Explore every episode of the podcast Grow Your Camp
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 > If this episode was helpful:
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| 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 > If this episode was helpful:
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| 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 > If this episode was helpful:
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| 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 > If this episode was helpful:
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| 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 > If this episode was helpful:
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| 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 on a future podcast? Click here to record your question > If this episode was helpful to you:
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| 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 on a future podcast? Click here to record your question > If this episode was helpful to you:
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| 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 on a future podcast? Click here to record your question > If this episode was helpful to you:
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| 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 on a future podcast? Click here to record your question > If this episode was helpful to you:
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| 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 on a future podcast? Click here to record your question > If this episode was helpful to you:
Keywords camp growth, group rentals, marketing strategies, nonprofit camps, Google Ads, SEO, camp management, fundraising, hospitality, retreat centers Want Help Growing Your Camp? | |||
| 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? | |||
| 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 > If this episode was helpful:
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| 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 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. If you’d like help growing your camp or retreat center, connect with Carl at Improve & Grow or schedule a meeting with Carl. You can also connect with Mark at Inspiring Growth or schedule a meeting with Mark. Music licensed through Soundstripe. Code: PEUWHTCU2NBTYHZJ, BQHFSGNXOLYO5MEY, BI46AFUWOYJCJMZS | |||