priorities that can make the biggest difference. It's a practical approach to setting growth goals, focusing your team's efforts, and making meaningful progress without spreading resources too thin. Keywords camp growth, sustainable camp growth, camp marketing, camp revenue, guest group bookings, camp sales, sales follow-up, camp leadership, marketing ROI, Pareto principle, camp capacity, camp growth planning Sound Bites “Your problems and opportunities are not equally weighted.” “Curiosity and humility is what leads to the epic adventures for leaders.” “Sales is not set it and forget it.” “The magic is systems.” Hosts Mark P. Fisher, Inspiring Growth Have a question or topic you’d like us to cover on a future episode? Submit a topic idea. If you’re enjoying the podcast, be sure to follow or subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes. Have a question you'd like us to cover? Click here to record your question > Want Help Growing Your Camp? Click here to schedule a call > Music licensed through Soundstripe. Code: NSVKYYCDWV9VKBR1 | |||
| EP 24 | Bigger Isn’t Always Better | 02 Oct 2026 | 01:10:40 | |
SpringHill Camps has experienced both sides of growth. Its traveling day camp program grew from roughly 3,000 campers to 19,000, creating incredible ministry opportunities while also revealing an important lesson: growth works best when the systems, margins, staffing, and quality behind it can grow too. Eric Bartz shares what SpringHill learned from that season, and how camp leaders can recognize when growth is creating healthy momentum versus stretching the organization too thin. Those lessons shaped SpringHill’s next chapter. The organization made difficult decisions to refocus its programs and resources, invest in its Michigan property, strengthen pricing and margins, and rethink how it used its 1,600-bed capacity. Eric breaks down how to think differently about unused capacity, when it may be time to let go of a program, and why better margins can create room for better experiences. At SpringHill, that focus also helped substantially grow guest group revenue by putting previously unused capacity to work. SpringHill also became more intentional about retention, using survey data, personalized texts, direct phone calls, and empowered staff to understand what was keeping families from rebooking. Combined with a continued focus on program quality, retention climbed from 52% to 61%. Camp leaders will come away with practical ideas for improving retention, evaluating growth opportunities, and building systems that support sustainable growth for the long term. Mark’s Quick Camp Marketing Tip brings that same thinking to capacity: stop telling prospective campers you’re “full.” By capturing demand with a waiting list instead, camps can fill cancellations, redirect families to available weeks, and uncover growth opportunities hiding in the capacity they already have. Keywords camp growth, sustainable growth, camp leadership, camp capacity, camper retention, camp marketing, summer camp enrollment, retreat groups, camp pricing, customer engagement, camp revenue, SpringHill Camps Sound Bites “Bigger isn’t better.” “No margin, no mission.” “Not every bed is created equal.” “A week up here shapes a lifetime out there.” Hosts Mark P. Fisher, Inspiring Growth Guest Eric Bartz, SpringHill Camps Have a question or topic you’d like us to cover on a future episode? Submit a topic idea. If you’re enjoying the podcast, be sure to follow or subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes. Have a question you'd like us to cover? Click here to record your question > Want Help Growing Your Camp? Click here to schedule a call > Music licensed through Soundstripe. Code: VNWEWYFC5ZORLCTD | |||
| EP 23 | Growth Takes a Plan: What to Do When Your Camp Stops Growing | 25 Sep 2026 | 01:02:25 | |
Growth had been strong at Bongiorno Conference Center coming out of COVID, but by 2025 the momentum was beginning to stall. For Executive Director Carl Redding, the challenge wasn’t simply generating more business. It was figuring out what needed to change, and being willing to act on it. Rather than trying to solve everything internally, Bongiorno partnered with an outside digital marketing agency to take a fresh look at its growth opportunities. That process helped the team see both the potential ahead and the gaps that needed attention. From marketing and lead generation to inquiry follow-up and internal systems, Bongiorno began building a more intentional approach to growth. The result has been a stronger pipeline, more inquiries and bookings, and greater clarity about where the organization can go next. Carl also shares the leadership work behind that progress: addressing unhealthy staff culture, inviting trusted leaders into important decisions, empowering team members to own their areas, and knowing when outside expertise can help you see something differently. As new opportunities emerge, Bongiorno is now thinking about the next constraints to growth, including staffing, meeting space, capacity, and long-term facility planning. Carl Lefever’s Quick Camp Marketing Tip focuses on another important part of sustainable growth: keeping the guest groups you already have through proactive retreat coordination and a consistent rebooking process. Keywords camp growth, camp marketing, retreat center marketing, Bongiorno Conference Center, digital marketing, retreat bookings, lead generation, guest group retention, camp leadership, retreat coordination, organizational growth, Christian camping Sound Bites “Growth doesn’t simply happen because you want it.” “You have to communicate, communicate, overcommunicate.” “I want 100% retainment. I know it’s crazy to think like that, but why not?” “When God changes a life, it’s forever and it’s eternal.” Hosts Mark P. Fisher, Inspiring Growth Guest Carl Redding, Bongiorno Conference Center Resources Retreat Coordination Process Article> Church Event Planning Checklist> Free Camp Growth Planner App > If you’re enjoying the podcast, be sure to follow or subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes. Have a question you'd like us to cover? Click here to record your question > Want Help Growing Your Camp? Click here to schedule a call > Music licensed through Soundstripe. Code: GBZT62DX8P3EDCBP | |||
| EP 22 | What Happens When Your Camp Systems Stop Getting in the Way? | 11 Sep 2026 | 00:54:49 | |
Camp technology often forces camps to change the way they work to fit the software. The team behind The One App took the opposite approach: learn how camps actually operate, then build technology around them. Michael John Stanley (MJ), Alan Brown, and Lindy Pinkerton share how that process began with visits to 10 camps and expanded into conversations with roughly 60 camps, plus real-world beta testing. What emerged was a consistent problem: camps were stitching together registration systems, spreadsheets, calendars, contracts, emails, whiteboards, and staff knowledge just to keep operations moving. Their response centers on what Lindy calls the Five C’s: contracts, calendars, communications, CRM, and coordinating. The conversation gets practical about guest-group registration, knowing who is actually on property, communicating between departments, coordinating meals and facilities, and giving staff access to the information they need without burying them in another complicated system. Mark’s quick marketing tip also tackles WIIFM—“What’s In It For Me?”—and why camp marketing should focus less on what your camp has and more on what those features make possible for campers, parents, churches, and retreat groups. Keywords camp technology, camp management software, camp operations, camp registration, guest group registration, camp CRM, camp communication, operational efficiency, camp management systems, retreat center software, sustainable camp growth, The One App Sound Bites “Camping found me.” — MJ “You’re basically running a city at a camp.” — Alan Brown “Everything is fragmented.” — Lindy Pinkerton “Get staff out from behind the desk and out doing mission.” — Alan Brown Hosts Mark P. Fisher, Inspiring Growth Guests Michael John Stanley (MJ), The One App Resources The One App — Learn more or schedule a demo. If you’re enjoying the podcast, be sure to follow or subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes. Have a question you'd like us to cover? Click here to record your question > Want Help Growing Your Camp? Click here to schedule a call > Music licensed through Soundstripe. Code: NKEL9IWUMNG2LTC0 | |||
| EP 21 | Is Fear Keeping Your Camp From Growing? | 28 Aug 2026 | 01:07:15 | |
Empty beds aren’t free. An unused cabin, an open retreat weekend, or a phone that isn’t ringing represents the capacity your camp built, but isn’t using. Mark and Carl challenge one of the biggest barriers to camp growth: treating marketing primarily as a cost to control instead of an investment expected to produce a measurable return. The issue isn’t spending more for the sake of spending. It’s learning to test intelligently, track results, invest more in what works, and stop funding what doesn’t. Mark recommends thinking about marketing investment in relation to the revenue you want to achieve, using 10–12% of target gross revenue as a starting benchmark. They also unpack why fixed budgets can work against growth, why experienced marketing leadership matters, and why most camps need an “air traffic controller” coordinating specialists rather than expecting one marketing employee to do everything. Carl’s Quick Camp Marketing Tip makes measurement simple: ask every new inquiry, “How did you hear about us?” Record the answer consistently and use those patterns to make better decisions about where your next marketing dollar should go. Keywords camp marketing, camp growth, marketing investment, marketing ROI, camp marketing budget, camp enrollment, retreat bookings, lead tracking, camp capacity, marketing strategy, nonprofit growth, camp leadership Sound Bites “Empty beds aren’t free.” “Good leadership doesn’t just protect resources. It puts them to work.” “Test. Keep track. See what works. See what doesn’t.” “What are we afraid of?” Hosts Mark P. Fisher, Inspiring Growth If you’re enjoying the podcast, be sure to follow or subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes. Have a question you'd like us to cover? Click here to record your question > Want Help Growing Your Camp? Click here to schedule a call > Music licensed through Soundstripe. Code: CTICEW7Z3GYJB3XU | |||
| EP 20 | How to Get Your Camp on the First Page of Google | 21 Aug 2026 | 00:54:15 | |
More than half of a typical camp website’s traffic can come from Google searches, and for some camps, that number reaches 80% or more. That makes one question critical: When parents and retreat planners search for what you offer, can they actually find you? Senior SEO Specialist Scott Rehnberg of Improve & Grow explains camp SEO without the technical overload. He breaks down how Google understands your website, why dedicated pages for priority audiences matter, how your Google Business Profile affects visibility, and what camps can do to influence recommendations from ChatGPT and other AI search tools. Scott also shares what progress can look like over 30 days, 90 days, and six months, and why impressions and clicks only matter if they ultimately lead to inquiries, bookings, and registrations. Carl’s Quick Camp Marketing Tip: “Google Your Camp Like a Guest Would” gives you an immediate visibility check. Open an incognito browser and search your camp’s name, “summer camps near me,” and “Christian retreat centers near me.” Then try similar searches in ChatGPT. Look at who appears, what information search engines are using, and where your camp’s online presence needs work. Keywords camp SEO, summer camp marketing, Google search, search engine optimization, ChatGPT search, AI search, Google Business Profile, organic traffic, retreat center marketing, camp registrations, Google Search Console, camp website Sound Bites “It's not a trick.” — Scott Rehnberg (19:45) “If people can understand it, Google's more likely to understand it.” — Scott Rehnberg (20:26) “Sometimes the off-site things you do can give a lot of credibility to your website.” — Scott Rehnberg (27:22) “Your SEO is the work you're putting into your house to make it more valuable.” — Scott Rehnberg (46:59) Hosts Mark P. Fisher, Inspiring Growth Guest Scott Rehnberg, Improve & Grow Chapters 00:00 Why SEO Matters for Camps If you’re enjoying the podcast, be sure to follow or subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes. Have a question you'd like us to cover? Click here to record your question > Want Help Growing Your Camp? Click here to schedule a call > Music licensed through Soundstripe. Code: VO8ZUDXYA1ZUJIAD | |||
| EP 19 | The Hidden Reason Camp Websites Lose Registrations | 31 Jul 2026 | 00:55:25 | |
Most camp websites unintentionally make it harder for visitors to take the next step. A homepage has to introduce your ministry, answer questions, and guide visitors in multiple directions. A landing page has one job: help the right visitor take one specific action. Oscar Quesada, CEO of Lifedge Marketing, explains why focused landing pages consistently outperform general website pages for camp registrations, retreat bookings, and facility rentals. He shares the framework his team uses to build pages that remove confusion, build trust, and improve conversions. You'll learn what separates a landing page from a standard website page, the biggest mistakes camps make, and the key elements every high-converting page should include, including clear messaging, testimonials, FAQs, pricing, compelling calls to action, and social proof. Oscar also shares a real-world example where a targeted landing page and modest Google Ads campaign generated more than $100,000 in retreat bookings. Along with the incredible insights from Oscar, Mark encourages camp leaders to price confidently as costs increase while rewarding loyal families with meaningful early-bird incentives. Registering campers before they leave camp, or shortly afterward, can improve retention, strengthen cash flow, and help families commit before they begin comparing other camps. As Mark reminds listeners, "The best time to sell next summer is this summer." Keywordslanding pages, camp websites, camp marketing, retreat center marketing, website conversions, Google Ads, Christian camps, camp registration, facility rentals, SEO, website optimization, Lifedge Marketing Sound Bites"The best time to sell next summer is this summer." "The right message, to the right audience, at the right time." "People need to understand what you do in the first 10 seconds." "Marketing is a bunch of experiments." HostsMark P. Fisher, Inspiring Growth Carl Lefever, Improve & Grow GuestOscar Quesada, Lifedge Marketing ResourcesIf you’re enjoying the podcast, be sure to follow or subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes. Have a question you'd like us to cover? Click here to record your question > Want Help Growing Your Camp? Click here to schedule a call > Music licensed through Soundstripe. Code: WSSYZ6CNOPQMOVKN | |||
| EP 18 | The Missing Sales System Behind Camp Growth | 24 Jul 2026 | 00:59:45 | |
Most camps assume they need more inquiries to grow their guest group business, but many already have enough opportunities—they simply need a better system for converting them. Sustainable growth comes from responding quickly, building trust throughout the sales process, and creating consistent follow-up that helps prospective groups confidently choose your camp. Carl opens the episode with a practical marketing tip reminding camp leaders that every inquiry has an expiration date. He explains why responding within one business day, following up consistently, scheduling clear next steps, and tracking every opportunity in a CRM dramatically increases the likelihood of turning inquiries into bookings. As Carl says, marketing creates opportunities, but sales turns those opportunities into ministry and revenue. Mark is joined by Lindy Pinkerton and Heather Trail from Inspiring Growth to discuss how virtual sales support is helping camps strengthen their guest group sales process without adding the cost and complexity of expanding their internal staff. They share practical insights on qualifying leads, building stronger relationships with prospective groups, simplifying contracts, improving communication, and creating systems that ensure every inquiry receives the attention it deserves. Throughout the conversation, they explain how becoming an extension of a camp's team—not simply an outside vendor—helps camps increase bookings, improve rebooking rates, and build sustainable long-term growth through better sales systems. Keywords virtual sales, guest group sales, camp CRM, camp marketing, Christian camps, retreat center marketing, follow-up systems, lead conversion, guest group bookings, sales process, HubSpot CRM, camp growth Sound Bites "The fortune is in the follow-up." "We don't use 'they.' We say 'we.' We are your people." “If you follow up more than the other person and better than the other person you can often win them.” "Marketing creates opportunities. Sales turns those opportunities into ministry and revenue." “What camp can do in the life of a child and adult can change a family, can change a generation.” Hosts Mark P. Fisher, Inspiring Growth Carl Lefever, Improve & Grow Guests Lindy Pinkerton, Virtual Sales at Inspiring Growth Resources Talk with Inspiring Growth About Virtual Sales If you’re enjoying the podcast, be sure to follow or subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes. Have a question you'd like us to cover? Click here to record your question > Want Help Growing Your Camp? Click here to schedule a call > Music licensed through Soundstripe. Code: IDLLDBWXQ4LNTQFY | |||
| EP 17 | Your Camp Isn't Full (Even If You Think It Is) | 17 Jul 2026 | 01:07:22 | |
Most camps assume they need more marketing to grow. Mark Fisher argues many actually have a capacity problem hiding in plain sight. Before diving into the main conversation, Mark shares a practical camp marketing tip: share benefits, not just features. Instead of simply promoting climbing walls, zip lines, or beautiful facilities, camps should tell stories that demonstrate real transformation. Parents and retreat planners don't just want information, they want evidence that camp changes lives. By documenting one authentic story each week, camps can create more compelling marketing that connects emotionally with future guests. The main conversation introduces Capacity Yield Management, a practical approach to helping camps generate more revenue, serve more guests, and strengthen long-term sustainability by making better use of the facilities they already have. Through real-world examples, Mark and Carl explain why "full" often isn't actually full, how outdated booking practices quietly cost camps thousands of dollars, and why better stewardship of existing resources can unlock significant growth. You'll learn how to evaluate true capacity, manage reservation holds, determine when exclusive use makes financial sense, balance multiple guest groups, identify hidden facility constraints, and build the operational systems that maximize both ministry impact and financial health. Keywordscapacity yield management, camp occupancy, camp revenue, retreat center management, Christian camps, camp marketing, storytelling marketing, guest group bookings, exclusive use, camp operations, camp leadership, camp stewardship Sound Bites“I've seen camps over and over increase monthly income by 30 % just by maximizing their occupancy.” “Combine, cancel, create, and cram. The four C's of yield management.” “Sometimes you have to cancel or prune, in order to have more growth.” “Maybe curiosity is one of the fastest paths back to joy.” “People don't just want more information. They want evidence. Evidence through story that your camp is changing lives.” Mark P. Fisher, Inspiring Growth Carl Lefever, Improve &Grow GuestMark P. Fisher, Inspiring Growth ResourcesThe Spike of Success, by Mark P. Fisher If you’re enjoying the podcast, be sure to follow or subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes. Have a question you'd like us to cover? Click here to record your question > Want Help Growing Your Camp? Click here to schedule a call > Music licensed through Soundstripe. Code: IDLLDBWXQ4LNTQFY | |||
| EP 16 | What Happens When Referrals Aren't Enough? | 11 Jul 2026 | 00:51:56 | |
Many camps dream of growing their ministry, but sustainable growth rarely comes from a single campaign or one great season. It happens through consistent leadership, clear messaging, intentional systems, and a willingness to confront the obstacles holding a camp back. Mark opens the episode with a practical marketing tip on selling the problem before the program, explaining why camps should lead with the challenges their guests already feel, not simply the name or date of an event. When people recognize a problem they're trying to solve, they're far more likely to engage with your camp's solution. Dave Crouse, Executive Director of Angeles Crest Christian Camp, shares the remarkable story of taking over a camp that couldn't pay its electric bill and transforming it into a thriving ministry serving nearly 7,000 guests each year. Dave discusses the leadership decisions that changed the trajectory of the camp, including clarifying the camp's brand, improving its digital presence, embracing data-driven decision making, and investing consistently in both facilities and people. He also explains how sustained growth strengthened donor confidence, funded major capital improvements, and positioned the camp to pursue even bigger ministry opportunities, including a bold vision to serve 10,000 guests annually. Throughout the conversation, Dave reminds camp leaders that growth begins by honestly identifying the one or two obstacles preventing your camp from moving forward and intentionally building systems to overcome them. Keywordscamp leadership, camp marketing, Christian camps, retreat center marketing, nonprofit marketing, camp growth, branding, digital marketing, donor development, guest group marketing, executive director, stewardship Sound Bites"My first day on the job, I was told that we were financially in the hole and that we didn't have enough money to pay the electric bill” "Sell the problem before the program" "I had to come to that realization what I had in the past was not gonna happen and and lead to growth now." "When you start to get that consistent growth, a lot of other things come with it." HostsMark P. Fisher Carl Lefever Dave Crouse Angeles Crest Christian Camp The Paine Protocol by Mark P. Fisher Have a question you'd like us to cover? Click here to record your question > Want Help Growing Your Camp? Click here to schedule a call > If you’re enjoying the podcast, be sure to follow or subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes. Music licensed through Soundstripe. Code: MUOXNEDI4J6OKCXV | |||
| EP 15 | How Camps Can Build a Referral System That Actually Works | 03 Jul 2026 | 00:31:46 | |
Word-of-mouth has always been one of the strongest drivers of camp growth, but for many camps, it's still an informal process that's impossible to measure or improve. Peter Elbaum, owner of Camp Tree and Operations Director at Greystone Camp, shares how camps can turn referrals into a repeatable growth system. Drawing from both his camp leadership experience and software engineering background, Peter explains why great systems free camp staff to focus on relationships instead of repetitive administrative work. Mark and Carl also discuss why referrals consistently outperform many other marketing channels, how camps can reward families and staff without creating unnecessary complexity, and why measuring referral performance is essential for long-term growth. Peter shares practical examples from more than 100 camps using Camp Tree, including how one camp achieved a 15x return on investment by replacing guesswork with measurable referral tracking. Keywords camp referrals, referral marketing, Camp Tree, camper enrollment, staff recruitment, camp growth, word of mouth marketing, CampMinder integration, ambassador programs, camp operations, camp software, summer camp marketing Sound Bites "Camp needs to be referable." “Often at camp, it seems like the default is to work harder and not necessarily smarter." "You can't manage what you don't measure." Hosts Mark P. Fisher, Inspiring Growth Carl Lefever, Improve & Grow Guest Peter Elbaum, Camp Tree Chapters 00:03 Introduction and Setting the Scene Resources
Have a question you'd like us to cover? Click here to record your question > Want Help Growing Your Camp? Click here to schedule a call > If you’re enjoying the podcast, be sure to follow or subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes. Music licensed through Soundstripe. Code: PBVNSIQCRJAN17OM | |||
| EP 14 | How Camps Can Access Free Advertising on Google via the Google Ads Grant | 26 Jun 2026 | 00:36:48 | |
Many camps struggle with visibility—not because their programs lack value, but because the right families, churches, and retreat planners never discover them. Mark opens the episode with a practical camp marketing tip on following up with retreat inquiries that have gone silent, sharing a simple email subject line that can restart conversations and recover lost bookings. Then Carl shares how an unexpected project at Refreshing Mountain Camp introduced him to Google Ads and ultimately launched a career helping camps grow through digital marketing. The conversation then turns to one of the biggest opportunities available to nonprofit camps: the Google Ad Grant. Carl explains how eligible 501(c)(3) organizations can receive up to $10,000 per month in free Google advertising, walks through the application process, campaign setup, keyword strategy, and the common mistakes that prevent camps from seeing results. He also shares real examples of camps using the grant to generate more registrations, retreat inquiries, and community engagement, along with his perspective on how AI is changing search and what camp leaders should be doing to stay visible online. Keywords Google Ads Grant, nonprofit marketing, camp marketing, retreat center marketing, Google advertising, camp enrollment, nonprofit advertising, digital marketing, summer camps, retreat bookings Sound Bites "About fifty percent of the camps I talk to have no idea the grant program exists." "One of the biggest mistakes camps make is they apply for the grant and then they never do anything else with it." "The reality is organic listings just continue to get pushed further and further down." "You could start showing up at the top of Google and not have to pay for the ads." Hosts Mark P. Fisher, Inspiring Growth Carl Lefever, Improve & Grow Resources How to Apply for a Google Ads Grant Google for Nonprofits Program Website Have a question you'd like us to cover? Click here to record your question > Want Help Growing Your Camp? Click here to schedule a call > If you’re enjoying the podcast, be sure to follow or subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes. Music licensed through Soundstripe. Code: UTVAPPJTMM75SPDU | |||
| Ep 13 | Increase Camp Revenue Without Adding More Guests | 19 Jun 2026 | 00:57:58 | |
Many camp leaders assume the only way to grow revenue is to add more guests, build more facilities, or create more programs. But what if growth starts with better stewardship of the capacity you already have? Mark Fisher shares the personal story that reshaped his career, including the health crisis and board decision that led him from camp leadership into consulting. That journey sets the stage for a practical conversation about one of the most misunderstood topics in camping: pricing. Mark and Carl discuss why many camps underprice their highest-demand dates, how waitlists reveal hidden opportunities, and why demand-based pricing is about stewardship—not simply charging more. They break down practical ways to get started, including seasonal pricing, using waitlists as a decision-making tool, giving booking teams flexibility to solve problems, and creating pricing options that help both camps and guests succeed. The episode also opens with a practical marketing tip on expanding your camp's online visibility through free directory listings, including Google Maps, Apple Maps, Yelp, tourism websites, and camp-specific directories. Keywords demand-based pricing, camp pricing strategy, camp revenue growth, camp sustainability, seasonal pricing, camp waitlists, retreat center pricing, camp stewardship, camp capacity management Sound Bites "Our fifth son is being raised by a different father." "That day, that generosity unlocked the future for me." "The F word. It's four letters and it's full." "We're full, we're full. And I'll say, that's a cuss word we don't use. We say, we have a wait list." "Waitlisting is really the indicator on a leader's dashboard." Hosts Mark P. Fisher, Inspiring Growth Carl Lefever, Improve & Grow Chapters 00:00 Episode Soundbites 00:13 Introduction 01:17 Quick Camp Marketing Tip 06:55 Mark's Story 18:10 Camp Pricing 22:15 The Waitlist: Your Demand Signal 34:15 Putting Demand-Based Pricing to Work 42:20 Communicating Price Changes 47:32 Real Results & Camp Stories 52:08 Baby Steps to Get Started Resources Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss Have a question you'd like us to cover? Click here to record your question > Want Help Growing Your Camp? Click here to schedule a call > If you’re enjoying the podcast, be sure to follow or subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes. Music licensed through Soundstripe. Code: PEUWHTCU2NBTYHZJ, BQHFSGNXOLYO5MEY, BI46AFUWOYJCJMZS | |||
| Ep 12 | The Real Reason Guests Rebook Your Camp | 25 May 2026 | 01:02:22 | |
Refreshing Mountain has doubled revenue over the last decade while maintaining a strong focus on guest relationships and retention. In this episode, Administrative Director Justin Harnish shares the principles that helped the camp grow without losing the culture that built its reputation. Mark opens with a personal dedication to his mother’s 85th birthday and reflects on the people and experiences that shape camp leaders over time. Carl’s quick marketing tip explains why camps should stop sending every audience to the same homepage and how dedicated landing pages can improve conversions and lead generation. Justin then shares his personal camp story and how a formative camp experience shaped both his faith and belief in the long-term power of camp ministry. The conversation explores the two “Christian marketing principles” guiding Refreshing Mountain’s growth strategy. “Relationships Trump Everything” focuses on intentional guest care and personalized communication. “Return Business Is Worth Investing In” covers stewardship, rebooking strategy, guest retention, and why long-term relationships drive sustainable growth. Justin also shares lessons around guest feedback, occupancy planning, and how adding meeting room capacity became a major growth driver for year-round bookings. Keywords camp marketing, camp retention, rebooking strategy, retreat center growth, guest experience, Christian camp leadership, landing pages for camps Sound Bites
Hosts Mark P. Fisher, Inspiring Growth Guest Justin Harnish, Refreshing Mountain Chapters 00:05 Welcome & Episode Dedication Resources Refreshing Mountain Christian Marketing Principles Have a question you'd like us to cover? Click here to record your question > Want Help Growing Your Camp? Click here to schedule a call > If you’re enjoying the podcast, be sure to follow or subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes. | |||
| Ep 11 | How a Camp Went from Struggling to Waitlisted | 22 May 2026 | 00:50:23 | |
Hume New England launched with a bold mission: bring the Hume camp experience to the Northeast and expand gospel impact in a region with fewer large Christian camp ministries. But early years brought operational setbacks, financial pressure, staffing challenges, and a camp model that didn’t fit the realities of East Coast churches. Before the interview, Mark shares a marketing tip about “riding the wave” instead of trying to create one. He explains how listening to church leaders led Hume New England to shorten camp sessions, lower pricing, and redesign programs around what churches and families actually needed—changes that ultimately helped fill more beds and increase ministry impact. Brian Mount then shares what it was like stepping into Hume New England as COO during COVID and leading a turnaround effort that required operational changes, measurable marketing systems, and a willingness to challenge long-standing assumptions. The conversation explores adapting camp structures for smaller churches, embracing guest groups, improving follow-up and marketing accountability, and overcoming internal resistance to change. The results were significant:
Brian also shares encouragement for camp leaders navigating difficult seasons and explains why understanding your market may require rethinking long-held traditions without compromising mission. Keywords camp growth, Christian camp leadership, camp marketing, guest group strategy, summer camp enrollment, camp profitability, church partnerships, Hume New England, ministry growth, leadership development Sound Bites “Tradition is a tool. It’s not a trophy.” “We were doing the same thing over and over, expecting different results.” “Every empty bed is a potential missed opportunity for someone to hear the gospel.” “Start small and don’t be afraid to fail.” Hosts Mark P. Fisher, Inspiring Growth Guest Brian Mount, LifeShape International Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background Have a question you'd like us to cover? Click here to record your question > Want Help Growing Your Camp? Click here to schedule a call > If you’re enjoying the podcast, be sure to follow or subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes. | |||
| Ep 10 | The Camp Messaging Problem: Why Clarity Beats Cleverness | 09 May 2026 | 01:30:04 | |
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
Hosts Mark P. Fisher, Inspiring Growth Guest Casey Fuerst, Tic Tac Toe Marketing Chapters 00:05 Introduction Have a question you'd like us to cover? Click here to record your question > Want Help Growing Your Camp? Click here to schedule a call > If you’re enjoying the podcast, be sure to follow or subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes. | |||
| Ep 9 | How Systems & Culture Helped Emmanuel Pines Double Revenue | 02 May 2026 | 00:51:47 | |
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 Sound Bites
Hosts Mark P. Fisher, Inspiring Growth Guests Kathi Terrell & Bob Terrell, Emmanuel Pines Camp Chapters Have a question you'd like us to cover? Click here to record your question > Want Help Growing Your Camp? Click here to schedule a call > If you’re enjoying the podcast, be sure to follow or subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes. | |||
| Ep 8 | From Spiky Bookings to Steady Growth | 20 Apr 2026 | 00:36:29 | |
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 Sound Bites
Hosts Mark P. Fisher, Inspiring Growth Guest Bob Briscoe, Williamsburg Christian Retreat Center Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Format Have a question you'd like us to cover? Click here to record your question > Want Help Growing Your Camp? Click here to schedule a call > If you’re enjoying the podcast, be sure to follow or subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes. | |||
| Ep 7 | How One Camp Used Better Follow-Up to 5X New Registrations | 11 Apr 2026 | 01:10:34 | |
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. Keywordscamp marketing, summer camp registration, lead generation, camp growth, Meta ads, Facebook ads, sales systems, conversion strategy, camp revenue, digital marketing for camps Sound Bites
Mark P. Fisher, Inspiring Growth Dusty Ledbetter, Camp Cho-Yeh Chapters00:00 Introduction Click here to record your question > Want Help Growing Your Camp? Click here to schedule a call > If you’re enjoying the podcast, be sure to follow or subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes. | |||
| Ep 6 | From Empty Beds to a Waiting List | 03 Apr 2026 | 00:40:25 | |
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. Keywordscamp growth, retreat bookings, camp marketing, lead generation, website optimization, digital marketing, camp leadership, nonprofit growth, camp revenue, guest groups Key Topics
Mark P. Fisher, Inspiring Growth John Schwieterman, Executive Director 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview Cross Oaks Camp and Retreat Center > Click here to record your question > Want Help Growing Your Camp? Click here to schedule a call > If you’re enjoying the podcast, be sure to follow or subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes. | |||
| Ep 5 | The Missing Pages That Drive Retreat Bookings for Camps | 27 Mar 2026 | 00:45:28 | |
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 Have a question you'd like us to cover? Click here to record your question > Want Help Growing Your Camp? Click here to schedule a call > If you’re enjoying the podcast, be sure to follow or subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes. | |||
| Ep 4 | Growth Comes from Saying No | 27 Mar 2026 | 00:25:19 | |
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
Have a question you'd like us to cover? Click here to record your question > Want Help Growing Your Camp? Click here to schedule a call > If you’re enjoying the podcast, be sure to follow or subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes. | |||
| Ep 3 | Be Less Busy: Using Technology to Grow Your Camp | 22 Mar 2026 | 00:34:57 | |
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/ Have a question you'd like us to cover? Click here to record your question > Want Help Growing Your Camp? Click here to schedule a call > If you’re enjoying the podcast, be sure to follow or subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes. | |||
| Ep 2 | Is there GOLD in your woods? | 10 Mar 2026 | 00:18:45 | |
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 Sound Bites
Hosts Mark P. Fisher, Inspiring Growth Guest Molly Hooks, American Forest Foundation Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guests Resources: Family Forest Carbon Program - https://familyforestcarbon.org American Forest Foundation - https://www.forestfoundation.org Have a question you'd like us to cover? Click here to record your question > Want Help Growing Your Camp? Click here to schedule a call > If you’re enjoying the podcast, be sure to follow or subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes. | |||
| Ep 1 | The Fastest Way to Fill Your Camp | 06 Feb 2026 | 00:22:02 | |
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
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 Have a question you'd like us to cover? Click here to record your question > Want Help Growing Your Camp? Click here to schedule a call > If you’re enjoying the podcast, be sure to follow or subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes. | |||