Grow Your Camp

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: Summer campers grew from roughly 620 to nearly 1,200Guest group revenue increased from about $500,000 to $1.4 millionCamp seasons moved from empty beds to waitlistsStaff morale and ministry momentum dramatically improved 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 Carl Lefever, Improve & Grow Guest Brian Mount, LifeShape International Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 00:56 Quick Camp Marketing Tip 04:19 Brian Mount Introduction & Camp Story 07:38 Leadership and Transformation at Hume 09:13 Early Days at Hume 15:51 Lessons Learned from Early Struggles 17:39 Personal Journey and Influences 19:09 The Decision to Partner for Growth 23:51 Strategic Changes and Marketing Innovations 29:36 Indicators of Positive Change 34:00 Achieving Profitability and Impact 40:06 Encouragement for Struggling Camp Leaders Have a question you'd like us to cover? Click here to record your question > If this episode was helpful: Follow / subscribe to the podcastShare it with another camp leader who could benefit Want Help Growing Your Camp? Schedule a Chat with Mark >Schedule a Chat with Carl >

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 Have a question you'd like us to cover? Click here to record your question > If this episode was helpful: Follow / subscribe to the podcastShare it with another camp leader who could benefit Want Help Growing Your Camp? Schedule a Chat with Mark >Schedule a Chat with Carl >

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 Have a question you'd like us to cover? Click here to record your question > If this episode was helpful: Follow / subscribe to the podcastShare it with another camp leader who could benefit Want Help Growing Your Camp? Schedule a Chat with Mark >Schedule a Chat with Carl >

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 Have a question you'd like us to cover? Click here to record your question > If this episode was helpful: Follow / subscribe to the podcastShare it with another camp leader who could benefit Want Help Growing Your Camp? Schedule a Chat with Mark >Schedule a Chat with Carl >

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“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.”HostsMark P. Fisher, Inspiring Growth Carl Lefever, Improve & Grow GuestDusty Ledbetter, Camp Cho-Yeh Chapters00:00 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 ResourcesCamp Cho-Yeh > Summer Camp Landing Page > Facebook Ad Library > Have a question you'd like us to cover?Click here to record your question > If this episode was helpful:Follow / subscribe to the podcastShare it with another camp leader who could benefitWant Help Growing Your Camp?Schedule a Chat with Mark >Schedule a Chat with Carl >

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 TopicsWhy most camp websites fail to convert inquiriesThe shift from cold outreach to inbound lead generationWebsite structure and FAQ strategy for better conversionsUsing Google Ads and SEO to drive qualified leadsImproving close rates with better lead qualityThe operational challenges that come with growthLeadership mindset: when and how to ask for helpMeasuring ROI on marketing investmentsHostsMark P. Fisher, Inspiring Growth Carl Lefever, Improve & Grow GuestJohn Schwieterman, Executive Director Cross Oaks Camp and Retreat Center Chapters00:00 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 ResourcesCross Oaks Camp and Retreat Center > Google for Nonprofits > Grow Your Camp Podcast > Have a question you'd like us to cover?Click here to record your question > If this episode was helpful:Follow / subscribe to the podcastShare it with another camp leader who could benefit Want Help Growing Your Camp?Schedule a Chat with Mark >Schedule a Chat with Carl >

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: Follow / subscribe to the podcastShare it with another camp leader Want Help Growing Your Camp?Schedule a Chat with Mark >Schedule a Chat with Carl >

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.comTalk to Carl at Improve & Grow about getting help setting up your Google Ad Grant at https://improveandgrow.com/ 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: Follow / subscribe to the podcastShare it with another camp leader Want Help Growing Your Camp?Schedule a Chat with Mark >Schedule a Chat with Carl >

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: Follow / subscribe to the podcastShare it with another camp leader Want Help Growing Your Camp?Schedule a Chat with Mark >Schedule a Chat with Carl >

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 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: Follow / subscribe to the podcastShare it with another camp leader Want Help Growing Your Camp?Schedule a Chat with Mark >Schedule a Chat with Carl >

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 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: Follow / subscribe to the podcastShare it with another camp leader Keywords camp growth, group rentals, marketing strategies, nonprofit camps, Google Ads, SEO, camp management, fundraising, hospitality, retreat centers Want Help Growing Your Camp?Schedule a Chat with Mark >Schedule a Chat with Carl >